Geekscape Comic Reviews: ‘Before Watchmen: Comedian #1’
Before Watchmen: Comedian is the third mini-series in the Before Watchmen line to be released and was a title that I wasn’t too interested in reading. Sure, it had the killer combo of Brian Azzarello writing with J.G. Jones on art, but the Comedian is just a character that I could give two shits about. Well I’m glad to report that my skepticism so far seems to have been for nothing. Issue one is the first one of these series that actually feels like a true companion piece to Watchmen.
This isn’t the same Comedian that we first met at the start of Watchmen, sure he’s still an arrogant son of a bitch and , but he actually seems like a man who believes in something. I don’t want to say what that ‘something’ is because it is an integral part of this first issue. Azzarello has crafted an entertaining story and while issue one is a good read it is just the tip of the iceberg and I’m sure it will only get better from here. I’m doing my best here to not give away any spoilers so I’ll keep the story recap short and oh so sweet. Issue one finds Eddie Blake in the 1960’s as he serves his country as a cape and it focuses on his close friendship with an old service buddy of his. By issues end we start to see the change in the Comedian that will eventually lead him to the man we all know and hate.
Brian Azzarello isn’t the only person who deserves praise for his on this issue. J.G. Jones delivers some truly great art here, but is that really a shocker? I’ve been a fan of his since I first read Wanted, but his delivering a book on schedule has been an issue in the past (Final Crisis *hint hint*) and that was my main concern when it was announced that he would be drawing this mini-series. The quality of his work was never in question and so far it still isn’t. Alex Sinclair does a great job coloring Jones’ art. He helps further establish the tone and feeling of the book, bathing characters in shadows when it’s called for, but never overdoing it. Sinclair compliments Jones nicely and both men help Azzarello deliver a book that’s far better than it possibly has any right to be. Who would have thought a mini-series about the Comedian could actually be worth a damn? Not this guy, that’s for damn sure.
Yes, I was very skeptical of this title when I picked it up, but after a solid first issue I am now looking forward to the next one. They have done a fine job of peaking my interest in this pseudo-origin tale of the Comedian. If the rest of the series is as good as this issue then I think we are all in for a treat. Check this book out, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Score: 4/5
