DC Comics to publish "Before Watchmen" prequels

[GrnMarvl14]

DC ENTERTAINMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES “BEFORE WATCHMEN”

This summer, DC Entertainment will publish all-new stories expanding on the acclaimed WATCHMEN universe. As highly anticipated as they are controversial, the seven inter-connected prequel mini-series will build on the foundation of the original WATCHMEN, the bestselling graphic novel of all time. BEFORE WATCHMEN will be the collective banner for all seven titles, from DC Comics.

“It’s our responsibility as publishers to find new ways to keep all of our characters relevant,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. “After twenty five years, the Watchmen are classic characters whose time has come for new stories to be told. We sought out the best writers and artists in the industry to build on the complex mythology of the original.”

Stepping up to the challenge is a group of the comic book industry’s most iconoclastic writers and artists – including Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS), Lee Bermejo (JOKER), Amanda Conner (POWER GIRL), Darwyn Cooke (JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER), John Higgins (WATCHMEN), Adam Hughes (CATWOMAN), J.G. Jones (FINAL CRISIS), Andy Kubert (FLASHPOINT), Joe Kubert (SGT. ROCK), Jae Lee (BATMAN: JEKYLL AND HYDE), J. Michael Straczynski (SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE) and Len Wein (SWAMP THING).

BEFORE WATCHMEN includes:

- RORSCHACH (4 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: Lee Bermejo
- MINUTEMEN (6 issues) – Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
- COMEDIAN (6 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: J.G. Jones
- DR. MANHATTAN (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist: Adam Hughes
- NITE OWL (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artists: Andy and Joe Kubert
- OZYMANDIAS (6 issues) – Writer: Len Wein. Artist: Jae Lee
- SILK SPECTRE (4 issues) – Writer: Darwyn Cooke. Artist: Amanda Conner

Each week, a new issue will be released, and will feature a two-page back-up story called CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR, written by original series editor Len Wein and with art by original series colorist John Higgins. There will also be a single issue, BEFORE WATCHMEN: EPILOGUE, featuring the work of various writers and artists, and a CRIMSON CORSAIR story by Wein and Higgins.

“The original series of WATCHMEN is the complete story that Alan Moore and I wanted to tell. However, I appreciate DC's reasons for this initiative and the wish of the artists and writers involved to pay tribute to our work. May these new additions have the success they desire,” said Dave Gibbons, WATCHMEN co-creator and original series artist.

“Comic books are perhaps the largest and longest running form of collaborative fiction,” said DiDio and Lee. “Collaborative storytelling is what keeps these fictional universes current and relevant.”

Covers and quotes, for those interested. And there's been art floating around for at least a month by Andy/Joe Kubert and at least one other (can't recall off the top of my head).

It's an interesting idea, but the lack of Moore makes it seem like an effort to cash in (though oddly timed). Could be interesting, and at least there's real talent attached (Azzarello and Bermejo on Rorschach and Darwyn Cooke on Minutemen feels oddly right. And Andy and Joe Kubert doing both Nite Owls in one book is a cool idea). I'm going to be cautiously optimistic about this. Also been talk of a Watchmen sequel comic. Not sure if this is in place of, or in preparation for, that very thing.

 

[Ghetsis-Dennis]

How are the prequels going to work out considering that the original graphic novel already covered each of the characters' origins?

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Not sure how to feel about this. Alan Moore isn't involved in it, but I'll be optimistic that this will be a good addition to the Watchmen canon.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

How are the prequels going to work out considering that the original graphic novel already covered each of the characters' origins?

Likely they aren't origin stories, they're tales of the characters when they were actively being superheroes, something the original graphic novel only barely touched on, essentially telling you they HAD careers, and explaining why they didn't anymore, but not really going into any of their adventures or delving into any of the rogues galleries, aside from a brief mention here or there. We never even really learned what Moloch did as a villain. Just that he WAS one.

 

[Ino-Chan]

This is going to be interesting to say the least. I will be getting at least one of these, though if I get more depends on the quality.

 

[Ultra Pidgeot]

I'll probably read some of these, but it just doesn't feel right, these random new Watchmen comics. Can't we just leave the original as is and all agree how fucking awesome it was?

 

[Rakarei]

I am not excited for this at all. Moore isn't involved and it just feels like a quick cash in.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

I am not excited for this at all. Moore isn't involved and it just feels like a quick cash in.

I'd agree with the "cash in" part, but not the "quick" part. It's been over two decades since the original was released. And a year+ since the movie.

 

[RaccoonGoon]

I'm still indifferent to 'em. I just really wanna read the Rorschach, Minutemen, and Comedian ones.