Doomsday Clock #7 // Review
Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, and Brad Anderson make their highly anticipated return to store shelves with this explosive issue, dropping jaws on the floor in its wake. Readers have been anticipating this one, as it promised to finally peer into Dr Manhattan's role within the DC Universe, as teased back in the DC Rebirth special. As previous mysteries are brought into the light, even more questions arise in the process, making for yet another captivating chapter, right down to its mirrored beginning and ending.
Picking up the pace from the previous issues and immersing the reader within the mind of Doctor Manhattan (very reminiscent of Watchmen #4 displaying his concept of time), issue #7 provides only a small example of his tampering with the DC Universe and its inhabitants, giving clues towards the bigger picture. Continuing his hunt for Manhattan, Ozymandias works alongside the new Rorschach, Justice Society of America member Johnny Thunder and Legion of Superheroes member Saturn Girl (both since long absent from DC continuity), ultimately making contact with the atomic god himself.
Ending with even more questions than explanations, readers will be left hanging by the edge of their seat for a while, as the next issue is set for a late November release date.
Finally shedding insight into Manhattan’s involvement within the missing aspects of the DC Universe, Johns continues to weave an intricate tapestry as the second half of the series begins with a bang. His love and knowledge for the DC universe spills onto the series in magnificent fashion, as he merges two beloved universes together. Any scrutiny is faced in stride, as Johns continues his profound response to Watchmen and its effect on comic publishing as a whole. While managing to homage the former, Doomsday Clock is able to convey its own voice and meaning while using Watchmen as a tool rather than a crutch.
Gary Frank brings nothing less than completely magnificent works to the issue, and the series as a whole. Every panel plays a very specific role (nothing is unintentional) painting a rainbow of emotions with each page. As stated previously, it is his character work that drives the emotion truly home for this series. Between the larger page count and nine panel layout of the series, both Frank and Johns are provided a much larger range in which to tell this tale. Whether it is an action-packed scene or a slower, character-driven moment, Frank brings “master class” pencils with every line. Brad Anderson continues to bring Frank’s work to life with his beautiful color palette.
As the Doomsday Clock ticks toward midnight, readers are left at a loss for words from the beginning to the very end. The inevitable bi-monthly release scheduling adds an even larger importance to the title, making every issue an increased impact to readers. With the revelations of this chapter, readers will be left to speculate for works as the anticipation grows for November’s issue.
