Before Watchmen

comic book series

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July 20, 2026

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The Before Watchmen comic book series consists of prequels to the original Watchmen graphic novel. The original Watchmen, created by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics from 1986 to 1987, was a groundbreaking work that deconstructed the superhero genre. It explored the complex, morally ambiguous lives of superheroes and how they would realistically impact the world. The series posed questions about power, morality, and the human condition, featuring characters like the sadistic Comedian, the sociopathic Rorschach, the detached Doctor Manhattan, and the messianic Ozymandias. The Before Watchmen series, launched in 2012, delves into the backstories of these characters, though Moore disavowed any connection to them.12

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Watchmen
Reprints, sequels, and media adaptations
…of titles released under the Before Watchmen banner. The comics served as prequels to the original series, and Moore, having broken virtually all ties with DC, disavowed any connection with them. During the “DC Rebirth” event in 2016, DC integrated the Watchmen characters into the mainstream DC universe.
Read More
…of titles released under the Before Watchmen banner. The comics served as prequels to the original series, and Moore, having broken virtually all ties with DC, disavowed any connection with them. During the “DC Rebirth” event in 2016, DC integrated the Watchmen characters into the mainstream DC universe.
Read More