Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner Volume VI: Nothing Beside Remains  Catch up on the rest of the journey, by way of Juanita’s reviews of Volume I, Volume II, Volume III, Volume IV and Volume V. The cover (Jae Lee), for the final volume in this series has a confident looking Ozymandias atop the beast he unleashes on New York in Watchmen. A colorful squid-like creature also shaded with Lee’s now quite familiar dark shadowing represents the story coming full circle. The first variant (June Chung), in a different format, seems to do the same thing by showing an amalgamation of the Watchmen vigilantes, world powers’ flags, an atom bomb mushroom cloud and Dr. Manhattan’s ever watchful eyes, all somewhat encircled by a peace sign. Ozymandias and Bubastis sit perched below as though the above images are thoughts shuffling around his head. The second variant (also Jae Lee), is a duplicate of the main cover only the creature is colorless, all shades of gray, save for its deep pale yellowish eye. The volume opens with “Audio autobiography concluded,” as Adrian dives right in to his doomsday clock obsession by discussing his “almost constant electronic surveillance” of Dr. Manhattan and his teleportation abilities. He notes that Dr. Manhattan likely knows that Adrian is watching him and expresses his irritation that the good Doctor doesn’t seem to really care. Adrian sees the subtle smug smile that Dr. Manhattan shows when looking towards the hidden cameras as quite bothersome. I see this as another insight into this complicated character. He’s irritated because he’s jealous, no? The next page, taking place in March of 1981, shows a dark scene. Much to my astonishment, with no previous mention, Adrian is attending the funeral of his secretary Marla. With only a few people in attendance, Veidt says farewell stating, “I honestly do not know how I will get along without you.” Continuing to explain, Adrian says her unexpected death was ruled an accident as she apparently stumbled in front of a city bus on her way home from work. She died instantly. Suddenly I realize that my eyes have widened and my jaw has dropped! As Marla’s parents thank Veidt for all he had done for their daughter, I ponder on what his hired hitmen actually look like. Clean shaven, in a suit and all business, is the visual that comes to mind. However, I also envisioned said suit paying an average street urchin to accidently push Marla in front of that bus. While his limousine is leaving the funeral scene, Adrian reflects on Marla and states, “Her death had been tragic, but necessary. In the end, she knew too much.” If I didn’t know before, I definitely do now… Adrian Veidt is no hero. Jumping ahead one month, in a restaurant in Boston, Veidt sits across from Max Shea, the comic book creator noted in Watchmen as the writer for the bulk of Tales of the Black Freighter (Ch. 5; excerpt from Treasure Island Treasury of Comics, also Ch. 5). Veidt explains to Shea that he would like to produce a movie; ”The greatest science fiction film ever made,” and that he wants Shea to develop it. Once his interest is peaked, Adrian tells him the catch. Because they will be using “A whole new technology,” the film and those involved must be in complete seclusion for the duration of the project. Max thinks Adrian is nuts stating, “I have a life here, people I care about who care about me. I can’t just disappear on them.” In the end, money prevails, of course, and Adrian is pleased that he has secured the last piece to his creative team. I reflect back to Watchmen again and the mysterious disappearance of Max Shea noted in the aforementioned excerpt as well as a New Frontiersman newspaper article, where it is suggested that a Cuban conspiracy is behind the disappearance (Ch. 9; pgs. 29-32). [1] And, let’s not forget, mentioned in the same article, the missing head of the psychic and clairvoyant Robert Deschaines (AKA: the cloned brain behind Veidt’s squid-like telepathic creation). [2] At this point, my mind is racing with excitement and memories of the film crew being blown up in Watchmen (Ch. 10; pgs. 17 and 18). I contemplate on just how diabolical this backstory is and how well Wein took care to parallel it with the original works. Refined and sophisticated to be sure! The next couple of pages are on the island. Adrian and Max address those involved with the film as they arrive on the beach. Some pleasantries are exchanged before Adrian interrupts suggesting everyone get to work. Just after, a professor already at work on the island, begs Adrian’s attention sharing his hesitation to clone a human brain. Adrian assures him it came from a donated cadaver. Donated huh! Interesting choice of words for stolen. When questioned further, Adrian cuts off the scientist and says, “I’m looking for verisimilitude on this film, professor. I expect you to give it to me.” The page ends and both the professor and I are left with more than just hesitation… fear!  