Before Watchmen: Moloch
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist: Eduardo Risso The two issue mini series of Moloch took a closer look at the golden age villain turned victim of the original Watchmen series. This heartbreaking tale watches the pawn in Ozymandiass grand plan grow up in a world of hurt due to his looks, find a place as foe against the Minutemen and then turn over a new leaf, only to be screwed over in the worst of ways. I really enjoyed this little run. The first issue was largely backstory that didnt really better the character of Moloch all that much but the moment he met up with Ozymandias and the final chapter in his life began, this got very interesting. Seeing the events from the original Watchmen from the point of view of Moloch was interesting stuff. His work with Ozy is a series of dark and sad events. Molochs feelings on where his life is now is pretty gut wrenching considering we all know what really going on with his health as Ozymandias secretly poisons him and as we head into the Rorschach meets ups and of course the Comedian crying at the end of Molochs bed, its good to see events never seen in the original Watchmen happening within the pages of this short series. Moloch was always a key but understated character to the events in Watchmen and seeing his story, told this well was a much deserved late entry into the Before Watchmen run. This wont be the first time I praise Straczynskis work in this article but he did such a great job with this unexpected side order.