Watchmen #3: The Judge Of All The Earth

Watchmen #3

by Alan Moore (Writer), Dave Gibbons (Artist), John Higgins (Colorist)

Nite Owl and Silk Spectre continue to grow closer after Laurie storms out on Jon. Plus, a shocking accusation prompts a game-changing decision from Dr. Manhattan, and Rorschach continues his attempts at piecing together the puzzle left in the wake of Blake's murder.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Comic Book, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Science Fiction

35 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Alan Moore is an English writer most famous for his influential work in comics, including the acclaimed graphic novels Watchmen, V for Vendetta and From Hell. He has also written a novel, Voice of the Fire, and performs "workings" (one-off performance art/spoken word pieces) with The Moon and Serpent Grand Egyptian Theatre of Marvels, some of which have been released on CD.

As a comics writer, Moore is notable for being one of the first writers to apply literary and formalist sensibilities to the mainstream of the medium. As well as including challenging subject matter and adult themes, he brings a wide range of influences to his work, from the literary–authors such as William S. Burroughs, Thomas Pynchon, Robert Anton Wilson and Iain Sinclair; New Wave science fiction writers such as Michael Moorcock; horror writers such as Clive Barker; to the cinematic–filmmakers such as Nicolas Roeg. Influences within comics include Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kirby and Bryan Talbot.

Reviews

[Sandee is Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually thought the story was going to focus more on Rorschach, but it seems to be going in a different route.

So far, I am really intrigued with Jon and Laurie's relationship. Of all the members of the team, Mr. Manhattan's the most interesting.

It's weird though, how he doesn't age. His color is pretty weird too. I wanna know more.

[Rodrigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta vez habla sobre el Dr Manhatan y los peligros de una inminente guerra nuclear con URSS.

[Ben-Ain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presentación en condiciones del personaje que más incógnitas plantea. Grande Dr. Manhattan!.

Review final en el volumen de la saga completa.

[A. Raca · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌟

[May Be · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the parallel story-lines and the dark political theme around them. The "UNDER THE HOOD" part was great again. I'm looking forward to see the "Black Freighter" again. I can conclude Alan Moore is some kind of genius in narration terms.

[Leon Enciso · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5

[Rachel MacNaught · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waning a bit on this one, though I knew Dr. Manhattan was going to be a weak point for me. I don't enjoy Data/Spock-esque characters beyond in satire or slow built horror. I'm a mirroring sort - there's nothing there for me to emote with.
Unsure where the plot could be heading, but held together by the excerpts at the end of each volume.

[Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

shall not the judge of all the earth do right
-Gensis chapter 18 verse 25

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

(sing-song) I saw Dr. Manhattan's little blue thing-y!

Ok, ok. Childish and immature moment is over.

Seriously, though, I'm starting to wonder where exactly this story is going. There are a ton of characters, and I'm still working hard to keep them all straight in my head. There was an actual super-hero-ish fight in this one, but it wasn't of the BAM-WHACK-POW variety. I mean, the heroes weren't even in their super suits at the time.

Where are the VILLAINS???

Full review HERE.

[Aleksandar Janjic · Rating 4 out of 5]

У добром дијелу ове епизоде неки млађани црнац чита неки стрип који је посудио из трафике, а одмах поред њега газда трафике нешто коментарише и приказани су нам исјечци из тог стрипа и то двоје се ПРЕПЛИЋЕ и то је ИМПРЕСИВНО. И уопште у свим епизодама има доста тог такозваног преплитања и сл. ствари.