Back in New York, Veidt has an interaction with his new secretary Yvonne as she brings him the requested daily newspapers. He goes out of his way to let her know that she has “exceptional shoes to fill,” in reference to Marla. Sadistic much? One headline, distressing Veidt immediately, says that scientists have moved the doomsday clock yet another minute closer to midnight. Tick, tock! Noting time is of the essence, Veidt immediately visits his scientists. After hearing they have made significant progress on the electric vehicles, Veidt inquiries about the “Manhattan Project.” The scientists report they are getting closer, but need more “sophisticated facilities,” to further their efforts. Adrian tells them they shall have it and instructs them to get him a list. He also tells them to put all other projects on hold and states, “The clock is ticking gentlemen and it is getting louder by the minute.” I pause to mull over our own world’s Doomsday Clock… tick, tock! [3] Seven months later Adrian is in still in New York and cutting the ribbon on his Institute for Extra Spatial Studies as he states, “Where today’s greatest scientific minds can devote their time and energies to solving the mysteries of the universe.” Veidt then offers questions of the press. One in particular asks if the Institute was built to try and duplicate the quantum powers of Dr. Manhattan. Adrian quickly dismisses the notion as rumors and asks for the next question. I imagined him raging inside. Being undermined by Dr. Manhattan publicly, even if it can be easily dismissed, must drive him mad! The following page shows the famous Watchmen villain Moloch (Edgar Jacob) being released from prison. Veidt donned in his Ozymandias gear, meets Edgar at the prison gates with an offer. Moloch (AKA: the man Adrian gives cancer to then uses him to frame Rorschach) accepts Veidt’s proposal for a fresh start, moving his “Master plan… one step closer to fruition.” The next few pages, told from how Adrian envisions it, show the backstory of how The Comedian stumbles on Adrian’s island and his giant creature and how he later confronts Moloch upset by what he’s just seen. We’re whisked back to the pages of Watchmen verbatim (Ch. 2; pg. 22-23), yet with the artwork of Jae Lee, as The Comedian pours his heart out to Edgar. Having bugged Edgar as a precaution Adrian, listening in on the conversation from his fortress, hears everything. I think… wow, just as Adrian explains in Watchmen (Ch. 10 pg. 24), The Comedian truly did find all this out by accident, forcing Adrian’s hand. Veidt concludes that “Edward Blake is the original loose cannon” and though The Comedian apparently understands this sadistic vision, Adrian must alter his plans accordingly. Back in New York, Adrian dismisses his secretary for the evening and pulls a specific book from his office bookcase to reveal his private elevator. As he enters, Veidt states, “I have important business to transact tonight. Business that does not require an audience.” Donning all-black this time, Adrian sets out on his mission. Arriving outside Blake’s apartment building, he scales it to the roof and seeks to have his plans realized. He notes that though Blake is now in his 60’s, he is still a formidable opponent due to his continuing wet work tying up loose ends for the government which is how he stumbled on Veidt’s island in the first place. Biding his time, Veidt waits silently outside Blake’s door until an elderly couple passes by. He then takes a deep breath and makes his move. The door is kicked open with force to reveal a surprised Blake on the other side. Adrian ends by saying, “I do realize there is a terrible sort of irony here. This time, it seems, it is my turn to tie up the final loose end.” The volume closes with a final page depicting the last remaining piece of an Ozymandias statue in Egypt accompanied by a poem of the same name, written by Horace Smith. [4] It seems this self-anointed King didn’t stumble at all. In fact, he flew! I exhale slowly, ponder for just a bit then close the TPB in utter awe… full circle indeed! Character and Volumes Analysis It seems that many people would like to see Ozymandias as an anti-hero or even a hero, but I disagree. He is, all be it fascinating, a madman. He literally kills millions and for me the end does not justify the means. However, the overall outcome is rather compelling and one cannot help but wonder if wiping the slate clean, as it were, would truly work. After much consideration, I say maybe… for a time. Humans are, well… human. Despite our many good attributes, we’re also greedy, petty, demanding and pushy. I honestly think it wouldn’t take long for us to find our way back to hell post clean slate. Conversely, I do have hope. Hope that each new generation learns from the past, even just a little, and that one day, equality will be reached. Adrian Veidt doesn’t want equality. He wants to be the savior, a King and the answer. This backstory, showing his manipulation of the stock market, his vast fortune and having his hands in everything profitable, if nothing, proves this. Not to mention, anything philanthropic is really a cover for calculated plans. His own audio autobiography, though quite honest at times, neglects to truly point out that he obviously sees himself above those who would