Watchmen Prequels - It's Official

[steve bryant]

But what a trick it is!

Ha!

But I contend that he's not a one-trick pony. It's silly to pidgeonhole solely on the basis of him having told two stories that take place within a certain period (early 60s)—especially when you look at those two pieces and how different they were in tone. The only similarities that New Frontier and Parker share are the era and Cooke's own individual drawing style.

From an art point-of-view, one is a color collaboration with a master of the craft, Dave Stewart, utilizing a full array of modern techniques and process color separation. The other is spot-color, done on the board, just like the work of the period was.

From a writing perspective, one is a multi-year, genre-spanning epic, pitting heroes with godlike powers against a science-fiction threat. The other is an intimate crime story adapted from a prose author.

One is told in multiple first-person narratives. The other is told from the POV of an omniscient third-person narrator.

I'm sure there are even more differences, but those are a few off the top of my head.

[JimN]

This kind of clean retro thing with smiling faces wasn't what I was hoping for. I appreciate Cooke for his talent with storytelling and use of brush but the Bruce Timm cartoony style is off-putting for me and off-point with Watchmen. I would have hoped he'd approached this with the more realistic style he has on the Parker books and on some of his Batman stories.

This one image made me wonder what he is trying to attain with the series.

This quote from an interview he did sheds some light on that:

http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/02/01/watchmen-prequels-dc-dares-to-expand-on-classic/#/0

Cooke declined to reveal too much about that story — there’s no upside to that at this early date — but he said that in going back to the original epic, he decided to push away from the bleak, dystopian aura of Moore’s tale for “Minutemen,” which will be set in the 1940s and 1950s.

“My instincts tell me that I should be bringing what I’m capable of bringing to this party,” Cooke said. “There’s a part of the characters that is heroic or they wouldn’t be together in this way. I know there’s a lot of self-interest involved but there’s got to be a heroic level to each of them. I realized that’s the part of the story I can tell, that side of it.”

Jim

[JimN]

Ha!

But I contend that he's not a one-trick pony. It's silly to pidgeonhole solely on the basis of him having told two stories that take place within a certain period (early 60s)—especially when you look at those two pieces and how different they were in tone. The only similarities that New Frontier and Parker share are the era and Cooke's own individual drawing style.

From an art point-of-view, one is a color collaboration with a master of the craft, Dave Stewart, utilizing a full array of modern techniques and process color separation. The other is spot-color, done on the board, just like the work of the period was.

From a writing perspective, one is a multi-year, genre-spanning epic, pitting heroes with godlike powers against a science-fiction threat. The other is an intimate crime story adapted from a prose author.

One is told in multiple first-person narratives. The other is told from the POV of an omniscient third-person narrator.

I'm sure there are even more differences, but those are a few off the top of my head.

Good post. Cooke is far from a one trick pony. In fact, he's shown a considerable degree of flexibility and diversity thus far in his comics career.

[Kenney]

Ha!

But I contend that he's not a one-trick pony.

Yeah, I don't think he's a one trick pony. I was just playing off RickyV suggesting that he was. I do think Cooke's style lends itself to retro stuff, but that's because his style has that feel, but even in the retro feel books Cooke has done the tone have been different as you talked about.

[Julian Lytle]

Keep in mind, that's all coming from Moore's perspective. If he really signed a contract that creator-unfriendly, a contract containing a clause that said, in the future, if there were any documents or contracts he refused to sign, DC was entitled to appoint an attorney to sign them instead, he certainly bears some responsibility for what has happened since. I sympathize with him on the level that he's a creator who has completely lost control of his co-creation. That sucks. However, if he signed such a terrible deal and accepted those lousy terms, then he also set himself up for everything that followed. Let's face it, Moore is many things but he's not stupid. Did he fail to read the contract and realize what he was giving up? Is he exaggerating the true nature of the deal? To what degree was he actually victimized here and to what degree is he playing the role of victim?

