Doomsday Clock #1 lenticular cover puts Watchmen art in motion

The clock is about to strike midnight for the DC Universe, and the influence of the Watchmen is going to be felt if the lenticular cover for the first issue of Doomsday Clock is any indication.

Considering that Doomsday Clock, the 12-issue maxiseries that reveals more secrets to Rebirth, includes Doctor Manhattan as an antagonist, it’s only fitting that the series should include some visual tributes to Watchmen.

The lenticular cover to Doomsday Clock #1 does that in spades. Revealed by DC Comics President and Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns — who also happens to be the series’ writer — on Twitter, the special cover features the mask of Rorschach morphing into the familiar logos of Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman when tilted.

The art used is actually repurposed from Watchmen and is by its artist, Dave Gibbons. Take a look and check out the effect for yourself:

Considering that Rorschach is pretty dead by the end of Watchmen (it’s not a spoiler after 30 years, people), he probably won’t be showing up within the series itself. But Doctor Manhattan definitely will be, since he’s been pulling some of the strings behind the Rebirth universe since the beginning for reasons so far unknown.

Superman is said to be the focus on the superhero side, but this cover implies that other heroes will be involved too, including the other members of the DC Trinity. The official synopsis for the first issue plays thing pretty close to the vest:

"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."

It’s going to be huge, that much is certain. Doomsday Clock #1 goes on sale on Nov. 22 with this lenticular cover and other covers by series artists Gary Frank. Ask for it at your LCS or wherever you get new comics.