wallow at his feet. His self-anointed God-like complex is heavily sprinkled throughout as well, particularly visually. Additionally, his reasoned love for humanity goes completely against the fact that he has people murdered, gives them cancer and sets them up all for his own means to an end agenda, calling himself a hero along the way. He cares little for humanity save for pretending while trying to use whoever he needs to materialize his master plan. Finally, Veidt, since childhood has been alone and after losing Miranda, never appears to truly love again. A dysfunctional relationship, at best, with his secretary Marla was easily discarded when he determined that she knew too much. It’s a safe assumption that he likely decided to kill her quite some time before it unfolds within the pages. Cold and calculating since childhood, Adrian Veidt is a sociopath and a serial killer and quite frankly, l loved every minute of it! Reflecting on the series as a whole… Considering this prequel arc is written by someone who sat courtside to the creative process of the original works, I am overwhelmingly impressed. The tie-ins with Watchmen are flawless and spectacularly intriguing. I started out just trying to learn more about Ozymandias and in the process, I re-read Watchmen, re-watched the film adaptation, and finally, truly fell in love with this character. He is complex and layered and utterly captivating. I also intend to get my hands on the Doomsday Clock limited series and its origins in The New 52 and Rebirth. [1] To explain further, I am not sure I can say enough about the subtlety Len Wein uses when revealing keys to Adrian Veidt. Similar to Watchmen, the writing is straight forward yet multifaceted at the same time and I only see myself becoming more puzzled by this character as time goes on. Another exciting feature is how Wein flawlessly pivots on the fourth wall. Adrian Veidt is often talking directly to the reader while other times it seems the author himself is giving us his own insight to Veidt’s thoughts. It’s a beautifully delicate blend that I only truly noticed upon a second read. Lastly, starting from childhood hooked me immediately. For I am a firm believer that what we experience in those young and fundamental years, shapes who we become as adults. I also very much enjoyed the artwork. Shades of black mixed with bright colors and standard panels mixed with circles allowed Jae Lee to convey multiple stories often times within just one or two pages. Furthermore, within the pages and on Lee’s covers, we see a very different depiction of Ozymandias than in the original works, all with great character affection making every page, cover to cover, visually enjoyable and mentally stimulating. In regards to covers alone, all of the artists do an excellent job. Each giving considerable insight into this character. In some ways even more than the pages themselves. All are compelling, but with this prequel focused entirely on Ozymandias, I found myself falling in love with Lee’s depictions which detoured me in the beginning simply because it was different. My overall opinion is that Wein’s writing and Lee’s art blend beautifully. A final thought. Throughout reading this series, I continually pondered on just exactly why Alan Moore would speak out against other adaptations of his work. He, himself, has worked on characters he didn’t create such as Batman and Superman and I can only imagine how honored he felt to do so. And although he doesn’t like Hollywood or the American comic book industry [2], one would think he would welcome the praise from those who strictly admire him in the comic sense. To explain further, I believe you can’t be one of the most influential contributors to the genre and not expect re-creations to imitations and everything in between. That’s the reward and conversely, the curse of recognition. Maybe there was more strain and strife in the creative process than we are aware of and by the end Moore was ready to be done. However, he has also objected to his other works being adapted, like From Hell (2001) and V for Vendetta (2005). [3] Simply put, critically acclaimed or not, I personally feel just having someone try to pay homage, should be considered flattering. Maybe Moore has read some or all of the Before Watchmen series… maybe not, but I can wholeheartedly say, he should! Epilogue Well, I did it! Not only did I finish Before Watchmen: Ozymandias, but I also dove headfirst into some of the other characters including Rorschach and The Comedian. And, as previously noted, I also re-read Watchmen which is just as compelling now, in this politically divided world, as it ever was in the 1980’s. It seems as a society, we are always on the brink of some sort of world annihilation, and just like within the colorful, yet grey in thought, pages; nukes, mass genocide, human peril and war are still on the forefront of human suffering. Adrian’s clean slate vision could literally and continually be applied throughout human history. It is only fitting that the essence of his character lies with ancient Pharaohs, Kings and conquerors.