I'd love to hear some in-depth thoughts on this stuff from Dave Gibbons one of these days.

Jim

Like I get what you are saying but people make some pretty big mistakes when they are young in regards to contracts. Also a lot of what they bring up in the article about the differences in how copyright is handled in America and Europe too I feel paints them (DC) in a bad light. Just because he signed a contract doesn't mean he wasn't played-entertainment companies have been playing folks for decades and I think only when talking about comics the artists are talked about as if they just have to suck it up.

[JimN]

Like I get what you are saying but people make some pretty big mistakes when they are young in regards to contracts. Also a lot of what they bring up in the article about the differences in how copyright is handled in America and Europe too I feel paints them (DC) in a bad light. Just because he signed a contract doesn't mean he wasn't played-entertainment companies have been playing folks for decades and I think only when talking about comics the artists are talked about as if they just have to suck it up.

I don't see it as a comics-exclusive thing and you're right, he may have been played to at least some extent. My main point was that we're just getting Moore's perspective and it may not be accurate.

Jim

[Julian Lytle]

I don't see it as a comics-exclusive thing and you're right, he may have been played to at least some extent. My main point was that we're just getting Moore's perspective and it may not be accurate.

Jim

I say it's a comics a exclusive thing because I never really see people dissing music artist who got screwed out of money. Or anything else really. It is his point of view true. We probably won't know all the stuff until way later.

[JimN]

Jennie Whitwood of Den of Geek shares her (optimistic) thoughts about the upcoming Silk Spectre mini-series by Darwyn Cooke and Amanda Connor:

http://www.denofgeek.com/comics/1236697/before_watchmen_silk_spectre.html

She mentions and quotes from this brief interview EW did with Darwyn Cooke:

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2012/02/01/watchmen-prequels-exclusive-details/

In an exclusive interview with EW, Darwyn Cooke-–whose own highly regarded superhero work includes The New Frontier–explained his vision for Silk Spectre: “One of the first things I did was go back through the original book and look at all the female characters and their position in the story and the arcs they had. What I realized is that as much as I really like Laurie, she’s really only just Dr. Manhattan’s girlfriend and then Nite Owl‘s girlfriend. We never get to see her being self-sufficient and dealing with herself and dealing with her own problems. She’s there for a man. I came up with the idea of looking at the brief period of time when she becomes an adult.” And so the series will take place in the mid-1960s, and track Laurie’s maturation and heroic evolution in the year prior to joining a team of superheroes known as the Crimebusters. Cooke says the book will also focus on how Laurie’s superhero stage mom, the original Silk Spectre, influenced her daughter’s life. “Sally’s very interested in the legacy that can be created from the Silk Spectre brand,” says Cooke. “There’s a little bit of that Toddlers and Tiaras thing going on.” He adds that collaborating with Conner was essential: “The only way I could do this is if Amanda drew it. I desperately wanted this to not feel like a guy who is pushing 50 writing a teenage girl.”

[Bluestreak]

“My instincts tell me that I should be bringing what I’m capable of bringing to this party,” Cooke said. “There’s a part of the characters that is heroic or they wouldn’t be together in this way. I know there’s a lot of self-interest involved but there’s got to be a heroic level to each of them. I realized that’s the part of the story I can tell, that side of it."

So in other words his story is going to be steeped in the nostalgia which saturates his other work and which Watchmen ruthlessly critiqued (Nostalgia by Veidt)?

[JimN]

“My instincts tell me that I should be bringing what I’m capable of bringing to this party,” Cooke said. “There’s a part of the characters that is heroic or they wouldn’t be together in this way. I know there’s a lot of self-interest involved but there’s got to be a heroic level to each of them. I realized that’s the part of the story I can tell, that side of it."

So in other words his story is going to be steeped in the nostalgia which saturates his other work and which Watchmen ruthlessly critiqued (Nostalgia by Veidt)?

