Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #3

Dr Manhattan starts putting fractured time frames together and it's absolute comic book greatness.

By Marcus Doidge / December 13, 2012

Comic: Dr. Manhattan #3

Written By: J Michael Straczynski

Pencils By: Adam Hughes

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: OUT NOW IN STORES & DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (VIA COMIXOLOGY)

rating: 4.5

For two issues Dr. Manhattan has been witnessing the split in realities his choice have created. A Jon that doesn't become atomic powered, a Jon that does. Though Jon isn't sure what's causing these realities, he knows that the alternatives ends in destruction and in issue three of the four part series, Dr Manhattan makes the decision to fix the splinters and put things back to how they should be. After all, if he went the other way, Watchmen wouldn't have happened and god forbid that be the case. This issue maybe isn't as strong as Straczynskis previous Dr. Manhattan issues but its no less huge in scope. What other writers take on the nature of alternative realities and then make their lead character make the decision the to unravel the mess his choices have made and put reality back together, all within a single issue. I mean, come on, that is some serious skills right there. Straczynski uses Jon in the box in a new way that gives us a glimpse at his youth and like many of these Before Watchmen stories he also puts a whole lot of importance on the Crime Busters meeting like its this turning point in time for everyone involved (which in the world of Watchmen it really is). Once again Hughes artwork is just stunning to stare at, making the World War II scenes incredibly beautiful to be in and the general period setting throughout the issue feel utterly real and alive. Given the turn in the tale here, I'm not sure where the final issue is going to take us but it seems that Straczynski isn't going to try and reboot the world of Watchmen for DCs own ends with their popular characters (phew). Instead this is mini series looks to be a mini series to showcase just how strong comic book writing can be. The things Straczynski has achieved in three issues is jaw dropping really and potentially he could end up with the comic book series of the year but lets give him one more issue to wrap up his tale before we commit to that title shall we? After all even the best comics books can stumble as they approach the finishing line (fingers crossed he this one doesn't). Before Watchmen Weekly Overview: