Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Before Watchmen: Nite Owl #1 of 4
DC Comics
Straczynski, Kubert & Kubert
This is exactly the kind of issue that the fans of the original Watchmen will point to as the reason not to attempt any sort of prequel or sequel to the classic story. This comic book has some elements that could be made into something, but for the most part, the book a) isn't even story, b) doesn't fit in with what was published before and c) doesn't provide any reason to exist and therefore come back to. And while you could make the case that this is a character that wasn't the most interesting in the original work, this comic book makes the character worse. This is a real tough sell with three more issues to go.
This comic explores how Dan Dreiberg discovers the identity of the original Nite Owl, Hollis Mason, how he becomes the Nite Owl and how he ends up meeting the other super heroes. If it sounds like a lot it's because it is. The book races through too much information and puts forth an unrealistic time frame to get everything accomplished. I'm all for compressed storytelling but this issue was simply jarring.
We pick up the story when Dan is 17. He discovers Hollis' identity and wedges himself into a position where Hollis could train him. This is all very similar with Batman and his third Robin, Tim Drake. Within three months, Hollis retires and Dan is the Nite Owl. However, Dan goes on to complete college in just two years. During this time he constructs his Owl craft and bulks up to an unrecognizable proportion.
The part of this story that bugged me the most was the fallout from the abuse he witnesses between his mom and dad. Dad dies and we come to find that he leaves Dan with a trust, despite calling him lazy and that his wife is still alive. Who does that? Leaves their lazy kid a trust fund instead on entrusting it to his wife? Conveniently, Dan turns 18 right after meeting Hollis so he can finance his gadget construction.
The finale is the meeting of the Crimebusters, a very famous scene from the original comic. However, here Dan and Rorschach carry on casual conversation (such as having lunch at midnight) while the stunning scene occurs where The Comedian burns the map. It plays off like a side table of characters playing cards while Obi-Wan cuts Walrus Man's arm off in the Cantina in Star Wars. It feels ridiculously out of place.
There are two aspects of this book I liked, but one turns sour by the end and the other is only teased. The book is fast paced as it moves to get Dan into the suit as quickly as possible. However, the pace is so fast we don't get an explanation as to why Rorschach shows up when he shows up. Was he tracking him? Also, when Hollis tells Dan he saw the bruises is he referring to the mom or does Dan have them too? How did he see them and when? Too many of the important details are cast aside to show things like his mom being beaten by his dad.
The best part of the book is Nite Owl and Rorschach. The pair have chemistry and it is evident from their first meeting. Unfortunately it is not explored much in this issue.
The Crimson Corsair by Wein and Higgins was actually building up a decent little story in the previous three issues, but takes a step back in this issue. The pirate is stuck in the ocean, alone, with various dead bodies. It's too close to the original and felt reused too much. The writing and artwork is exquisite throughout though.
Andy and Joe Kubert create a much more modern look to the art than the other three series so far. I liked that the book looks like it isn't trying to mimic the original's layout or that it is trying to make the story look a golden or silver age comic. However, the script doesn't lend itself to much drama and the characters become very unfocused by the end of the book. I hope this isn't a case where the art was rushed because that isn't a good sign of things to come. This issue doesn't have the "Kubert" look to it either which disappointed me somewhat.
I can't say there is much here to warrant a look at this book. If only this was the "Untold Team-Up Tales of Nite Owl and Rorschach" then I think the book would have had something. Instead, this is a disjointed origin story that ends with a flutter instead of a cliffhanger.
1.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
