Doomsday Clock #1

Writer: Geoff Johns Artist: Gary Frank Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: November 22, 2017 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 57 User Reviews: 111
8.6Critic Rating
8.8User Rating

DC Comics presents to you a 12-issue maxiseries from the critically acclaimed team of writer Geoff Johns, artist Gary Frank and colorist Brad Anderson. You are not prepared for what lies ahead within these pages, good readers.

  • 10
    Comic Watch - Austin Braun Dec 1, 2017

    I give Johns and Frank a perfect score for bringing the Watchmen back to life (figuratively speaking) in a sequel that many were very skeptical about, and knocking it out of the park. This book perfectly picks up where watchmen ends, and even though it mirrors Watchman in such a beautiful way its executed to feel like a true sequel and not just some stale copy of the original work by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. In an era that seems to feel a lot like the time when Watchmens themes were relevant, I cant think of a better time to pick these characters back up to see what truly has the bigger cost, hope or cynicism. Read Full Review

  • 10
    The Batman Universe - Jessica Nilo Alves Nov 22, 2017

    With masterful storytelling and a perfect tone, Doomsday Clock has all of the potential to become the rightful heir to Watchmen. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes Nov 20, 2017

    As it stands, the clock may be ticking but my interest in this series is by no means running out. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Dark Knight News - Steve J Ray Nov 24, 2017

    As first issues go, this one is an absolute winner. Yes, the DC Universe characters only appeared at the end of the issue, but what an appearance! The use of the Watchmen characters has been brilliantly, and respectfully handled. The writing is perfect, and I could wax lyrical about Gary Frank and Brad Anderson's art for days on end. Yes, I was initially very sceptical about any sequel to Watchmen ever being attempted, but I am now a believer. Fellow Dark Knight News reporter Steven Conroy and I will be reviewing alternate issues of this title, before coming together for the grand finale, 11 months from now. It's going to be a wild ride! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Bounding Into Comics - Daniel Mills Nov 22, 2017

    With Gary Frank at his side Johns is perfectly equipped to create yet another amazing comic. Though almost all of DC is starting to become his responsibility, Johns can still create one hell of a story. DC's prodigal son once again creates an unforgettable comic. Here's to many, many more. Read Full Review

  • 10
    We Got This Covered - Eric Joseph Nov 20, 2017

    Doomsday Clock isn't just another event series. It's shaping up to be one of the definitive comics of our time. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Jose "Jody" Cardona Nov 20, 2017

    The return to the world of Watchmen is a dark, intriguing tale with beautiful artwork. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Outright Geekery - Antonio Pedro Nov 22, 2017

    I'll say it looks great, reads great and feels exciting and fresh. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Heroic Hollywood - Nate Brail Nov 22, 2017

    Doomsday Clock is Geoff John's return to comics after DC Rebirth and he comes back swinging. He encapsulated the feel and energy of Watchmen so perfectly you would think it was Alan Moore penning the book. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Nov 20, 2017

    This is going to be a wild, year-long ride that promises to bring massive changes to the DCU. And I, for one, am completely on board. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Nov 22, 2017

    That's apparent as there's not a major spoiler moment or unexpected reveal. Fans expecting that out of Doomsday Clock should definitely check out the latest installment of Action Comics. The fun of Doomsday Clock's kickoff is that Johns sets up a story that welcomes questions, imaginations, fan theories and everything in between. There's a mystery here and maybe Johns sprinkles in some clues this issue, but I've got a feeling this is a story that will need to unfold more to make sense of everything. I like that approach a lot as Doomsday Clock already reads like the next great DC story like Kingdom Come or 52. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    FanboyNation - R.C. Samo Nov 19, 2017

    We always wondered who watched the Watchmen. Now we ask, who's watching the world? Read Full Review

  • 9.4
    Major Spoilers - Stephen Schleicher Nov 22, 2017

    Time will tell if Doomsday Clock will be as revered as The Watchmen, but this is a good issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Superbromovies - Casey Walsh Nov 20, 2017

    Doomsday Clock is maybe DC Comics biggest risk ever as they simultaneously are creating a sequel to arguably the greatest comic of all time, while also attempting to integrate this decaying world into a hopeful DC Universe. Its a risk that if handled correctly could become one of the greatest moments in comics history, and if issue one is any indication I think it safe to say Doomsday Clock couldn't possibly be in better hands. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Hub City Review - Matthew J. Theriault Nov 22, 2017

    After months, years, even decades of this strange admixture of apprehension and anticipation for the inevitable continuation of the Watchman narrative, Doomsday Clock #1 does not disappoint so long as one is willing to judge it on its own merits and is not looking for Moore to revolutionize the world again (for that, go read Jerusalem). Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    DC Comics News - Cameron Tevis Nov 22, 2017

