Now that’s more like it! ‘Before Watchmen: Nite Owl’ #2 was much better than the first issue. J. Michael Straczynski explored the partnership between Rorschach Nite Owl, as well as delved into both their pasts in flashbacks, which is exactly what I said I wanted to see more of in my review of the first issue, so thanks for listening, JMS!

Aside from learning more about Danny Dreiberg’s past, and a bit of Walter Kovacs’ as well, we’re introduced to The Twilight Lady, the madam of a high-priced call girl operation and an old flame of Nite Owl’s that never actually appeared in the original comic in person until now. She’s also featured in the video game ‘Watchmen: The End Is Nigh’, which also followed our heroic pair during their exploits together.

One of the best parts of this issue was Danny’s interaction with the bullies when he was young. The original Nite Owl was such an inspiration to him to never give up, even though he was getting quite the beating. It was a powerful moment that somewhat reminded me of the scene in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ where Steve gets into a fight in the alley of the movie theater. Well done, I’d say.

This issue definitely redeemed the series for me. I think it’s worth picking up now to see what happens next. JMS recovered very nicely from the stumble that was issue one, so I’m curious where things go from here with Twilight Lady and so forth.

Verdict: Buy

 

BEFORE WATCHMEN: NITE OWL #2

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

Art by ANDY KUBERT, JOE KUBERT, & BRAD ANDERSON