Doomsday Clock DC

Doomsday Clock: 

When the Watchmen Met the DC Universe

Doomsday Clock is a limited series where the world of Watchmen collides with the DC Universe. It explores the "Supermen Theory," the role of Dr. Manhattan, and the return of the Justice Society of America. This is not a sequel to Watchmen but it does build upon its foundation.

If you want to explore this in more depth, keep reading, there is information in this document about:

• The main plot and characters.
• The "Supermen Theory" and its impact.
• The role of Doctor Manhattan.
• Key events such as the Moscow explosion.
• The return of the Justice Society of America (JSA).
• How the story concludes, including the restoration of the DC Universe.
• What prior knowledge of DC comics and the Watchmen series is useful before reading.

Continue reading to fully understand the many layers of the Doomsday Clock story.

The ticking of a clock, a symbol of impending doom, is a familiar image from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' seminal work, Watchmen. What happens when that ticking clock crosses over into another reality? Doomsday Clock, a 12-issue limited series published by DC Comics from 2017-2019, dared to ask this question, bringing the world of Watchmen into the mainstream DC Universe for the first time. This unprecedented crossover, helmed by master storytellers Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, is not just a sequel to Watchmen, but also a culmination of the narrative threads that ran through DC's "New 52" and "Rebirth" eras.

The Shadow of Watchmen

Before diving into Doomsday Clock, it’s essential to understand the world from which its characters originate. Watchmen, set in an alternate 1985, presented a gritty, realistic take on superheroes, or rather, costumed vigilantes. The story revolves around a group of these "heroes" dealing with complex moral issues, their own personal failings, and a world teetering on the brink of nuclear war. Adrian Veidt (Ozymandias), a former hero turned businessman, engineered a massive catastrophe in New York City, killing millions to unite humanity against a common threat. However, his plan was ultimately exposed by Rorschach's journal, which documented these events. This revelation plunged society into deeper chaos than before, as people felt betrayed and disillusioned. Key characters from this world include the detached and powerful Doctor Manhattan, the morally compromised Ozymandias, and the uncompromising vigilante Rorschach (Walter Kovacs). It’s important to note that Doomsday Clock begins in 1992, seven years after the massacre in New York, a world in disarray.

Worlds Collide: The Premise of Doomsday Clock

Doomsday Clock is not just a continuation of Watchmen; it is a crossover event that places Watchmen characters into the heart of the DC Universe. This is not a simple team-up; it's a clash of realities. The story picks up in 1992, where, in the Watchmen universe, Adrian Veidt is now a fugitive with a plan for redemption: finding Doctor Manhattan. Veidt, along with a new Rorschach (Reggie Long) and the deadly duo Mime and Marionette, journey into the DC Universe, where international tensions are escalating due to a conspiracy theory known as the "Supermen Theory". This theory posits that the United States government is responsible for creating its metahumans, leading to a global arms race.

• The series is significant for being the first official crossover between the Watchmen and the mainstream DC universes.
• The Watchmen characters perceive the DC heroes as fictional "pulp" characters, while DC characters view the Watchmen as real people who are different from them.
• The two universes exist separately within the DC Multiverse.

Key Players: Characters from Two Worlds

Doomsday Clock features a diverse cast of characters from both universes:

