Doomsday Clock #2 Review

Writer: Geoff Johns / Artist: Gary Frank / DC Comics The return of The Watchmen has been a long time coming, and while I enjoyed the first issue, I did wish to see more crossover with the DC Universe proper. Well, request granted. The issue still spends a great deal of time on Rorschach and Ozymandias as their quest progresses. However, we do see them cross over to our familiar heroes as they try to encounter them on their ground with mixed results, admittedly. While good, this issue still serves as more setup and character progression than story progression which isn’t a terrible thing to be honest. Unlike many other big events, Johns is going to have 12 issues to flesh this story, so I’m ok with the methodical pace thus far. Bargaining with God The strongest part of the issue is probably the opening and the revelation. We get an explanation of how the sadistic Marionette and Mime play into their plans to convince Doctor Manhattan to come back. The flashback is disturbing and fills in the backstory of the murderous couple by showing them at their troublesome apex. Johns has all his skills in the toolbox on display here as the scene turns on its head. It simultaneously gives us the relevance of their involvement in this book and makes them more than one note characters. The characters are such wildcards, who knows how they will be involved moving forward, but they are instantly more entertaining. Another entertaining aspect of this book comes with the introduction of Bruce Wa…