It will be quite interesting to see what the highly anticipated HBO series, which premieres tonight, will bring us. A letter penned by showrunner and primary writer Damon Lindelof, on Instagram, is touching to say the least. [1] It’s clear he understands the polarization of prequels, sequels and any other interpretations of Watchmen. Additionally, in absolute true Doctor Manhattan fashion which is… Just. So. Cool. Lindelof shows his love and admiration for these priceless works. I can only hope that he, along with Jeremy Irons, bring even more depth to this wonderfully intricate character and the overall Watchmen universe! If you hung in for the whole thing, read one or two volumes, or simply read the prologue and skipped to the end, thank you for taking this journey with me. It’s been an honor to flesh out this character and I look forward to seeing how the coming doomsday clock story will play out on the HBO small screen. [2] Until then, who’s watching?? Tick, tock! Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #56 - 'Volume VI: Nothing Beside Remains' Writer/Artist: Len Wein/Jae Lee; Publisher: DC Comics Volume VI:
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Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner Volume V: These Lifeless Things…!  Catch up on the journey so far, by way of Juanita’s reviews of Volume I, Volume II, Volume III and Volume IV. Continuing the train of thought at the end of Volume IV that he must save the world, adding to his ongoing autobiography, Adrian Veidt states, “Permit me to let you in on a little secret… being the smartest man does not, by extension, automatically make you creative.” And, in this reader’s opinion, it doesn’t always make you smart either! The cover and one variant (both Jae Lee), shows Veidt as his Ozymandias alter ego opening his costume at the chest to reveal a business suit. It’s a creative way to blend the two while giving us insight to the pages ahead at the same time. The second variant (Jill Thompson), is much more simplistic than its predecessors. However, the fact that it depicts a fully-grown Ozymandias with Bubastis by his side, while holding a small earth in his hands, carries a lot of weight symbolically, if not literally as well. Maybe another godly reference? This time to the Titan Atlas who carries the heavens on his shoulders, a burden bestowed by Zeus? [1] With a book in his hand, a stack at his feet and the multiple screens in the throne room filling the background, Adrian focuses his mind on a solution, his solution, to saving the world from itself. With his traditional meticulous nature, Adrian spends the next several months pouring over every science fiction novel and film he can find; ”Searching for that certain spark that would inspire my master plan.” With no luck and growing frustration, Adrian finishes and decides to begin again. It must be there he decides. “The fate of the world, after all, quite literally hung in the balance.” With another call back to Watchmen, Adrian finally finds what he’s looking for in the TV series The Outer Limits. I reflect that while researching the use of The Outer Limits in the original works, I found that at one point in the creative process, Alan Moore and Len Wein discussed the similarities to their innovative Watchmen story and a specific episode of The Outer Limits – “The Architects of Fear” ultimately deciding to include a nod to the series and episode in their own pages (Ch. 12; pg., 28). It seems this fact was pointed out to Moore by Wein [2], and I wonder, could this be Wein’s way of solidifying his stance on the issue. Would Moore disapprove? Additionally, Zak Snyder gives his own nod by showing The Outer Limits playing on the TV at one point in the film adaptation. In said episode, designed to frighten humanity into joining forces to impede their inevitable doom, a group of scientists change one of their own into an alien being. The scientists fail. However, Adrian becomes obsessed with correcting their failure, watching the story over and over. Finally, a solution presents itself… think bigger than the scientists. Much bigger! Adrian immediately goes to work instructing his secretary Marla to retrofit one of his facilities into a “state-of-the art bio lab.” Once the lab is finished, Adrian starts splicing DNA and experimenting to create and “appropriate alien” for his master plan. It is here we see the creation of Bubastis named after the ancient Egyptian city that worshipped the god Bast. [3] I crack a smile at the odd “MROWER” of the new being and Adrian requesting that Marla have the lab reset and purchase a “very large supply of kitty litter.” Following this, upon reflection with a young Bubastis perched on his shoulders, Adrian realizes, though the smartest man in the world, he is not “knowledgeable enough to do what needs to be done.” Again, calling Marla by stating “I have need of you,” Adrian instructs her to purchase a remote island. When Marla questions this, Veidt assures her he is serious and simultaneously tells her to ready his jet for a trip, noting, “It seems I have some business in London.” I ponder on Marla, Veidt’s secretary and lover, once