• From the Watchmen Universe:
  • Doctor Manhattan (Jonathan Osterman): His perspective is that of a detached observer of time, and he is a subject of the story's core conflict. He is experimenting with the DC Universe, not to help, but simply to understand how it works.
  • Ozymandias (Adrian Veidt): He seeks redemption for his past actions and is driven by his desire to save his world, which he believes is on the brink of destruction. He also wants to prove himself as the smartest man in the world.
  • Rorschach II (Reggie Long): A successor to Walter Kovacs, he is motivated by revenge and a search for justice. He seeks out Ozymandias for his crimes.
  • Mime (Marcos Maez) and Marionette (Erika Manson): A criminal duo initially motivated by the promise of finding their son. They become entangled in the larger conflicts of the story.
  • The Comedian (Edward Blake): Resurrected by Doctor Manhattan, he is on a revenge quest against Ozymandias and continues to pursue Mime and Marionette.
  • Nite Owl II (Daniel Dreiberg) and Silk Spectre II (Laurel Juspeczyk): They are present in the story, but do not join Ozymandias in his mission to find Doctor Manhattan.
• From the DC Universe:
  • Superman (Clark Kent): He represents hope and compassion, in direct contrast to Doctor Manhattan’s detachment. He also has a crucial role as the centre of the DC Universe.
  • Batman (Bruce Wayne): He investigates the arrival of the Watchmen characters and is suspicious of their motives. He becomes aware of Ozymandias’s manipulations.
  • Lex Luthor: He is aware of the "Supermen Theory" and has his own agenda regarding metahumans. He is also consulted by Ozymandias.
  • Lois Lane: She investigates the "Supermen Theory" and also uncovers the existence of the Justice Society of America.
  • Other DC Characters: The story also includes appearances from Joker, Wonder Woman, Firestorm, Black Adam, and Johnny Thunder.

Plot: A Collision of Realities

The narrative of Doomsday Clock is complex and interwoven:

• Ozymandias's Quest: After being exposed as a murderer, Ozymandias seeks out Doctor Manhattan. He is motivated by a desire to redeem himself and save his own world. He believes he can find Manhattan by following his electron particle trail, and gathers the new Rorschach and the criminals Mime and Marionette to help. The group eventually uses the Owlship to travel to the DC Universe.
• The "Supermen Theory": This conspiracy theory fuels international tensions within the DC Universe, with various nations developing their own metahuman teams as a result. The theory claims that the U.S. government is creating metahumans, leading to an arms race.
• Clash of Universes: The arrival of the Watchmen characters in the DC Universe creates chaos and confusion. Batman is particularly wary of them, while Lex Luthor is intrigued by Ozymandias.
• Key Events:
  • An incident in Russia involving Firestorm leads to a global distrust of metahumans, especially Superman.
  • Doctor Manhattan is revealed as the cause of people turning to glass in Russia.
  • Doctor Manhattan confronts the DC superheroes on Mars, effortlessly defeating them.
  • Doctor Manhattan dissects Guy Gardner's power ring and analyses the magic attacks of the Justice League Dark.
  • The Joker takes an interest in Doctor Manhattan and tries to understand him.
  • Lois Lane discovers the Justice Society of America through a flash drive, which was sent by Lex Luthor.
• The Ending: Ultimately, Superman is able to reason with Doctor Manhattan, who decides to restore the timeline. This ending is meant to be a message of hope, as Manhattan understands that the DC universe is built around Superman and the concept of hope.

Creative Visionaries: The Team Behind Doomsday Clock

The series was brought to life by a team of talented individuals:

• Written by Geoff Johns, who described this project as his most personal and mind-bending.
• Art by Gary Frank, whose detailed and realistic style captures the tone of the story.
• Colours by Brad Anderson, who enhances the visual storytelling.
• The creative team had many debates on intersecting the Watchmen and DC universes.

Publication Timeline

Doomsday Clock was initially planned as a monthly 12-issue limited series:

• Published between November 2017 and December 2019.
• The release schedule shifted from monthly to bi-monthly, which caused delays.
• Collected editions:
  • Doomsday Clock: Part 1 (issues 1-6)
  • Doomsday Clock: Part 2 (issues 7-12)
  • Doomsday Clock: The Complete Collection (issues 1-12)
  • Absolute Edition (issues 1-12 + bonus material)

Themes: Hope, Nihilism, and the Nature of Heroism

Doomsday Clock explores a number of complex themes:

• Hope vs. Nihilism: The story contrasts the inherent optimism of the DC Universe with the cynical, nihilistic worldview of Watchmen. Superman embodies hope, while Doctor Manhattan represents detachment and skepticism.
• Heroism and its Impact: The series examines the responsibilities of heroes and the impact of their actions on society.
• Dichotomy between Superman and Doctor Manhattan: Superman's compassion is contrasted with Doctor Manhattan’s cold rationality.
• Consequences of actions: The story highlights the long-term ramifications of choices, both good and bad.
• Manipulation of truth and public perception: The "Supermen Theory" demonstrates how easily people are manipulated by false information.
• The nature of humanity: The story suggests that humans are responsible for the terrible events that happen, rather than external forces. It also examines the idea that people often choose their opinions over facts.