Possibly... there's only one way to find out: wait for the work to be released. Instead of making assumptions about it, why not wait and see what it actually is and then read it, judge it or ignore it if that's your choice. It would be nice if people would let these comics stand or fall on their own merit, not based on the stories they imagine will be released months from now.

[Bluestreak]

Hold on, we all make assessments about what we think a work is going to be like. yeah, i haven't read the book. I make no claim that i have. But I am making guesses based on what is being put out there. There is nothing wrong with that. The publishers put material out there hoping that it will convince me that the book is good.

[JimN]

Hold on, we all make assessments about what we think a work is going to be like. yeah, i haven't read the book. I make no claim that i have. But I am making guesses based on what is being put out there. There is nothing wrong with that. The publishers put material out there hoping that it will convince me that the book is good

I didn't say it was wrong to guess. As you said, there's nothing wrong with that. My point was just that your assumptions about the work may not be accurate or indicative of the overall tone or point of the actual comics.

[RickV]

DC may have just found the perfect ways to boost sales for this even more.

VARIANT COVERS!

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/03/12/before-watchmen-will-be-3-99-each-jim-lee-michael-golden-eduardo-risso-kevin-nowlan-and-dave-johnson-jump-o/

BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN #1

Written by DARWYN COOKE
Backup story written by LEN WEIN
Art and cover by DARWYN COOKE
Backup story art by JOHN HIGGINS
1:25 Variant cover by MICHAEL GOLDEN
1:200 Variant cover by JIM LEE
On sale JUNE 6 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
“Little did we know that poor boy would lead to the end of us all.”
Plus: Don’t miss the CRIMSON CORSAIR backup story by writer LEN WEIN and artist JOHN HIGGINS!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BEFORE WATCHMEN: SILK SPECTRE #1
Written by DARWYN COOKE and AMANDA CONNER
Backup story written by LEN WEIN
Art and cover by AMANDA CONNER
Backup story art by JOHN HIGGINS
1:25 Variant cover by DAVE JOHNSON
1:200 Variant cover by JIM LEE
On sale JUNE 13 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 4, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
“Oh sweetie, you’re too young to hate. Wait until you’re older and the world gives you a good reason. Trust me, it won’t let you down.”
Plus: Don’t miss the CRIMSON CORSAIR backup story by writer LEN WEIN and artist JOHN HIGGINS!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BEFORE WATCHMEN: COMEDIAN #1
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Backup story written by LEN WEIN
Art and cover by J.G. JONES
Backup story art by JOHN HIGGINS
1:25 Variant cover by EDUARDO RISSO
1:200 Variant cover by JIM LEE
On sale JUNE 20 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
“I’m a funny guy…”
Plus: Don’t miss the CRIMSON CORSAIR backup story by writer LEN WEIN and artist JOHN HIGGINS!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BEFORE WATCHMEN: NITE OWL #1
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Backup story written by LEN WEIN
Art and cover by ANDY KUBERT and JOE KUBERT
Backup story art by JOHN HIGGINS
1:25 Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN
1:200 Variant cover by JIM LEE
On sale JUNE 27 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 4, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
“The hero known to the public only as Nite Owl announced his retirement today.”
Plus: Don’t miss the CRIMSON CORSAIR backup story by writer LEN WEIN and artist JOHN HIGGINS!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

[JimN]

DC may have just found the perfect ways to boost sales for this even more.

VARIANT COVERS!

LOL! I wonder if they will publish holographic versions of the variant covers too. 

[William Joseph Dunn]

Interview with Alan Moore about the prequels:

http://www.seraphemera.org/seraphemera_books/Alan_Moore_Interview.html

I think Vince will like this part:

"So, I wouldn't want to think that my readership were the kind of comic fans who are just addicted to a regular fix of their favorite character and, "Yeah well Jack Kirby he's not as good as he used to be, is he?"  And, "Who cares that he created almost everything that Marvel have built their line upon?"  And note, Jack Kirby, I'm saying, created them.  I'm not even saying "Lee and Kirby."  From my perspective, it looks like Jack did most of the work."

