Doomsday Clock #2 (of 12)

   In the first issue of the Doomsday Clock maxi-series, the first steps were taken to bring the DC Universe and the Watchmen together.

   I expressed doubt about the wisdom of that move in my review of the first issue - and this issue moves that process forward, but doesn't do anything to convince me that this is a good idea.

   For one thing, it brings DC's mainstream into the realm of adult stories - this issue features graphic violence and adult language.

   It's an odd mix to see Batman and Lex Luthor sharing panel space with well-known characters from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' epic.

   This issue also seems to indicate that the MacGuffin of the story - the missing Dr. Manhattan - has been influencing the DC Universe for some time now.

   Perhaps, like the legendary Mopee, they can blame all the mistakes in "New 52" on him. (Sorry, that's a low blow - but I couldn't resist.)

   The art is great, of course - Gary Frank crafts a gritty, real-world environment that bridges the gap between the two universes with great skill - and the story by Geoff Johns is brimming with surprising ideas and mysteries to be solved - so there's plenty here to keep bringing readers back.

   But I'm still not convinced this is anything more than a publisher's stunt to draw in readers. We'll see.

Grade: A-

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