The Ticking Clock: A Symbol of Doom

The "Doomsday Clock" itself serves as a potent symbol of the world’s precarious state. It represents the threat of nuclear war and the potential end of civilization. The tension is heightened as the clock ticks closer to midnight, symbolizing the world's descent into chaos.

A Direct Sequel: Doomsday Clock and Watchmen

Doomsday Clock is a direct sequel to Watchmen. The series builds upon the concepts and characters of the original graphic novel, while also expanding on its themes. Despite initial comments to the contrary, Geoff Johns himself stated that Doomsday Clock is a direct sequel. This crossover is the first official intersection of the Watchmen and DC universes, sparking debate among fans.

DC Rebirth and The New 52: Setting the Stage

Doomsday Clock is an integral part of the DC Rebirth initiative, which aimed to restore the optimism and legacy of the DC Universe following the darker tone of the New 52 era. The series concludes storylines that originated in the New 52 and continues the narrative threads established in DC Universe: Rebirth #1 and Batman/The Flash: The Button.

Lasting Impact: Doomsday Clock and the DC Universe

Doomsday Clock was intended to have a profound and lasting impact on the DC Universe, setting the stage for the stories that followed. The series affects both past and future events within the DC timeline. The events of Doomsday Clock have been referenced in later DC Comics works, demonstrating its ongoing influence.

Critical Reception: Mixed Reactions

Doomsday Clock received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambition and storytelling. It has an average critic rating of 8.5/10 on Comic Book Roundup. However, the series was also a source of controversy among fans of the original Watchmen.

Controversy: Integrating Watchmen into the DC Universe

Many Watchmen fans disliked the idea of integrating its characters and themes into the DC Universe. The debate centres around whether the more mature, deconstructed world of Watchmen could co-exist with the more traditional superhero narratives of the DC Universe. Some felt it diminished the impact and uniqueness of the original Watchmen. Others criticised it as fan fiction, rather than a sophisticated piece of story telling.

Characters' Motivations: Drives and Desires

• Ozymandias: He is driven by a desire to redeem himself for his past actions and to save his world, and considers himself the only one capable of doing so.
• Rorschach II (Reggie Long): His primary motivations stem from his trauma and desire to seek revenge against Ozymandias after reading the original Rorschach's journal.
• The Comedian: He is primarily motivated by revenge against Ozymandias for his attempt on his life.

The "Supermen Theory": A Catalyst for Conflict

The "Supermen Theory" is a central element of Doomsday Clock, creating tension and conflict. It posits that the US government is creating metahumans which leads to international unrest. This theory causes countries to develop their own superhero teams, further escalating the conflict.

Justice Society of America: A Forgotten Legacy

The Justice Society of America is a team of heroes that existed in the Pre-Flashpoint DC timeline. Their absence is felt in the DC Universe. Lois Lane's discovery of their existence through a flash drive further complicates the narrative.

Sequel Speculation: What's Next?

There has been speculation about a possible sequel to Doomsday Clock by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, though no concrete plans have been announced. The ending of Doomsday Clock leaves some doors open for future stories, and the potential for more exploration of the Watchmen and DC universes is evident.

Conclusion: A Bold Experiment

Doomsday Clock remains a significant and controversial event in DC Comics history. It was a bold experiment, attempting to merge the dark, deconstructed world of Watchmen with the more hopeful, traditional superhero narratives of the DC Universe. Despite some criticisms, Doomsday Clock is a thought-provoking and complex story that delves into the nature of hope, nihilism, heroism, and the human condition. Its lasting legacy continues to resonate within the DC Multiverse.

FAQ's

What is Doomsday Clock?

• Doomsday Clock is a 12-issue limited comic series that crosses over the world of Watchmen with the DC Universe. It is presented by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. It explores themes of hope, nihilism, and the nature of superheroes.

Is Doomsday Clock a sequel to Watchmen?

• While Doomsday Clock uses the Watchmen characters and world as a starting point, it is not a direct sequel. It's more of a story that uses the Watchmen universe to comment on the state of the DC Universe.

