The idea of prequels or sequels for WATCHMEN has been brought up before. Many feel it's something that shouldn't be allowed yet it is also something that was discussed before the series was even published. After years of speculation, it's finally become a reality. We're getting more stories from the Watchmen Universe.
DC Entertainment has announced that this summer they will publish all-new stories to expand on the acclaimed series. They understand that there will be some controversy with this decision but have decided to take the plunge. DC Comics will put out seven inter-connected prequel mini-series which will "build on the foundation of the original WATCHMEN." All titles will be under the BEFORE WATCHMEN banner.
DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee released the following statement:
It’s our responsibility as publishers to find new ways to keep all of our characters relevant. 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.
DC will not be taking this lightly. They have lined up a list of all-star talent to handle the Watchmen Universe. We can expect the following.
- 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 there will be a new issue and it will feature a two-page back-up story called "Curse of the Crimson Corsair" written by original series editor Len Wein with art by original series colorist John Higgins. There will also be a single issue, BEFORE WATCHMEN: EPILOGUE, by various writers and artists as well as a Crimson Corsair story by Wein and Higgins.
There most likely won't be any comments from Alan Moore but WATCHMEN co-creator and original series artist Dave Gibbons said the following:
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.
There will be people looking forward to this. With the creators lined up, how can you not be curious. The question remains, will you be buying these?
Update
Some cover art has been released. Wired posted the cover for Ozymandias. USA Today had some Rorschach art. Hero Complex posted the Minutemen cover. New York Times posted the Comedian cover. Entertainment Weekly posted the Silk Spectre cover. The Hollywood Reporter had the Nite Owl cover. CBR had the Dr. Manhattan cover.
Click each to enlarge.
