For the most part zero issues are typically a lame excuse to squeeze as much money out of fans as possible. Sometimes they have useful information, but usually there is a reason that information didn’t make it into say, issue #1. Overall the idea of a zero issue is pretty lame and I’m pretty sure Rob Liefeld came up with the idea.

While I could spend days insulting Mr. Liefeld personally I really want to talk to you about Dark Times #0. AT first the book came out on the web, and worked as a legitimate precursor to issue 13. While the book should have been numbered more like is 12 ½ let’s not split too many hairs.

What issue zero serves to do is fill you in a bit on what’s been happening to Dass Jennir since we saw him last. He’s basically become a vagabond and has been wandering aimlessly through the galaxy, but of course there is more to it than that. Jennir is a compelling character because he represents a more plausible reality than the universe you have come to know from the first Star Wars film.

In A New Hope Luke is pretty much convinced that there are no more Jedi left in the galaxy, that they all died. Aren’t the Jedi supposed to be the biggest bad asses in the galaxy? You mean to tell me that only two of those bastards survived? That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, and now thanks to Dark Times it doesn’t have to.

Of course there is no guarantee that Dass Jennir survives the adventure he’s currently on, which in turn makes him more compelling as a character. His fate hasn’t been determined yet which creates a lot more in the suspense department that you may be used to when it comes to Star Wars.

While it still might be a ploy to earn a few extra bucks, Dark Times #0 just so happens to be worth every penny. The book has been out for at least a week so be sure to get a copy for yourself. The added bonus for all you aspiring artists is that you get a whole slew of concept art for the issue.

Enjoy!