[JimN]

Interview with Alan Moore about the prequels:

http://www.seraphemera.org/seraphemera_books/Alan_Moore_Interview.html

I think Vince will like this part:

"So, I wouldn't want to think that my readership were the kind of comic fans who are just addicted to a regular fix of their favorite character and, "Yeah well Jack Kirby he's not as good as he used to be, is he?"  And, "Who cares that he created almost everything that Marvel have built their line upon?"  And note, Jack Kirby, I'm saying, created them.  I'm not even saying "Lee and Kirby."  From my perspective, it looks like Jack did most of the work."

I'd say the key words there are "from my perspective".

I'm a huge Kirby fan but when you read Kirby's work without Stan it becomes pretty clear that Lee had plenty to do with the realization of those original Marvel characters. Let's face it, creating a strong character is a lot more than just coming up with a power and a costume. Character is revealed through story and the real magic of those early Marvel comics was in the collaborations, primarily those between Lee and Kirby and Lee and Ditko. The latter reveal how much Lee's sensibilities informed the work with Kirby because those same sensibilities are present in the Lee/Ditko comics. All 3 men brought a lot to the table and I think all 3 deserve credit for their contributions, no matter how fashionable it becomes to deny Lee credit for his role.

[RickV]

That is a fantastic interview and I find myself agreeing with the man to a much higher frequency than I am not.

[JimN]

I tried reading the interview, I really did, but after reading 4 pages, I'd had enough of Moore's bitter, egomaniacal rambling. I couldn't take any more. In fact, at this point, I think he comes off a little pathetic, especially when he panders to his own readers, trying to make them feel special while ridiculing anyone who would read what he assumes is tripe by creators whose work he hasn't read but who he assumes aren't good because if they were, they would have created something to match or surpass comics greatest masterpiece, the comic that made the world briefly care about comics, Watchmen, written by the unmatchable Alan Moore.

The man has clearly let the praise and hero-worship directed his way over the years go to his head. It's not surprising that he would grant a long interview to folks who introduce him as "the best the medium has ever seen" and "the architect of modern comics".

[legion of daves]

I tried reading the interview, I really did, but after reading 4 pages, I'd had enough of Moore's bitter, egomaniacal rambling. I couldn't take any more. In fact, at this point, I think he comes off a little pathetic, especially when he panders to his own readers, trying to make them feel special while ridiculing anyone who would read what he assumes is tripe by creators whose work he hasn't read but who he assumes aren't good because if they were, they would have created something to match or surpass comics greatest masterpiece, the comic that made the world briefly care about comics, Watchmen, written by the unmatchable Alan Moore.

The man has clearly let the praise and hero-worship directed his way over the years go to his head. It's not surprising that he would grant a long interview to folks who introduce him as "the best the medium has ever seen" and "the architect of modern comics".

agreed, he seems very paranoid, even though he addresses that fact, doesn't make it false.  there are times where he's self contradictory and ignorant, especially when addressing the Before Watchmen creators.  the interviewer doesn't do anything to actually engage in any discourse, he's just there to record the same old stuff from moore.  any "journalist" should have more integrity than to say "I mean I agree, though, that nothing has ever topped Watchmen.  I mean Maus is great, but not as good, and the same for The Dark Knight Returns."  he should be fired.

[Dave Faust]

Interview with Alan Moore about the prequels:

http://www.seraphemera.org/seraphemera_books/Alan_Moore_Interview.html

I think Vince will like this part:

"So, I wouldn't want to think that my readership were the kind of comic fans who are just addicted to a regular fix of their favorite character and, "Yeah well Jack Kirby he's not as good as he used to be, is he?"  And, "Who cares that he created almost everything that Marvel have built their line upon?"  And note, Jack Kirby, I'm saying, created them.  I'm not even saying "Lee and Kirby."  From my perspective, it looks like Jack did most of the work."

Awesome interview amigo. Been reading it in chuncks throughout the day. Karma for the hookup!