DOOMSDAY CLOCK #1 Advance Review; WATCHMEN And The DC Universe Collide But Does It Work?
Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's Doomsday Clock #1 arrives in comic book stores tomorrow and we have an advanced, spoiler-free review of the first instalment of this epic crossover series right here.
Doomsday Clock #1 Review
A few years ago, DC Comics launched Before Watchmen, a series of stories revealing more about the likes Comedian and Silk Spectre before we met them in the critically acclaimed graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Those were very hit and miss; some made for fascinating reading, while others felt superfluous and went some way in arguably damaging the characters they revolved around. Because of that, fans have been cautious about Doomsday Clock, a twelve-part event which promises to not only serve as a sequel to the original story but also bring this world into the DC Universe. Dr. Manhattan's role in The New 52 has been teased for months and it's this tale which looks set to finally pull back the curtain on that and a number of other mysteries which have been in play since DC Rebirth began.
So, does Doomsday Clock #1 succeed as a follow-up to Watchmen? In short, yes. The majority of this opening issue is spent in that world as we finally learn what happened next and catch up with a number of key characters from the story, one of whom has clearly gone through some huge changes which are sure to shock fans of the original comic. The issue feels like a prologue of sorts to what's to come but that's to be expected in a story as huge as this and there are enough teases and revelations here to keep you intrigued even if it currently feels like the much anticipated meeting between Superman and Dr. Manhattan is a long way off.
It's been far too long since Geoff Johns penned a comic book (he's been busy putting the DC Films Universe back on the right track) and Doomsday Clock #1 will instantly remind you why you've missed him so much. The scripting here is handled superbly as the writer wastes no time in getting us caught up on the state of this world and generating interest in what comes next regardless of whether you're an expert on all things Watchmen or simply curious to see what happens when these two very different universes collide. Gary Frank's artwork, meanwhile, is nothing short of spectacular and unlike many of Before Watchmen's titles, he immediately makes us feel as if we're back in the world dreamed up by Moore and Gibbons but arguably improves on that because his work (alongside colorist Brad Anderson) is stunning and arguably his best yet.
Doomsday Clock #1 brilliantly sets the stage for what is clearly going to be one of the biggest DC Comics stories of all-time. This tense, exciting, and revealing opening issue is spectacular and we can't wait to see where things go next after this must-read first instalment.
For a spoilery preview of Doomsday Clock #1, simply click either of the buttons below.