    This is just the first issue of a 12 part maxi-series and it's immediately evident this is going to be something special. Whether or not it will be the historical piece of literature that the original Watchmen is has yet to be determined, but it is obvious that this will be the book to read this year. Doomsday Clock will be looked at with an uncommon level of scrutiny due to the significance of the original, but if it maintains this quality, then it will win over some of the most devout skeptics. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Corps - Josh West Nov 20, 2017

    Doomsday Clock #1 sets us off on a year-long journey into what could become an instant classic. I'm ecstatic to be along for the ride, and I would invite anyone along who is interested to see the limits of the superhero comic book genre pushed to new heights. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The GCRN - Daniel Clark Nov 22, 2017

    Overall Doomsday Clock #1 works to legitimizes its existence as a necessary work to progress the medium of comics to its next chapter. This could work as a next step to the original Watchmen story without the additional element of the Superman mythos. What it lacks in major wow moments it makes up for in strong characterization, impressive art, and the construction of some intriguing questions and mysteries. Having eleven more issues it is far too early to know if these lofty goals are achievable. So far though there is plentyreason to have faith. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Nerdly - Daniel Clark Nov 23, 2017

    Overall Doomsday Clock #1 works to legitimizes its existence as a necessary work to progress the medium of comics to its next chapter. This could work as a next step to the original Watchmen story without the additional element of the Superman mythos. What it lacks in major wow moments it makes up for in strong characterization, impressive art, and the construction of some intriguing questions and mysteries. Having eleven more issues it is far too early to know if these lofty goals are achievable. So far though there is plenty reason to have faith. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Batmanaruto Nov 20, 2017

    In conclusion Johns writes a really strong first issue and Frank’s artwork is incredible. The artwork isn’t similar to that of Gibbons but uses the nine panel grid structure and builds dark and dreary world perfectly. It is easy to see why Johns wanted Frank on this book. The issue is both enjoyable and interesting, and the world he built just begs to be explored. He does introduce new characters which definitely could throw a spanner in the works, but also introduces us to characters from the original series, some the same and some different. This is a book worth picking up. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith Nov 26, 2017

    Johns sets the grand stage for the Watchmans entrance, and does so with tact. How do you follow up one of the greatest graphic novels of all time? Very carefully. Franks artwork shines bright here, from the bone chilling intro to the emotions seen in the new villain The Mime, the whole books looks amazing, albeit a little short. If you want to be on board for DCs latest event, then jump on board. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Flickering Myth - Ricky Church Nov 23, 2017

    Doomsday Clock #1is a pretty solid introduction to the series. It acts as a good continuation ofWatchmenby retaining the look and feel of the original while bringing something fresh with it. Johns makes some pretty clear allusions to the current times in the world, making this book, as the original, very relevant to new and old readers alike. Franks and Anderson's combined artwork help the issue stand out with some great visuals that help Johns keep that old feeling. While it didn't feature a lot of Superman or Manhattan, it certainly did set up an exciting premise. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joe Glass Nov 23, 2017

    However, setting that aside for the purposes of this review: this issue is good. It's damn good, in fact. And while there's still plenty I would like to see and learn, this is still early days, and this issue provides and strong and intriguing start to a series that may yet prove to be a strong follow-up to the 1985 classic. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    411Mania - RobF Nov 30, 2017

    If any writer/artist combination is going to tackle the herculean task of following up the greatest comic ever written I put my money on Johns and Frank. They have the pedigree to create a classic and the first issue of Doomsday Clock is a great start. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    SnapPow.com - John McCubbin Nov 24, 2017

    Doomsday Clock #1 isn't quite the explanation we all want, but it is still an astonishing comic. Giving us an engaging narrative set after the events of Watchmen, the creative team present us with a product that begs further exploration. Not only does it touch upon the future of the classic Alan Moore series, but it also further teases the connection to Rebirth. So if this has been an event you're on the fence about, we recommend giving it a try. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    On Comics Ground - Scott Shuken Nov 22, 2017

    After all the build-up and the hype, Doomsday Clock is finally here, and it doesn't shock and amaze the way a lot of people were expecting it to. On the contrary, it shows great restraint, taking the time to set the scene and properly revisit the Watchmen universe. This book easily could have just given us a quick shot of Ozy and Manhattan for two pages, then getting along to Superman and the Multiverse and teasing all kinds of crazy stuff without providing a lot of substance. Johns does the opposite of this, really making the Watchmen world feel like it's naturally continued from it's state at the end of the original series. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman Nov 19, 2017

    Geoff Johns gets this epic series off to a solid start with a number-one issue that not only gets new readers up to speed quickly and efficiently but also sets the stage for what's to come in a way that will leave long-time readers eager for more. Does Doomsday Clock #1 live up to the hype that surrounds it? You be the judge. As I am concerned, the hype matter not, Doomsday Clock #1 is a damn-good read. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Nov 20, 2017

