SYNOPSIS: The critically acclaimed team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank continue the groundbreaking miniseries bringing the world of WATCHMEN to DC. In this chapter, the truth behind Dr. Manhattan’s curiosity with the DC Universe is revealed as the planet teeters on the edge of the Super-War.
Doomsday Clock #7 is quite the chapter in this 12-issue story. It’s confusing, dense, gorgeous and addictive. It’s exactly what this series needed.
Everyone we’ve been introduced to thus far (minus Superman) comes face-to-face here. Veidt, on a mission to find Dr. Manhattan, picks up Rorschach, Johnny Thunder and Saturn Girl, who have the green lantern which will draw Manhattan to them. It leads them to the Joker’s funhouse, where The Clown Prince of Crime is holed up with Mime, Marionette, the Comedian and Batman.
(takes a breath)
The lantern goes off and we finally get Jon Osterman himself, who takes the core Watchman characters on a quick trip to exposition land. However, he makes two shocking discoveries: Marionette is having another baby (who will go on to do something great), and Veidt never had cancer. More drama unfolds, and Manhattan leaves us with more questions than answers. Plus a tease that next issue, the blue man will finally meet the Man of Steel.
Whew.
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This issue took multiple readings, and I still don’t fully understand it. Especially the end. What I love about the character of Dr. Manhattan is his deep, theoretical way of speaking. It’s always complex and intelligent. What I hate about Dr. Manhattan is his deep, theoretical way of speaking. It’s confusing and frustrating. That’s not a criticism of Geoff Johns. The writer knows exactly what he’s doing, and it will ultimately come together for some major revelations. But as of now, certain aspects aren’t clicking with me.
Other parts of the issue snap together very well. The character interactions work really well here and nothing feels forced. Joker felt a little off, but I really enjoy his affection for the Mime and Marionette. Batman also has a few cool moments and picked up a new symbol (thanks Mime).
In most cases, the art is only as good as its story. Well, the art here never has to rely on anything. Gary Frank is still killing it on this book. Everyone from the Watchman universe resembles their original incarnation, yet he still makes them his own. I was blown away by our first body shot of Dr. Manhattan. He was perfect. And a tip of the cap to inker Brad Anderson, who always comes in and heightens this team’s work from great to outstanding.
Doomsday Clock #7 is the same length as every other issue but feels much heavier. While characters come together and we get some good action, there’s a lot to reflect on and archive for future issues. If it doesn’t click with you the first time, read it again. Trust me, it’ll help.
Oh yeah, RIP Alan Scott (dick move Dr. Manhattan). – Ryan Lower
