In all due respect to J. Michael Straczynski and his recent comic book efforts, but BEFORE WATCHMEN: DR. MANHATTAN is now clearly a return to form for the critically-acclaimed writer. This third issue is a fine addition to the great speculative, philosophical fiction Straczynski has been associated with during the vast amount of his phenomenal career.
This book has separated itself from the pack. It is without question the most thought provoking series to date. Much of it has to do with the exploration of the destiny versus choice element woven into the engrossing, emotional core of the story.
As complex as many of the concepts may seem, a careful reader will bask in the level of control Straczynski displays. Not once does the heart of his story skip a beat. There is a rhyme and reason that resonates from scene to scene that has built-up from the very first panel of the first issue.
And artist Adam Hughes seems to be getting better with each passing panel. With this latest installment, his lush illustrations enhance the experience of the visual story presented. Beautiful pages execute each and every underlying time-altering possibility Straczynski has set up.
The overall experience is filled with haunting dialogue which produces unshakable thoughts and ideas. We are teased with the unknowable answers to life and existence – past, present and future. Ultimately, with a single issue to go, this book seems poised to come to a satisfactory end.
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