Youngblood # 0 Cover A First Printing Wraparound 1992 NM

Youngblood #0 (titled "The Youngblood Chronicles") Released in December 1992 is a prequel issue that provides the origin and backstory for the titular government-sanctioned superhero team. Created by Rob Liefeld, it was published by Image Comics shortly after the main series' debut to fill in narrative gaps. 

Core Storyline: "The Youngblood Chronicles"

The issue is primarily a flashback set in the summer of 1988, four years before the events of Youngblood #1. 

• The Mission: The U.S. President authorizes the deployment of the Youngblood team, led by Battlestone, to stop Iraqi military forces from encroaching on the Kuwaiti border.
• The Conflict: While the team easily defeats the Iraqi troops, internal friction arises when a colonel named Boggs is killed by a booby trap while searching for munitions against Battlestone's orders.
• The Fall of Battlestone: In the ensuing argument, a Lieutenant Gamble blames Battlestone for the death. Battlestone accidentally kills Gamble with a single punch, leading to his subdual by Chapel and Diehard and his subsequent firing from the team.
• A New Beginning: The story ends in 1989, showing Cougar and Sentinel introducing Shaft as the new leader of the Youngblood team. 

Issue Features & Creative Team

• Format: A standard 24-page full-color comic with a wraparound cover.
• Coupon: Most original copies include "Coupon #7" for the Image #0 mail-away special.
• Writer: Rob Liefeld.
• Artists: Penciled by Rob Liefeld and Dan Fraga, with inks by Danny Miki