What is the main plot of Doomsday Clock?

• The story begins seven years after the events of Watchmen, with Adrian Veidt exposed as a murderer. He seeks to redeem himself by finding Dr. Manhattan, and this quest brings the Watchmen characters into the DC Universe, which is on the brink of collapse. The story follows their interactions and the various conflicts that arise.

Who are the main characters in Doomsday Clock?

• Key characters include:
  • Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias: The former hero from Watchmen seeking redemption.
  • Rorschach II/Reggie Long: A new version of Rorschach, recruited by Veidt.
  • Doctor Manhattan: A powerful being from Watchmen whose actions are central to the plot.
  • Mime and Marionette: A deadly new duo that joins Veidt's team.
  • Superman: The iconic DC hero who becomes a focal point of the story.
  • Batman: The detective of Gotham, also involved in the unfolding events.
  • Lois Lane: A journalist who works to uncover the truth.
  • Other DC characters like Lex Luthor, the Justice League, and the Justice Society of America also play significant roles.

What is the "Supermen Theory" in Doomsday Clock?

• The "Supermen Theory" is the idea that most metahumans (superheroes and supervillains) are created by the U.S. government. This theory causes distrust and fear of metahumans, impacting how they are viewed by the public. The theory is a major point of contention and creates conflict in the story.

What is the significance of the Doomsday Clock?

• The "Doomsday Clock" is a symbolic clock that represents how close humanity is to self-destruction. In the story, international tensions and the conflict surrounding metahumans push the clock closer to midnight, the symbolic moment of nuclear war and collapse.

What is Doctor Manhattan's role in Doomsday Clock?

• Doctor Manhattan's actions and experiments are central to the plot. He is suspected of altering the DC Universe following the Flashpoint event, and he is a key player in the events that lead to the climax of the story. He is also the one who can restore the timeline.

What is the significance of the Moscow explosion?

• A major event in the story, the Moscow explosion is caused when Firestorm accidentally turns a crowd of civilians into glass. The event is blamed on Superman and other metahumans, increasing public distrust and escalating global tensions. It is later revealed to be caused by Bubastis II to frame Doctor Manhattan.

Who are the Justice Society of America (JSA) and what is their role in Doomsday Clock?

• The JSA is a team of superheroes from the pre-Flashpoint era that had been erased from the timeline. Their existence is revealed to Lois Lane through a flash drive. The JSA returns when Doctor Manhattan restores the timeline at the end of the story, and they help Superman fight the rampaging metahumans. The JSA embodies the idea of hope in comics, which was central to the Silver Age of comics.

How does Doomsday Clock conclude?

• The series concludes with Doctor Manhattan understanding the importance of hope, as shown by Superman. Manhattan restores the timeline and undoes his past actions, leading to a more hopeful future for the DC Universe and preventing the deaths of Superman's adoptive parents. He returns to the Watchmen universe with Rorschach and Ozymandias.

Do I need to read anything before reading Doomsday Clock?

• A basic understanding of the characters Batman, Superman, and Lex Luthor is helpful. Familiarity with the Watchmen series and its cultural impact is beneficial. Some knowledge of the "New 52" era of DC Comics can also add context. DC Rebirth and Batman/Flash: The Button are also recommended.

What are the main themes explored in Doomsday Clock?

• Key themes include:
  • The power of hope versus despair.
  • The legacy of heroism.
  • The nature of reality and the impact of choices.
  • The role of comic books as powerful symbols that can shape the real world.
  • The contrast between the dark realism of Watchmen and the optimism of the DC Universe.

Who wrote and illustrated Doomsday Clock?

• Doomsday Clock was written by Geoff Johns, with art by Gary Frank and colours by Brad Anderson.

What is the collected edition of Doomsday Clock?

• The collected edition is titled Doomsday Clock: The Complete Collection, which compiles all 12 issues of the series into one volume. It was released on October 13, 2020.

Where can I find Doomsday Clock: The Complete Collection?

• The complete collection is available in print and digital formats, through various retailers such as Amazon, and may be available at local comic shops.

These questions and answers should provide a comprehensive understanding of the Doomsday Clock series. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask in the comments!