Од дешавања која се овде дешавају споменуо бих прво да се Роршах појављује недопустиво мало, практично само реда ради, у једној јединој сцени кад посјети лика с наочалама што га је у филму глумио Патрик Вилсон. Као друго, доктор Менхетн је попио ногу од своје женске јер се током сексуалног односа мултиплицирао и једну од копија упослио да ради некаква истраживања и њој (женској, не копији) није пријало то што нема његову НЕПОДИЈЕЉЕНУ ПАЖЊУ. Након тога је отишао у неку емисију гдје су га нешто изнападали и оптужили да дијели ракове около, мислим ракове као болест а не као животиње, јер су нашли да је много његових бивших познаника/љубавница задобило ту опаку болест и ваљда је он некако за то крив, шта ли. То је било превише за њега и након те емисије одлучио је да пошаље све у мајчину и, поново ко од мајке рођен, оде на Марс. Ето.

[Mahdi Sharifi]

شاید بهتر باشه از این به بعد امتیاز ندم به شماره‌های مختلف مجموعه. یه جورایی مثل نمره دادن به قسمتای مختلف یه سریاله که به نظرم چندان جالب نیست. البته سریال قائدتا محتوای بیش‌تری داره و امتیازدهی به هر قسمت راحت‌تره. ولی تو این کیس هر شماره به اندازه‌ای محتوا نداره که بشه امتیاز داد.

تا الان که چیزی نظرمو جلب نکرده و مطمئن نیستم که تا آخر ادامه‌اش بدم یا نه.

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave Gibbon's illustrations felt a bit outdated (or vintage, which they hahaha) but the way he creatively setups and layout pannels feel quite cinematic and are so dynamic that you speed through it.

[Vikas · Rating 4 out of 5]

So 3rt part of the series and whoever is planning the stuff did so brilliant as they are able to take out one of the biggest thorn in their side with ease. Also, the other tracks the stranger and ongoing wonderful story in the end this one is very well made comic indeed and the praise is unworthy.

I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This issue finally gives the readers a little naked-blue action aka the most powerful being known on Earth - Dr. Manhattan. He is able to manipulate the atomic structure of any object and is therefore basically a God. But God's have feelings and humanity played a dirty trick on poor Dr. Manhattan.

[Jacob Helberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I love! Dr. Manhattan, Mr seemingly invincible flees to Mars because he can't handle himself. Maybe he's actually a really good dude but he seems shady and after the cancer revelation I was happy to see him take some flak from the reporters. Looks like the world is going to end without him though. Yikes...

[catita (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) · Rating 3 out of 5]

estar chato y decidir irte a marte porque podís nomás: el sueño

[Jinx:The:Poet {the LiteraryWanderer & WordRoamer} · Rating 4 out of 5]

[REVIEW FOR THE SERIES...]

Watchmen (Vol. 1-12)

"Who watches the Watchmen?"

Watchmen was a very interesting read and I’m glad to have finally gotten around to it. While I really appreciated some aspected such as the gritty world and symbolic, satirical plot line, there were times when it really didn’t live up to the hype surrounding it, at least not in my opinion. When compared to V For Vendetta, one of Moore’s best in my opinion, it just didn’t cut it for me, nor strike me with anything really meaningful afterwards. This is going to be a really hard one to rate and review for me— but here it goes.

P.s. If haters wanna hate, please go hate elsewhere. ;)



"This Hugo Award-winning graphic novel chronicles the fall from grace of a group of super-heroes plagued by all-too-human failings. Along the way, the concept of the super-hero is dissected as the heroes are stalked by an unknown assassin.

One of the most influential graphic novels of all time and a perennial best-seller, Watchmen has been studied on college campuses across the nation and is considered a gateway title, leading readers to other graphic novels such as V for Vendetta, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and The Sandman series." -Book Blurb



Because I’m reviewing the entire series, and want to avoid an overly long review as well as story spoilers, in this review I’m just going to cover a few things, some things that stood out, things I liked, things I didn’t etc.



In the beginning of Watchmen the readers are introduced to this dark world, an alternate history, and are initiated into the story through the mysterious and grim character of Rorschach, whom I instantly liked albeit his strange attitude and growingly apparent fact that he was lacking some amount of sanity. He operates outside the law, as superhero’s are outlawed by the government. The mystery was compelling enough, the world is very dark and interesting.



