No I’m not talking about the by now and almost consistent lateness. I am in fact talking about the issue that coalesces the various ideas, hints and teases from the series as a whole. We finally get an issue all about Doctor Manhattan.
Up on the moon, Manhattan has managed to handle the majority of the heroes of the DC universe with ease. Now is the time for reflection and in doing so we get to see what has driven Manhattan’s actions as well as a muted celebration of the quirks of continuity that seems to cause comic book fans so much consternation. In true Manhattan fashion, the meanderings across the time stream, at first seem winsome, yet as the reader progresses through the issue, things become clearer.
For a couple of issues, it could be said that Geoff Johns has been treading water. Part of this could’ve been due to the idea that this sequel had to remain faithful to its progenitor’s format. With this issue though, all the stops have been pulled. With the revelations finally comes understanding and repayment of the faith so many have put in Johns ability to deliver as expected. Johns has Manhattan’s voice down pat, covering not just the language but also encompassing a tone part reflective, part confusion, including that feeling of inevitability.  Johns also manages to give us a couple of things that have been sorely missing in the DC universe; both the Justice Society and the Legion of Superheroes. Their inclusion demonstrates the impact of Superman, a character that potentially had been seen as surplus to requirements for many fans, who has over the last five years managed to close the popularity gap, perhaps, on Batman.
Gary Frank is on pencils and delivers a mixed bag, though neither styles lacks quality. From the outset, there is almost a Bolland-esque feel to the pencils. I suppose that this comparison is fair, given as how both artists tend to draw big characters that have an air of realism. This is probably more apparent with the introduction of Carver Colman and his scenes. The other style is more obvious and that is of original Watchman artist Dave Gibbons, especially where the blue guy is paneled. At times, I have thought that Frank’s work has seemed, ironically for the lateness problems, rushed in some way. Here, this isn’t a concern as each page flows well, with the quality of the pencils and inks working well throughout. The standard cover, featuring Colman’s leading lady, carries a Howard Chaykin feel to it, which is definitely an adult way to go. Finally, a quick word on the gorgeous use, and at times, lack of use of colors by Brad Anderson. It is a travesty that he and whomever the letterer is do not get a mention, either in the book or even on DC’s own website. Give credit where credit is due; shame on you DC, shame!
This issue has gone a long way in giving some credibility to the storytelling of this run. With Johns essentially giving reasons for all the reboots and crises there may be bigger implications yet to come. With #11 due in July, the final issue should be out September time. By which point, we will be in the midst of Leviathan and the Year of the Villain. With that in mind, I am curious to see what ramifications, if any, The Doomsday Clock will have on the DC universe.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Geof Johns
Art by; Gary Frank
Colors; Brad Anderson
Letters by; ??
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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