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5 Thoughts about “Before Watchmen: Ozymandias” #3

By | September 27th, 2012
Posted in Columns | % Comments
Logo by Tim Daniel

One of the more gorgeous books currently being published, “Before Watchmen: Ozymandias,” is here to try and wipe the slate clean after its “Before Watchmen” brethren, “Nite Owl,” maddened the masses last week.

Written by Len Wein
Illustrated by Jae Lee

“If a man has the opportunity to do good, he’s obliged to take it.”

1. Good God, Jae Lee

This book, above all else, looks fantastic. Lee’s skills at framing panels, designing layouts, incorporating other media into his pencils, and his masterful use of silhouette make this neck and neck with “Batwoman” in terms of sheer beauty. Sure, his Comedian doesn’t really resemble the one JG Jones is drawing beyond the costume, but his smirky scowl perfectly suits the role he is playing in this series.

2. Narcissism

More than anything else, Veidt loves Veidt. His only real relationship seems to be with his assistant, and he isn’t particularly enamored with her, professionally, sexually, or any other way. It is through his narcissism that his hubris takes shape, and this issue begins his plan that will, at least temporarily, save the world.

3. Evenly Matched?

It is odd that the Comedian and Ozymandias are considered to be “equals” in battle here. Yes, the Comedian is a dead shot, but it seems odd that Veidt’s years of training in martial arts wouldn’t give him the edge in a one on one confrontation.

4. The Focus is on Veidt

While this is another “Before Watchmen” book that features other Crimebusters besides the titular character, the focus here is always squarely on Veidt. Dr. Manhattan is introduced to show how human Veidt is; the Comedian is here to show the antithesis to Veidt’s meticulous planning. Unlike “Nite Owl,” which reads almost like a buddy cop comic for Nite Owl and Rorschach, you never forget what book you’re reading here.

5. The Aging of the Masked Man

It is fascinating that a story with so little empathy from the lead character features such a heart-wrenching look at aging. Seeing Mothman doubting his abilities, alongside Captain Metropolis not quite being as sharp as he once was, reminds the reader that these are not superhumans, these are normal men. That is, until we see Dr. Manhattan, and all the people in the room are rendered useless. But this isn’t how Veidt sees it; he sees himself standing shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Manhattan, which explains why, he too, thinks he can remake humanity.


Brian Salvatore

Brian Salvatore is an editor, podcaster, reviewer, writer at large, and general task master at Multiversity. When not writing, he can be found playing music, hanging out with his kids, or playing music with his kids. He also has a dog named Lola, a rowboat, and once met Jimmy Carter. Feel free to email him about good beer, the New York Mets, or the best way to make Chicken Parmagiana (add a thin slice of prosciutto under the cheese).

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