Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

One shot for the Week of August 18th 2012

By Troy-Jeffrey Allen
August 18, 2012 - 15:27

Thought: It needs to be said that there is unquestionable talent signed onto these Before Watchmen sequels --- regardless of what side you lean on in the should they-shouldn't-they debate. For that reason, it's intriguing to see how all these creators handle this Watchmen sequel thing. Particularly, the writers.

Thought: Already an unenviable task, essentially, the storytellers are just towing the company line, tapping a resource unanimously deemed a "classic" industry-wide.

Thought: For added pressure, Alan Moore has done everything shy of wishing cancer on them for even attempting to follow up his original.

Thought: Most of the quotes I’ve read from the Before Watchmen writers seem to have a hint of trepidation in them. It feels like they genuinely respect the material and understand the creative obstacles that DC has sat in front of them.

Thought: Except JMS, who is pretty much in “fuck you, pay me” mode. Can you blame the guy though? He’s been Alan Moore-d by Marvel on numerous occasions.

Thought: Arguably the fan-favorite, Before Watchmen: Rorschach is rife with the type of world-weary pessimism that has made him so popular with readers. Azzarello matches the vigilante's patented moodiness by introducing a new serial killer character by the name of "The Bard." Apparently, Bard likes to carve demands for societal change into his victims; a calling card intended to taunt the police.

Thought: For a talent like Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Spaceman), the strategy behind a Watchmen follow-up seems to be "tread carefully." Because of that, his Before Watchmen: Rorschach reads like a cautious stroll through Alan Moore's remains.

Thought: Bard and Rorschach don't encounter one another in issue 1, building towards an inevitable showdown between the two depraved mystery men by the series' end. It opens up intriguing possibilities but Azzarello’s story feels like it’s scared to play in this sandbox.

Thought: Why is the book such a quick read? This slow-burn writing style isn’t necessarily what Azzarello is known for. Is it nerves? DC’s strict scheduling? Alan Moore’s all-judging eye leaning over Azzarello’s shoulder? It causes the whole thing to barely take off by the final page.

Thought: Azzarello stretches out plenty of scenes where nothing really occurs. While the numerous panels with minimal dialogue allows the reader time to marvel at Lee Bermejo’s amazing artwork, it also raises suspicion. If this protracted structure continues, it may indicate that this particular story doesn’t have much more to offer subsequent issues.

Rating: 6.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12