Doomsday Clock #1

Do we need a sequel to 'Watchmen'?


Objectively, no. The 'original author' has made his feelings clear that no one but him should ever be allowed to touch the characters he's created. He makes this case while putting characters created by Stoker, Wells, Lovecraft, Stevenson, Verne, and more through their paces in his works. To quote Alan Moore, "That's different, yo. I'm a magician for reelz." For anyone who feels he makes a fair point in spite of the GLARING hypocrisy (glaring I say!), I remind you that Lucas wrote the prequels. How'd that work out?

Warlock or not, there is no denying if you look at Moore's contract from the 80's, DC well and roundly...um...did him wrong. For some people, that might be enough to push them away from this project.


Now that we have the naysayers covered, we can finally say that Doomsday Clock is a direct sequel to Watchmen. Everything has gone wrong (for reasons explained in the book that would be spoilery here), and only Doctor Manhattan can fix things. He is missing. If you've been reading DC's Rebirth titles there's a good chance you already have an idea of where he is.


There are some great great great things about the book, starting with the art by Gary Frank. His clean, detailed line work is well suited for both sides of this material. His page layouts are homage friendly without being beholden to the nine panel grid. The coloring by Brad Anderson is at least as good as the work being colored. The paper stock it is printed on is a wonderfully matte, toothy improvement on the glossy glare inducing norm. Geoff Johns clearly loves the material. There are many dotted I's and crossed T's when trying to make sure minuscule details are addressed related to the original.


Johns is also the biggest question mark going forward. This is a title that can't ever feel like fan fiction that is (in some way) already starting as fan fiction. We know it will look great the entire time. Hopefully it will read that way as well.

Oddly enough, the comic it reminded me most of is the first Aliens story at Dark Horse. It is a sequel to a beloved property, done by a top tier team, with great affection for the original, and greater attention to detail.


Bonus Review by Shawn!



Clock rocked-Shawn