Doomsday Clock #1 Review: Time Keeps on Ticking

By Nolan P. Smith

Back in 1986, the world was given a very different take on superheroes with The Watchmen. Dark, unexpected and riddled with mature themes and scenes, the Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons mini-series is one of the greatest graphic novels of all time. Now, fast forward to 2017, and it looks like The Watchmen are finally ready to debut in the DC Universe continuity.

Spoilers abound.

From the man behind so many of my favorite DC storylines, Geoff Johns, and rock star artist Gary Frank, the first issue sets up the world perfectly for us. We are rushed back to the world of the Watchman, which is in disarray following what happened in the original Watchmen run: Ozymandias killing millions, Dr. Manhattan ascending to godlike status, taking tough guy Rorschach out permanently in the process. So, then who is this new Rorschach?

Someone is running around in the Rorschach garb, recruiting new super villain duo the Mime and the Marionette to help him “find God”. Rorschach isn’t the only family face to surface, as the man behind it all, Ozymandias, is working with the new hard-boiled detective. We don’t see the regular DC Universe until the end, as we Superman having a nightmare, reliving one of the worst moments of his life.

Johns sets the grand stage for the Watchman’s entrance, and does so with tact. How do you follow up one of the greatest graphic novels of all time? Very carefully. Frank’s artwork shines bright here, from the bone chilling intro to the emotions seen in the new villain The Mime, the whole books looks amazing, albeit a little short. If you want to be on board for DC’s latest event, then jump on board.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10.