As the story goes on we are introduced to other ex-heroes like Nite Owl II, (who seemed ironically a parody of Batman), and Ozymandias, as well as heroes contracted by the government such as Doctor Manhattan (the only actually superhuman in the series), The Comedian and Silk Spectre II. While the characters were interesting at times, most notably Doctor Manhhattan and Rorschack, many of the others felt dull to me, like bland caricatures.



One aspect I disliked was the weird, and seemingly pointless romance between Silk Spectre II and Nite Owl II. It felt creepy and out of place, boring me and ultimately jarring me from the otherwise interesting plot. Why was it necessary to bog the plot down with their awkward affair, (including facts about his erectile dysfunction)? What was perhaps meant to flesh out the side characters, just ended up feeling like a lot of filler material. Bleh. It slowed the overall momentum for me.



Another irritant was the issue concerning the backstory of Silk Spectre I and The Comedian, and the flippant way her sexual assault/rape was dealt with. It felt only a cheap tactic used to give the readers a twist later on, which was obvious to me miles away, and ultimately felt an easy way to manipulate the reader and story. It did not have that effect on me. The matter was not handled very tastefully, in my opinion. Silk Spectre I’s response— or lack thereof—to the crime against her made the writing and overall story have a very misogynistic undertone, which continuously reared its head throughout the following issues.



That continuous feeling was highlighted and accentuated by the apparent uselessness of most of the female characters, who rarely if ever, contribute to the story in any meaningful way. Not to mention the fact that so few women were present at all, the story tiresome by their lack of contribution. One obvious exception being Silk Spectre II’s pleading with Doctor Manhattan on Earth’s behalf later on, even then he probably would have come to the decision on his own, given how his mind worked. So perhaps I’m reading between the lines here, but that’s how it struck me. It didn’t sit well, and I’m overly used to comics using women in the usual ways, to titillate as eye candy and fan service, serving no real purpose. I guess I expected more, too much, from something hailed as an innovative masterpiece.

Moving on.



There were things I did really like, though the story was bogged down with politics, propaganda and misogyny. I really like the satirical take of the golden age superhero story, the way the story makes you think about things in a different light, albeit a very pessimistic—dare I say—nihilistic light. I like the jaded hero perspective. The art was very fitting and did a good job setting the overall tone, even though it wasn’t as pleasing on the eye. It conveyed the general vibe of the plot really well.



I loved the fact that the series read more like a mystery noir novel that a traditional action comic book. I really enjoyed the characterizations of Rorschach and Doctor Manhattan the most. I LOVED Doctor Manhattan’s backstory. It was so epic and philosophical; those chapters really made me think. While Rorschach’s background was very sad, it was also a bit underwhelming, considering how much I loved his character. He made an excellent anti-hero.



Overall, I really enjoyed it, but could not say I loved it by any means. I appreciate what it means to the world and legacy of comic books and graphic novels, I think it changed the industry in many ways, not all for the better, but in many ways it was good. I liked how original it was. I like the philosophical mindset it gets you in. Some of the characters were so memorable, but the bad somewhat equals the good for me. There was a lot of filler material that felt tedious to read through, dragging the story out. As much as I enjoyed it, I also felt annoyed by it. I felt it was lacking in some pivotal areas, where it could have done more. Many of the characters were so unlikeable and dull, like cardboard cutouts. Seeing how much depth Rorschach and Doctor Manhattan had, I think all of the characters had that potential as well.



So I guess I’m in a love-hate thing with Watchmen, no matter which way I slice it, I can’t seem to pick a definite stance. I was pretty disappointed with the ending. I would recommend reading it, to appreciate the leaps Watchmen gave the genre of graphic novels, and for the interesting plot and setting, but in my opinion V for Vendetta was better in most regards.

