Writer: Tom King
Artist: Jorge Fornes
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Rorschach is dead — has been for 35 years. So what does it mean when a man dressed in the oh-so-familiar fedora and mask makes an attempt on a presidential candidate’s life? Therein lies a tale rife with conspiracy theories, high-stakes political intrigue and moral quandaries that are anything but black and white.
Tom King wisely chooses to move the world of Watchmen forward rather than back, showing us what it looks like in the present day. He makes no attempt to ape the structure and style of Alan Moore’s masterpiece. Instead, King borrows the world and builds on it, taking Moore’s ideas to their logical conclusions in an updated context.
Likewise, Jorge Fornes’ style is completely his own. He nails the pulp noir style with heavy shadows and elegant line work, setting the scene for what is sure to be a mystery full of twists and turns. Yes, Rorschach is dead. But in the hands of this talented and passionate team of creators, the world that produced him is alive and quite unwell. Just as it should be.
Review by Harrison Stewart