Watchmaker (1986)

Watchmaker Review

Watchmaker is the fourth issue in the twelve-issue series Watchmen, written by Alan Moore and drawn by Dave Gibbons.

In this issue, Dr. Manhattan sits on Mars using his precognitive powers to determine when the picture he is holding will fall to the surface. Then, he starts reminiscing about his past. Yes, this particular issue functions as an origin story told in flashbacks for this character and it entirely worked. Yes, it stopped the progression of the story, but it was necessary to give us some context, especially for the only character with real superheroic powers.

In this very introspective, deep part of the story, we get to learn how Jon Osterman became Dr. Manhattan through a freak accident. Admittedly, this origin story is very typical for the superhero genre, but his story is significantly deepened due to his ambiguous morality and now godlike, but somewhat cold demeanor that still contains some humanity beneath all of that sternness.

Watchmaker once again looks gorgeous thanks to stunning larger panels, in particular the panel where he starts a city on Mars is breathtaking and instantly iconic. Gibbons did a phenomenal job once again, but Moore also has to be praised for his handling of mature themes and for deepening the standard superhero origin story. An insight into his problematic love life was especially potent.

The structure was particularly effective and unique as the story jumps through time and we even get to see the future, not just the past. We get a full picture of Watchmen’s most interesting personality. The literary supplement at the end was another winner – it was uncommonly sophisticated and unbiased as they made a comment about US’s problematic relations with Russia and how the latter’s important role in WWII has been horribly brushed aside.