[VOLUMN RATING: 4 STARS]

[OFFICIAL RATING: 3.5 STARS]

[Tawfek · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmmm iam confused on what to say about this issue
the other story that was running along side the main story of the watchmen i felt it was not presented in the right way by the time i got to the rest of it i had forgotten what i read before
the completion of Hollis memories was kind of boring until they finally got to mention the appearance of Dr.Manhattan and Ozymandias
anyway cant wait to read the remaining 9 issues

[flaams · Rating 4 out of 5]

poor dr manhattan. poor planet earth.

[Shibin k · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going in depth with the flash backs.
I know why Zack Snyder could easily turn it into a movie, it has used advanced way of graphics and scenes as if we see a movie.

[Index Purga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watchmen 3 of 12, Collector's Edition
pág. 0:
créditos #3
pág. 1:
THE JUDGE OF ALL THE EARTH
Pág. 29:
UNDER THE HOOD V. by Hollis Mason
Pág. 33:
créditos editoriales

[Michael Sorbello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in an alternate history where costumed heroes have helped shape society since the beginning of time, the controversial yet prolific costumed hero Edward Blake (more commonly known by his alias The Comedian) is found dead and the perpetrator is nowhere to be found. Unable to solve such a bizarre murder by conventional means, the masked vigilante Rorschach who once served as a costumed hero alongside Comedian and four others takes matters into his own bloodstained hands to track down a mysterious assassin that's taking out costumed heroes one by one. Conspiracies abound, political tensions are through the roof, the threat of WWIII is lurking just around the corner and the gritty and depressive atmosphere of a rotting New York City during the 1980's sets the scene for a grim dissection and criticism of classic superhero archetypes.

Watchmen redefines the term superhero. With the exception of Dr. Manhattan, none of them have any notable powers. The Comedian is merely a grotesque reflection of American society and all its shameless faults, as well as how misguided patriotism can be used to justify mindless violence and prejudice. Rorschach is a vigilante who throws around the words good and evil to justify his brute force and questionable methods of solving problems. Silk Spectre is a normal woman struggling between following her own path in life and forever remaining trapped in the shadow of her mother's legacy. Nite Owl almost feels like a comedic parody of Batman, poking fun at the fact that he's an awkward old nerd that loves owl-themed gadgets and dressing up in what is essentially a big Halloween costume. Dr. Manhattan is the embodiment of how power, knowledge, wealth and limitless freedom to do anything imaginable can alienate and dehumanize a person from the rest of the world. All of the superheroes are extremely flawed everyday people with everyday issues and imperfections who hide behind masked personas to cope with the questionable acts they're performing and the faulty morals behind them.

The heroes of this tale defy the image of flawless paragons of justice that can do no wrong. They are just as capable of being selfish, abusing their powers and doing evil things out of spite and unchecked negative emotions as everyone else. This critiques the very idea of putting idols on a pedestal in the first place. This can be compared to the famous actors, pop stars and politicians of today. It's easy for people to treat the words and actions of their idols like the words of God himself, forgetting that they're ordinary people with many imperfections just like everyone else. Again, most of the Watchmen have selfish reasons for hiding behind their costumed personas, because they feel powerless, guilty and ordinary without them. What does it say about who you are when you can't even show yourself in public without hiding behind a carefully crafted disguise? Why wear a mask if you're in the right and have nothing to hide?

All of this deception and abuse of authority is where the popular slogan (Who watches the Watchmen?) comes from. The people in power are constantly watching and judging the actions of the average person, but who are watching and judging the actions of the people in power? The people in power punish us for our wrongdoings but who punishes the people in power for theirs? Dismantling the infallible images that figures of authority try to maintain, dissecting issues of confused morals and identities hiding behind literal and figurative masks, tearing the veil from the one-dimensional definition of superheroes, all of these things are masterfully challenged in the shape of a dark psychological crime-thriller with many timeless themes that go harsh on politics and society.

Our heroes and leaders are never the flawless, perfect beings we romanticize them to be.

***

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[Simbasible Comics · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Judge of All the Earth is the third issue in the twelve-issue series Watchmen, written by Alan Moore and drawn by Dave Gibbons.

