Note to all the naysayers: BEFORE WATCHMEN is relevant. The level of craft and reverence is a joy to behold. Do not look down upon this event with disdain and hostility. You may miss out on something special.

Now that that is out of the way, have you picked up your copy of BEFORE WATCHMEN: SILK SPECTRE #1? Do yourself a favor and get your hands on the Darwyn Cooke and Amanda Conner co-scripted title. Not enough? Okay. Amanda Connor is also on art!

At its core, it is an intimate, coming-of-age story between generations. More so than Alan Moore gave us, the reader is provided a deeply personal portrait of a mother-daughter relationship.

The story details a maturation process and is approached with heart-felt realism. Bleak situations and growing pains abound, this book is about optimism. The story connotes positivity and respect for and of woman, especially in the grander scope of the world they inhabit.

Cooke’s masterful imprint as a storyteller is undoubtedly felt, but Conner may be the reason this series is ready to soar. True female voices emanate within this book. They are strong and distinct. Just like every woman, they are unique.

Credit Connor for employing her trademark crispy clean style. There is great contrast to the Dave Gibbon’s visuals in WATCHMEN, but Connor’s cartoony style is just what Silk Spectre needs. Plus, no one, and I do mean no one, nails facial expressions quite like the incomparable Amanda Conner.

In short, this book has merit on every conceivable level. Stellar. Stone-solid. And soon to be sold out!

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