Things didn’t look good for Before Watchmen, a prequel comic series inspired by Alan Moore’s iconic 1986 work. It was publicly denounced by Moore, bedevilled by a boycott threat and responsible for a stream of apoplectic blogs.
But, in a comeback worthy of any caped crusader, the first issues landed to rave reviews earlier this month. And, as our exclusive unseen excerpt of the next book shows, there’s no let-up in quality.
Following glimpses of the early lives of Silk Spectre and The Comedian, Minutemen #2 returns to the first incarnation of Nite Owl and the Forties vigilantes that kicked off the saga. There are sly sight gags to savour and writer/artist Darwyn Cooke displays flashes of Moore’s subversive wit.
The interconnected story (which has the blessing of original illustrator Dave Gibbons) will continue in rotating weekly instalments before concluding next year. Inevitably, there are already rumours of the saga launching a big-screen follow-up to Zack Snyder’s 2009 film adaptation.
Let’s hope Twitter can withstand the inevitable fanboy rage.
Before Watchmen: Minutemen #2 is released on 5 July; dccomics.com
