Year Zero 2 is a comic anthology published by AWA Studios in 2021. It features a series of interconnected stories that explore the origins and spread of a fictional virus known as the "Red Death" that causes those infected to turn into violent, zombie-like creatures.
The comic opens with "Patient Zero," by Benjamin Percy and Ramon Rosanas, which follows a young woman in Wuhan, China, who contracts the virus and becomes the first known case. The story highlights the early confusion and misinformation surrounding the outbreak and how it was exacerbated by political and economic interests.
As the virus spreads globally, we see how different countries and communities respond to the crisis. "The Russian Flu," by Alex Paknadel and Adam Gorham, shows how the Russian government tries to cover up the outbreak, leading to a devastating spread of the virus. "Last Flight Out," by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Leonard Kirk, follows a group of survivors on a flight from New York City to London, where they hope to find safety.
The anthology also explores the human toll of the pandemic, such as "A Father's Love," by Zac Thompson and Marcus To, which shows a father's desperate attempt to save his infected daughter. "Shelter," by Ryan O'Sullivan and Goran Sudzuka, focuses on a community of survivors who have banded together to try and rebuild their lives.
One of the strengths of Year Zero 2 is how it weaves together different perspectives and timelines to create a comprehensive picture of the outbreak. We see how the virus spreads through different populations, how governments respond, and how individuals cope with the devastation. The anthology also raises important questions about the ethics of vaccine distribution, the role of technology in fighting pandemics, and the long-term effects of a global health crisis.