    An excellent first issue that kicks things off and should put 'Watchmen' fans at ease. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett Nov 20, 2017

    Going in I expected… not this and finishing it I was not only pleasantly surprised but excited to see what comes. An impressive start, Doomsday Clock #1 feels like a bridge from what was to what is. There's a clear reverence to the source material in its presentation, themes, and the characters. At a time when “event/gimmick comics” feel like they've burned themselves out, Doomsday Clock #1 is a pleasant surprise that has me looking forward to diving into the unknown. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Critical Blast - RJ Carter Nov 25, 2017

    When these events actually occur in conjunction with the timeline of the DC universe is not clear. Obviously there's a 25 year gap between the two. It's possible that Veidt and his team have been operating in the DC universe for that long undercover. We still don't know how the yellow smiley button of The Comedian got embedded in the walls of the Batcave, something it would seem only Doctor Manhattan could have done. But I'm sure we'll have more answers, and a ton more questions, next month when the second issue comes out. Read Full Review

  • 8.9
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Nov 19, 2017

    Doomsday Clock looks to be a slow burn, but one that expertly captures the feel of a true comic book classic. Read Full Review

  • 8.9
    Black Nerd Problems - William Evans Nov 20, 2017

    Not much of the story has been revealed yet, but so far, the creative team has laid out an intriguing and beautifully rendered opening. Not only do Johns and Frank need to craft a good story, they have the pressure of bringing character back into prominence for the first time since they were part of the best graphic novel of all time. We will see how this ends up stacking up to that, but so far, they haven't given any reason as to why this couldn't be a damn good book. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Comicsverse - Aaron Berke Nov 22, 2017

    Geoff Johns launches us back into the world of WATCHMEN, delivering a mesmerizing premise that promises to break the boundaries of the DC Universe. Read Full Review

  • 8.6
    We The Nerdy - Aron Pohara Nov 21, 2017

    Doomsday Clock is an event book we rarely get anymore. There are no 50 million tie-ins across all of the books as past DC and all of Marvel books now tend to have. It is a standalone book that might not be as essential as the original Watchmen, at least not now but then the future is certainly bright for the future of DC Comics. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    GWW - Deron Generally Nov 20, 2017

    It's a huge undertaking trying to continue a story so iconic, but the first issue of this series manages to keep my interest in what could be coming next. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Nov 28, 2017

    I'm definitely intrigued, which is a good way to start a series like this. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Nov 23, 2017

    We'll see how it plays out - and yes, despite my reservations, I'll be reading along - but I'm not convinced that this is a good idea. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Word Of The Nerd - Daniel Kalban Nov 19, 2017

    While not a perfect start, Doomsday Clock is off to a strong one. Things are setting up as dark forces begin to gather. Can a symbol of hope stand up to both a world of pessimism and an amoral god-like entity? We will find out as the clock keeps ticking on. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Joey Edsall Nov 20, 2017

    Where Johns exceeds Moore is in how much of a page-turner this issue is. Watchmen rewards slow and close readers of each panel, but never reaches a point where readers find themselves quickly devouring its issues. Doomsday Clock #1 is filled with dialogue and narration, but Johns’ skill in crafting a spectacle is second to none in the modern age of comics. This isn’t a mystery story and it isn’t perfect, but as the third act of an epic that began with Rebirth and continued in The Button, it’s hard not to get chills at the onset of this blockbuster comic. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    All-Comic - Erik Gonzalez Nov 25, 2017

    This is no doubt a daunting project, something the creative team is very aware of and have said as much in interviews, but they seemed to have handled it deftly. This is well worth a DC Comics fan's time and an extremely welcome change of pace from some of the other event content being published concurrently. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Source by SuperHeroStuff - Keith O'Neil Dec 12, 2017

    DC's massive 'years-in-the-making' comic event kicks off with an impressive debut issue with amazing writing and spectacular art. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Revolution - Rokk Nov 23, 2017

    I have high hopes for this big event. I think that DC may have a massive hit on their hands with Doomsday Clock. I will say that after just one issue, Doomsday Clock already blows away Marvel's last two big event in Civil War II and Secret Empire. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Nov 30, 2017

    Honestly, I had little interest in this series going in, but the first issue is a strong set-up and I am now a little curious to see how events may unfold. I am surprised that almost the entirety of the issue takes place in the Watchmen reality, and I wonder just how Ozymandias and company plan on getting to the DCU. Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Nov 22, 2017

    While it's unlikely to win over ideological purists, Doomsday Clock #1 works quite well taken on its own terms. It's far too early to make comparisons between this series and the original Watchmenbut this series seems to be moving in an interesting direction. It may yet crash and burn, but it will be a spectacular wreck if it does! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Bin - Leroy Douresseaux Nov 29, 2017