again… she is quite literally at Veidt’s beck and call, though their interactions seem emotionless. Does he use her for sex? To dominate him as a means of giving the smartest man alive a release from his, all be it self-created, demanding world? Does he actually have feelings for her? The next page picks up 26 hours later in the British Museum. Veidt has donned his vigilante gear and is appearing before a group of thieves. I can only assume this is the business he was referring to leading me to wonder just how long he’s been on the trail of these thieves in the first place. Once the thieves are dispatched, Dr. Manhattan, out of the blue (no pun intended!), presents himself, apparently having been watching the whole time. When asked why the good Doctor didn’t join the fun, he replies, “There was no point. You were winning. You had won. You have always won this fight.” A thought-provoking insight into Dr. Manhattan for sure. Does he already know the outcome… at least on some level? Yes!! The Doctor asks if he can speak with Adrian, away from where they are now, in private. Regarding the talk for his autobiography, Adrian refers to discussions of quantum singularities and the ending of the world. However, he tells the listener that now isn’t the time to discuss and that “the substance of it will become all too clear before we’re done.” Obviously eluding the coming events that unfold in Watchmen. Moving several months into the future, we pick up with Adrian and Marla on sandy shores. She has found the requested island, secluded and away from any normal shipping and merchant routes. Adrian is quite pleased, and Marla says, “Thank you, sir. I assume your appreciation will be reflected in my annual Christmas bonus.” Without a single acknowledgment to her statement, par for the course I conclude, Veidt instructs Marla to have the island removed from any existing public records, having it “quietly disappear off the map if humanly possible.” Furthermore, he gives her a list of buildings he wants started immediately. He tells her to hire local labor men for the majority of the work simultaneously giving each of them only pieces of the big picture and paying them to keep quiet about it. Marla looks the plans over saying it may take years. To which, Veidt replies, “So long as the doomsday clock stands still, Marla, we have all the time in the world.” In January 1971, we see Veidt at his fortress where he has started spending more of his time. Keeping up with the news, he sees that President Nixon decides to deploy Dr. Manhattan to quell the Vietnam struggle. Adrian says, “there is no turning back now.” A few short months later, the remaining Viet Cong adversaries surrender. A visually pleasing single page shows Dr. Manhattan in his oversized form with a red cloudy background and a couple Vietnamese soldiers shaded in all black in the bottom corner. I note that the artist Jae Lee consistently uses this black shading throughout the entire series with great affection. With just a few dark shadows, he brings an entire scene to life. I love it! Adrian records that just as he predicted a decade prior, from then on, thanks to Dr. Manhattan, the entire world will live in fear of the United States. The doomsday clock is moved one minute closer to midnight… another prediction coming true.  Jumping to January 1975, President Nixon proposes an amendment to the constitution that, if passed, will permit him to run for a third term. Viewing this news from his New York office building, Adrian sees this as crossing the line and instructs Marla to schedule a very large press conference in his office.
Dressed as Ozymandias, Veidt addresses the public and reveals his identity. When asked why he chose now to reveal his alter-ego, Veidt states, “Once President Nixon unleashed Doctor Manhattan on Vietnam, the rest of us masks quite honestly became superfluous.” A word not used enough in this readers eyes! He goes on to say that he figured he could do a lot more good as a wealthy businessman versus a masked avenger. A reporter asks if it’s all about the money and Adrian says, “In the end, isn’t everything?” I want to disagree, but sadly know that he’s right. Continuing the press conference, Adrian, now having removed his costume to reveal a business suit, just like the volume’s cover, tells the reporters that he intends to use his new found free time to focus on Veidt Enterprises. Regardless of Veidt’s public reveal, the other Watchmen continue to fight crime. As a hint of the turmoil to come, by the spring of 1977, the New York City Council denies the police force a raise. Adrian reflects with Marla that this will not end well. Two days later, the entirety of the police force goes on strike. Tying into the original works again, riots ensue. Adrian decides to don his old alter-ego to help. Somewhere in SoHo he comes across a young man spray painting the now infamous who watches the watchmen on the side of a building. Not quite finished, Ozymandias instructs the kid to stop while philosophically discussing the statement by saying it’s a reasonable question. He goes on to state, “The phrase comes from Latin: quis