Horizon Zero Dawn #0 is a special lead-in issue of the Horizon Zero Dawn comic series, originally released as part of the 2020 Free Comic Book Summer event. It was written by Anne Toole, illustrated by Ann Maulina, and was published on July 22nd, 2020.
Publisher's summary[]
An exclusive lead-in story to the brand-new Horizon: Zero Dawn ongoing comic series! Discover a far-future Earth full of epic natural beauty, where awe-inspiring machines are the dominant species. Talanah, Sunhawk of the Hunters Lodge, struggles to find purpose after Aloy, her trusted friend, disappears. When a mysterious new threat emerges in the wilds, she returns to her roots as a hunter to defeat it, only to learn that a whole new breed of mechanized killers stalks the land![1]
Plot summary[]
After the defeat of HADES and the Eclipse, those who fought in the Battle of the Alight celebrate their victory in Meridian that evening. Unnoticed by most, Aloy slips away from the celebration and leaves the city on a Strider, as a confused Talanah observes her.
Weeks later, at the Hunters Lodge, Talanah contemplates her accomplishments, having become Sunhawk of the Lodge and restored the honor of her late father and brother. Her thoughts are interrupted by a dispute between the Lodge official Ligan and a hunter, Kyran, who demands that the Lodge grant him and his men the hunting contract for the village of Rising Light. Talanah firmly rebukes Kyran, pointing out that he has been denied the contract because his hunting party is made up of inexperienced nobles. The argument escalates until Kyran, enraged, throws the contract aside and reaches for his sword, only to be interrupted by the arrival of Sun-King Avad, flanked by his Vanguard. Chastened by the king's presence, Kyran and his men exit. Avad then reveals that he has come to offer Talanah a new position: Special Advisor to the Council for the Restoration of Meridian.
Two days later, having accepted a role on the council, Talanah and Erend find themselves restless and bored by the bureaucratic nature of their duties. The city's perimeter alarm is suddenly sounded during the middle of a meeting, and the two immediately rush off to defend against the Machine attack. Working together, Talanah and Erend repel a group of Sawtooths, Ravagers, and Watchers from the city's gates. In the aftermath of the battle, Erend comments that there is "nothing like a good fight to set ya right," leading Talanah to a realization.
The next day, Talanah claims the hunting contract for Rising Light for herself, leaving the Hunters Lodge in the care of Ligan while she is away. As she sets off to Rising Light, Talanah speculates that she is beginning to understand the restlessness that drove Aloy to leave Meridian on the night of their victory.
Cover gallery[]
References[]
Comics | ||
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Horizon Zero Dawn | Vol. 1: The Sunhawk | Issue #0 - Issue #1 - Issue #2 - Issue #3 - Issue #4 |
Vol. 2: Liberation | Issue #1 - Issue #2 - Issue #3 - Issue #4 |