Watchmen seems to be going through something of a resurgence of late. The original comic series was released in 1986. After that the Graphic Novel form of the story went on to become one of the most iconic comic stories of its time.
Fast forward to 2009 and Zack Snyder releases his visual masterpiece at Cinemas. This was the first time the likes of Rorschach and Comedian had been seen on screen, big or small. Although it didn’t break any records at the Box Office it was and continues to be appreciated by fans both new and old.

After the film, 2012 saw the release of Before Watchmen. A series of Comic books that acted as prequels to the original series. These featured stories for the Minutemen, Silk Spectre, Comedian, Nite Owl, Ozymandias, Rorschach, Moloch, Dr. Manhattan and Dollar Bill. Many thought that this would be a last outing for the Watchmen but in 2016 DC incorporated their universe into the Rebirth series. Grab a copy of The Button to find out more.

Now skip to September this year and we get conformation that TV and film writer Damon Lindelof is developing a Watchmen TV series for HBO. With their history of programming, this is a reason to be excited for any comic fan, even if it is still a long way off.

And now for the reason we’re here! Doomsday Clock. DC have released the first issue of a 12 part series that mixes the characters of Watchmen with the Justice League for the first time. Set in 1992, just 7 years after the original, Issue 1 sets out to let us know what is happening with the remaining original characters. The first part focuses on Rorschach and Ozymandias A.K.A. Adrian Veidt. At this point I think it is ok to give spoilers for a 30 year old story so consider this your warning. At the end of Watchmen, Dr Manhattan kills Rorschach, so how is he still wandering the streets 7 years later? There won’t be any spoilers here for Doomsday Clock so if you haven’t already you will have to get yourself a copy.
The story does well to set up an intriguing plot that introduces some new faces as well as old favourites including the Man of Steel himself.

What impressed me most about it is how writer Geoff Johns, artist Gary Frank and colourist Brad Anderson managed to capture the look and feel of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ original work from over 3 decades ago.

There is a very current feel to the comic, not only in its appearance but also in the state of the world that is described to the reader. This helps to make the comic more than just a follow up. It feels as though there is a relevant and necessary story being told, which leaves us eager for the next instalment.
There is more than enough here for readers to get their teeth in to until the second issue is released at the end of December.
The clock is ticking!