Generation Zero by Pepe Moreno

GENERATION ZERO

Generation Zero is a graphic novel by Pepe Moreno that was first serialized in Epic Illustrated (a Marvel Magazine that was set up to compete with Heavy Metal Magazine in the late 1970's.)  The first chapter appeared in Issue #17 (April 1983), and the story spanned 8 issues concluding in Issue #24 (June 1984).  The serialized adventure was later compiled into a single graphic novel and published by DC comics in 1991.

The story takes place several years after a limited nuclear World War.  A surviving community living in an underground city in Iceland now dealing with a growing population, task three explorers (soldiers who survived the wars): Juan "Johnny" Falcone, Peter "Kube" Kubesky, and Donald "Dancer" Mzimba to seek new fertile land on Earth for their expanding colony.

During the 1980's infatuation with a post apocalyptic world, filmmakers around the world were cashing in on the genre.  Although the glut of movies was largely sub-par C-level entertainment like 'Stryker', '2020 The Texas Gladiators', and '1990 The Bronx Warriors'.  Movie creators managed to put out a few high octane classics like 'Escape From New York', 'The Road Warrior', 'Trancers', and 'Bladerunner'.  It is inspired from these better classics that the comics world gave us 'Generation Zero'.  Also, it is my all time favorite graphic novel.  I still re-read it every year.

Chapter 2 Title page

In the spirit of 1930's film serials, each new chapter came with it's own title page showcasing the vibrant illustration of creator Pepe Moreno.

Chapter 3 Title page. The Antagonist.

The explorers from the Iceland sanctuary quickly find out that there are many remnants of the old world re-asserting their dominance over the planet.

East German helmets in full use.

What  80's story would be complete without some Jungle Adventure.

In the vein of 1930's film serials, Pepe Moreno capably weaved in other elements like Horror (A Mutant Zombie apocalypse), War, Jungle Action (In the spirit of Raiders Of The Lost Ark), & even a little Romance. This was done with some of the most compelling illustration that kept your eyes glued to each page.

Future Tech - Jet Copters

Beach Head 2000

Cover of Epic Illustrated #24 (June 1984)

Cover of the compiled graphic novel (1991). Don't let the DC logo fool you. This is not part of the DC universe.

If you are looking for a great visual read, then this is your graphic novel. It is by no means dated in a time when the nuclear dogs of war are threatening each other over a tiny hereditary monarchy that masquerades itself as a totalitarian communist state called North Korea.  It also has the charm of being very 80's in design, style, and references.

Check out more of Pepe Moreno's work here at http://www.digitalfusiongames.com/