custodiet ipsos custodies?” Unaware of who this Ozymandias character is, the kid basically disregards Veidt and threatens him with the spray can. Frustrated that he has been forgotten after only two years, he resumes his usual calm behavior and conversation while preparing his “trusty stiletto.” Unleashing it, the spike pierces the spray can causing it to explode in the boy’s face. With little to no regard for the child he has injured, Veidt, turning to leave, tells the kid to “remember this moment the next time you consider committing public vandalism.” On first glance, I am not sure why the author decided to include this piece other than to pay homage and/or point out the origins of the phrase itself. It’s a bit superfluous (*wink*) since this definition is actually shown on the last page of the original Watchmen series. [4] Upon further thought however, I must point out two things: 1. the clever way Len Wein mixes praise for the phrase while simultaneously providing more insight into Veidt’s psyche. To explain further, Adrian is so dead set on saving humanity from itself yet he cares nothing for injuring a child that truly posed him no threat. Puzzling! All while said child is showing the reader the theme of the entire Watchmen series, who watches the Watchmen, and no one… no one is watching while Adrian attacks this kid. Not to mention Veidt’s bruised ego with not being recognized. 2. The kid sure looks a lot like a younger version of the one reading Tales from the Black Freighter in Watchmen (AKA: the story within a story said to parallel Adrian’s journey by Moore himself) [5]. Inserted by Len Wein on purpose I presume?? There’s a lot to unpack in this small space and to think, I almost dismissed it as fairly insignificant when it’s truly diabolically fascinating to say the least! Moving forward down the block, Ozymandias comes across some looters. He warns them, as we’ve seen him do a few times now, to return what they’ve taken, to no avail. He quickly takes out the loud and large leader. The others hastily restock the shelves and Veidt leaves the riot stricken New York City streets. By the following morning, the city council, basically having no choice, give in to the strike. Adrian notes that the damage alone will cost the city more than if they had just given the raises in the first place. Marla replies, “A dollar the irony is lost on them.” Adrian tells her to never bet on a sure thing. I find this to be an interesting insight here since his ego won’t let him think that his own plan is otherwise anything but a sure thing… no? Marla goes on to mention rumors of Ozymandias on the streets during the riots. Adrian says that “Should those rumors help to increase the sales of our new Ozymandias action figure line that hits stores tomorrow… well, so much the better, isn’t it?” Obviously, the boy tagging the wall bruised Veidt’s ego by not even recognizing him, and it makes me wonder if not wanting to be forgotten, is what spurred the idea for the action figure line in the first place. This time, I conclude, it certainly has nothing to do with money! Is this why Adrian took to the streets during the riots? I decide, it unquestionably wasn’t to actually help people! Into the following week, Adrian is meeting with Dr. Manhattan and they discuss the progress on a teleportation device. Dr. Manhattan reviews Adrian’s work and tells him that he’s getting close. When the Doctor excuses himself and disappears, Adrian slyly points out that dozens of hidden cameras recorded the Doctor’s teleportation bringing Veidt ever closer to his goal. The final page shows Veidt and Marla on the streets of New York. Mentally reflecting that even though he hasn’t quite yet figured out the teleportation powers of Dr. Manhattan, Adrian notes that he has made good use of many other things he learned from the Doctor. Marla points out that Veidt has had a hand in virtually every advancement the city has seen do date. “All for the betterment of mankind,” Veidt states. Focusing on this page filled with technological wonders around the city, all I can think of is what does the term savior truly mean, entail, or require? Picking up a newspaper that says “Keene Act Passes!” the news stand proprietor says, “Guess you got out while the getting was good, huh, Mr. V?” Adrian, with a dark stare, simply replies, “That my good fellow, remains to be seen.” Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #5 - 'Volume V: These Lifeless Things…!' Writer/Artist: Len Wein/Jae Lee; Publisher: DC Comics Volume V: Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner Volume IV: Shattered Visage…!  