There are few comics that have had such a huge influence on everything as Alan Moore's Watchmen. Originally published in 1986, the 12-issue comic book series was an instant hit and became one of the most important pieces of sequential art in modern times. The trade paperback version is the top-selling graphic novel of all time.
Before The Watchmen
But DC Comics have decided that there should be more to the story. On Wednesday February 1, 2012, they made the announcement that they have commissioned seven mini-series, each one focusing on a different member of the team, culminating in a single epilogue issue.
In theory this is a fantastic idea. They have some fantastic creators on board, including Darwyn Cooke, J. Michael Straczynski, Jae Lee and legendary Joe Kubert, but they seem to have done all of this without the involvement of Alan Moore or Dave Gibbons.
Who Watches the Watchmen?
Both men have been interviewed about this development and their responses are much as their fans would expect.
In a statement, artist Dave Gibbons was decidedly lukewarm in his reaction, saying “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."
But it was the reaction of writer Alan Moore in an interview with NY Times that has made the biggest impression when he blatantly expressed: “I don’t want money. What I want is for this not to happen.”
The New Watchers
Hollywood Reporter interviewed J. Michael Straczynski, a long-time comic book writer, as well as the creator of the TV show Babylon 5, about his role in the project.
"Anyone who sets foot into the Watchmen universe and isn’t just a little nervous should be given a few days of electroshock therapy. I’ve always considered Watchmen to be one of the best graphic novels ever written, and when it came out back in 1986 I was as blown away as everyone else. Just masterful.
"The thing is, though, writers are always being asked to play in amazing universes created by other people, and you can’t let that scare you. If Darren Aronofsky can plan for a Noah’s Ark movie, Steven Spielberg can consider tackling the story of Moses, and Mel Gibson can do another Bible movie, I think it’s safe to say that the Watchmen universe is fair game, provided that you approach the work with clean hands and good intent."
The Waiting Game
With the comics due to be released sometime later in the year, all the rest of us can do is wait. And hope that as much skill and commitment goes into these prequels as it did with the original.
Kim McGreal - Kim McGreal is an aspiring British writer trapped in the mundane guise of an office worker with an unhealthy superhero obsession.
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