    So I do not think that Geoff Johns and Gary Frank will produce in Doomsday Clock anything nearly as impressive or as memorable as Watchmen. I do think Johns and Frank could produce a comic book that is better than most superhero comic books that DC Comics currently publishes or has published in the last 30 years. Doomsday Clock #1 hints that it could happen. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes Nov 25, 2017

    I was expecting more from all the hype with this ending up being just a better than average comic. There's too much of the Watchmen for my tastes, but I'm more than eager to continue to see how Rebirth came to be. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison Nov 25, 2017

    So, Doomsday Clock was a good read. It didnt blow my mind, but my expectations werent hyped up for it anyway. Its good, and I enjoyed it. I recommend it, and you should definitely check it out. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton Nov 21, 2017

    Doomsday Clock #1 shows that for better or worse, Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, and Brad Anderson are taking their time with their DC Rebirth/Watchmen crossover and spend time reestablishing and tearing down the world of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' comic before having Superman punch Dr. Manhattan or having Ozymandias and Lex Luthor swap plans for world domination over vodka sodas. Johns' writing is awkward, but his plotting is focused and gets the proverbial clock ticking while Gibbons' art is a real treat. Some parts of Doomsday Clock are pretty groan worthy, but others are pretty damn cool. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Nov 20, 2017

    Now don't go thinking you're going to get a big old combination of both Watchmen and DC superheroes in this book because while this is the bridge to both those worlds, this issue primarily sets up what's been going on since Ozymandias tried to fool the world into peace and as far as that aspect to the story goes.......... It was pretty decent and the art looked great.  Sadly, it really feels like people who aren't Watchmen fans might be lost in this event so far and I hope that it doesn't remain that way and opens itself up to a more casual reader.  All in all though, I'm pretty excited for what the Doomsday Clock has to offer. Read Full Review

  • 7.6
    Impulse Gamer - Andrew Bistak Nov 22, 2017

    So here it is… Doomsday Clock #1. Was it what I was expecting? Not exactly but I'm interested to see how these two worlds will clash. Obviously Rorshach somehow gets to the DCU and more than likely Doctor Manhattan has been interfering with this universe as hinted in Rebirth and other titles. All in all, it was an interesting yet slow start with some engaging text by Geoff Johns plus the amazing art of Gary Frank who was born to draw Superman. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Batman-News - Jay Yaws Nov 20, 2017

    This is a bold series, there's no question about that, and I'm sure there are a number of readers who are going to pick it up out of sheer curiosity. I can't say that I blame them, though it's much better than a mere curiosity; Doomsday Clock is a good comic in its own right. It isn't perfect, but given the pedigree of the talent involved, this series could easily become a classic. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Fortress of Solitude - Rick Austin Nov 27, 2017

    For anybody calling this series a future classic, or for anybody writing it off completely as a pathetic quick cash-grab from DC, they're all idiots. We'll only know those things at the end of this. All anybody can say for now is what they thought of Doomsday Clock #1. And what I'm saying, again, is that Doomsday Clock #1 is okay. Take from that what you will. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Nov 25, 2017

    Doomsday Clock, the Watchmen sequel, is off to a fine start, but this first issue fails to do anything particularly exciting or gripping. Top notch work, but in service of a low key introductory issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comicosity - Matt Santori Nov 20, 2017

    There's a lot more that could be said about the introduction of Blackness as a device in this issue, or the pleasantly surprising expanded cast that harkens back to more of Steve Ditko's original vision for the inspirations behind Watchmen. Without spoilers, it's difficult to dive in too deeply on some of these details that are sure to grow and expand in future issues. But my hope is that this series, curious and aesthetically pleasing as it is, will touch on some of them in a way that will resonate more deeply than they may have in the fleeting glance of a first issue. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal Nov 22, 2017

    It's not a bad comic; it's not. You'll probably hear and read the spectrum on this one of people praising or hating it. I go back to that bible reference that I've been milking in this review; you're either old or new. Myself, I find Doomsday Clock to be rather dull so far. Maybe that'll change. Maybe they'll be something later on that will make reading this first issue exciting for different reasons, but for now, all I have is this first issue. All I can review is this first issue, and it's pretty average and honestly forgettable. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    Multiversity Comics - Brian Salvatore Nov 22, 2017

    A flawed book that traffics mostly in imitation and nostalgia. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    We The Nerdy - Jean-Luc Botbyl Nov 20, 2017

    Ultimately, I was just bored with Doomsday Clock, and that is not a good sign for DCs second big event. These are supposed to be exciting, but theres nothing compelling about diving back into the Watchmen universe for no reason aside from DC happening to own the property and wanting to eek as many dollars out of it as they can. Read Full Review

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