Catch up on the journey so far, by way of Juanita’s reviews of Volume I, Volume II and Volume III. Depicted on his self-reincarnated Karnak temple, slash fortress throne in Antarctica, the cover and one variant (both Jae Lee), gives us an idea of how Veidt sees himself. Confirming this thought, the second variant (Mike WM Kaluta), looks to be a naked statue of Ozymandias, appearing to be Alexander the Great, balancing on a ball analogous to what we saw Veidt do at the Red Cross charity event in Volume III. At this point, I’ve decided that one could do a full character analysis just on these original and variant covers alone! “Autobiography continued, December 29, 1960,” Adrian dives right into his crime fighting on the dark streets of New York. He reflects on his fellow vigilantes and notes that comparatively, his acts of heroism are purely selfish… to improve his skills and occupy his evenings. In almost an effortless fashion, Len Wein has slipped in a key piece to Adrian’s psyche. He doesn’t seem to care that he’s actually helping people. Rather, he’s fixated with the overall impending doom and that somehow, he’s the only savior. This is perplexing for the blatant hero contradictions alone. This reader ponders… apparently, for Adrian, as depicted here and in the original works, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few and I feel an eye roll coming on! After vanquishing a particularly nasty gang called The Flying Tigers with ease (and ego), Adrian leaves them tied up for the police slipping “back into the night…” Moving into the New Year, due to his status, we see Veidt attending John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. We also see him being thanked by Kennedy for helping his campaign and meeting the First Lady. As he departs, Veidt detects “an oddly familiar face” speaking with the President. Calling him Eddie, Kennedy moves to embrace this man while Adrian, with an arched eye of suspicion, notes a cold chill. Edward Blake, I presume… The next scene shows the fortress. Several weeks have passed and Adrian continues his deep dive into Dr. Manhattan by asking to see “all new recorded footage.” It’s here we get a small taste of just what Dr. Manhattan is capable of as he annihilates a band of thugs under “master criminal Moloch,” by reducing them to atoms. Adrian notes that the good Doctor seems to have very little regard for human life which concerns him greatly. I can’t help but think how ironic this is given this is the man who fights for justice to “improve his skills” and later takes millions of lives to suit his maniacal plan. Does he truly believe he is a god and has any greater right over someone like Dr. Manhattan? Jumping ahead to the spring of 1962, Adrian is in attendance to the 45th birthday party for President Kennedy. Marilyn Monroe occupies the majority of the page with her now infamous rendition of happy birthday. [1] After her performance, Veidt is introduced to Miss Monroe by Kennedy. He quickly notices her close interaction with both the President and his brother Robert. A week after the birthday event, Nite Owl reveals his identity on television and a short time later as himself, Hollis Mason, releases his autobiography, Under the Hood. I fondly think back to Watchmen and how they use excerpts from this book to give insight to the original Nite Owl (Ch. 2 and 3). While Adrian is reading this vigilante’s accounts in his throne room, the many screens interrupt him with the death of Marilyn Monroe. Ruled a suicide from barbiturates, Veidt thinks otherwise and that this is; ”somebody tying up loose ends.” Cut to October, we see depictions dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis [2] and Adrian noting the hands of the doomsday clock being adjusted. He is interrupted by Marla with visitors asking if Veidt can get ahold of Ozymandias immediately at the President’s request. Later, in the Oval Office, Ozymandias presents himself to the President. Kennedy addresses him as Adrian and he admits that hiding his identity from the President was futile. I imagine Veidt as somewhat surprised and simultaneously impressed that the President knew his identity. Candidly, the President tells Veidt the U.S. is on the brink of nuclear war and he’s considering sending Dr. Manhattan “to put an end to the problem.” Wanting the advice of the world’s smartest man, Kennedy asks, ”should I?” Adrian, delighted the President has asked him for input, counsels against it stating, “Once Doctor Manhattan is used for something like this, there’s no turning back.” They conclude the conversation with Ozymandias offering to personally look into the matter. By the end of the crisis, just as Adrian predicted, the Russians back down. They remove their missiles from Cuba in exchange for the United States removing its own from Turkey. The page ends with Kennedy thanking Veidt while the next page picks up 13 months later in Dallas, Texas. Shots are fired! [3] Three days later the presumed gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, is gunned down by Jack Ruby during a transfer by police. The day after, with news on his multiple screens about the Presidential assassination, Veidt studies all the recorded footage. Searching for something amiss, sadly, Veidt comes to the conclusion that “not even the world’s smartest man is able to predict everything.” Just like Watchmen, the parallels to real life are whimsical. In fact, even more so here since the story isn’t changed drastically like with Nixon and his extended Presidency. Instead, knowing the past is set both in real life and in Watchmen, Len Wein merely infuses this history to seamlessly include Ozymandias, who obviously isn’t aware that The Comedian is the real assassin… fantastic!  In the coming pages, during the following spring, we see Hollis Mason’s protégé, the new Nite Owl and Rorschach make their individual debuts. I happily acknowledge that in true fashion, Nite Owl is light on his feet and Rorschach is heavy with his fists, each dispatching criminals in their own way.
By the fall of 1964, we catch up with Veidt in his New York office building. He entertains a couple of men from his labs and they present him with a new fragrance. Marla, puzzled, asks, “We’re making perfume now, sir?” To which Veidt replies with statements of diversification and how Marla would be surprised at what he has planned for the company. Testing the smell of said perfume, Veidt approves stating “that’s it. That’s finally it” and orders mass production in time for the holidays. When again questioned by Marla what it is he smells in this approved concoction, he sadly says, “nostalgia.” Is it Miranda? Another love perhaps? I think back to the male lover in Volume I and the androgynous marketing used in Watchmen (Ch. 10; pg.31 Veidt Enterprises correspondence regarding Nostalgia). Maybe a different smell from his past; a warm summer breeze of flowers, a certain stop with his father? His mother? Either way, the author has once again brought my thoughts back to the original works (Other references include: Ch. 3; pg. 7 Nostalgia billboard ad, Ch. 9 cover and throughout, and), and I love it! [4] The last few pages of this volume center on the Watchmen themselves. Silk Spectre makes her debut on the west coast in 1965 then moves to New York a few months later. By April of ‘66, on a routine criminal pursuit and capture, a policeman presents Ozymandias with an envelope from Captain Metropolis. When asked by the policeman what’s in the envelope, having been invited to a meeting, Ozymandias replies, “maybe, just maybe officer… a new hope for the future.” Upon arriving to this meeting, Ozymandias sees a room full of masked vigilantes. A one page shot shows Dr. Manhattan, with Janey Slater by his side, Silk Spectre, seated on the end of a desk, Rorschach facing Captain Metropolis and The Comedian seated nonchalantly reading a newspaper. Parallel to the original works, this meeting plays out in more detail told from Adrian’s perspective rather than Dr. Manhattan’s (Ch. 4; pg. 17). At the helm, Metropolis begins the meeting by thanking everyone for coming, revealing his true identity as Nelson Gardner and welcoming everyone to the “first ever meeting of the Crime Busters.” He continues by pointing out that the country hasn’t had any masked heroes since the Minutemen who disbanded in 1949. Finally, he makes note that “specialized law enforcement is standing still. Crime isn’t.” While Metropolis is giving examples, The Comedian, still reading the newspaper says “bullshit.” Blake then verbally attacks the idea or rather Metropolis himself while Nite Owl and Rorschach chime in, each with specific viewpoints. Nite Owl believes pooling their efforts is a good idea. Rorschach doesn’t disagree, but questions the size of the group as “too big and unwieldly.” Ozymandias begins to suggest that with the right person, organizational structure will solve the problem. Cut off by The Comedian, Blake states in a questioning manner, “Oh, an’ I wonder who that would be? Got an ideas, Ozzy? I mean, you are the smartest man in the world right?” I ponder on just how much of an asshole The Comedian truly is. So much pent up anger, tons of arrogance, and don’t get me started on that self-righteous attitude of his. However, to some extent, I must commend a man for calling it like he sees it and The Comedian is the epitome of this. “Ozzy” goes on to say, “It doesn’t take a genius to see that America has problems that need tackling.” Blake mocks the idea that said problems are small enough to be handled by the likes of this group. I hate to agree with this asshole, but seriously, he might be right. The banter continues. Ozymandias pointing out that nothing’s impossible and intelligence is all it takes. “Which you got in spades, right?” Blake fires back. He then continues, calling the group a joke using Moloch as an example; that getting rid of him doesn’t matter or solves the problem. Rorschach begs to differ but The Comedian persists lighting Metropolis’ display on fire while noting that “It don’t matter squat because, inside thirty years, the nukes are gonna be flyin’ like maybugs and then Ozzy here is going to be the smartest man on the cinder.” He then makes his exit leaving Metropolis frantically upset about his display. The rest of the room, apart from Ozymandias, begin to leave with Metropolis trying to stop them to no avail. At the bottom of the page, a final close up on Veidt and his thoughts; ”and that was the moment I realized: that somebody had to be Me.” I marvel, for the seeds of the doomsday plan shall soon be sown! Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #4 - 'Volume IV: Shattered Visage…!' Writer/Artist: Len Wein/Jae Lee; Publisher: DC Comics Volume IV: |
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