This issue is pretty much a Dr. Manhattan story. It is disappointing that Rorschach continues to get sidelined after the very first issue, but this story has to juggle a lot of characters, mostly succeeding. It is revealed that Manhattan gave cancer to his lovers due to his radioactive powers, so he is accused by the government itself.

This all leads to his personal exile on Mars, where the majority of this issue takes place. In what was the biggest SF element so far, the Martian setting was wonderfully utilized through gorgeous illustrations and a particularly potent metaphor for loneliness and exile. The introspective nature to these panels was brilliant and it made for quite a moody issue.

I found the political elements with the Russians and the eventual war less interesting and standard, but overall the graphic novel continues to flow smoothly and deliver in both emotions and character development. Laurie also got a meaningful arc here while Manhattan’s exile will definitely impact the story significantly from now on.

As for that final section, it’s inferior to the ones before it, but it still offered an interesting, important look into the disintegration of the superhero team and masked heroes in particular. It distinguished smartly the differences between earlier comics and later ones, the former lacking and the latter having fantastical elements. It was, thus, a great history lesson in a graphic novel that continues to be pleasingly postmodernist and deconstructive.

The Judge of All the Earth isn’t as essential as the previous two issues, but it still offers great illustrations, a terrific character arc for Dr. Manhattan and a moody, introspective atmosphere that really worked.

[Javier Lárraga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me encanto como es que en este número el autor logró meter una dinámica en la que un narrador omnisciente que interactuaba tanto en un comic que leía uno de los personajes, como en la historia principal y tambien la manera en que desarrolló las relaciones interpersonales de varios de los protagonistas y a la vez hacerlos avanzar en un conflicto que parece que será de proporciones apocalípticas.

Llegados a este punto creo que ya cualquier cosa que diga es un spoiler así que solo tengo que decir que aunque este tercer volumen es algo flojo si lo comparamos a los primeros 2 (debido a que la historia se esta realizando en el presente en el que ya todos los conflictos han sucedido) creo que este comic se esta poniendo cada vez más interesante y es un excelente número de trancisión hacia algo más interesante por lo que parece.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bello, bellissimo... Penso di aver compreso lo stile e adesso riesco ad apprezzare davvero il modo di raccontare. Nel secondo capitolo i flashback si mescolavano al presente in un modo anche elegante (adoravo le inquadrature dei personaggi che avevano la stessa posa ma il cambio di sfondo 'spiegava' il tempo e luogo diversi...) ma comunque banale... In questo terzo capitolo, fantastico!, il presente si mischia seguendo più scene (tra cui un fumetto che un ragazzino sta leggendo). Le parole di un luogo, lì inutili e ovvie, sono perfette, ironiche, geniali per cosa sta succedendo altrove. Non si può raccontare niente così in un romanzo, la sceneggiatura qui è più affilata e il messaggio arriva forte e chiaro, meglio che con le parole. Ancora una volta quelle sono solo una cornice, un accessorio alla storia.

[Pedro · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Bueno, creo que este issue me gustó de verdad, comencé a conectarme con la historia en todo sentido.
Me gustó mucho que se enfocara en el Dr. Manhattan, y en sí la forma en que está narrada lo encontré un acierto porque pudimos ver al personaje desde distintos ojos (la relación con Laurie, los otros Watchmen, su papel en la situación geopolítica).
Un plus también que el tomo traiga al final un fragmento de “Bajo la máscara”, el libro que escribió Hollis Mason (Búho negro), que ayuda a conocer no solo el contexto en el que se originaron los Minutemen, sino el antes y el después que generó el mismo Dr, Manhattan).

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Dr Manhattan

Like the previous ones, the last pages of prose annoyed me when I saw them and I was going to just skip them, but actually these ones were more exciting as they related how Dr Manhattan appeared in their world. Liked that a lot.
Love the graphic novel part of course!

[Brew Schmuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like the Black Freighter bits. Perhaps there’s something I am missing, but it just felt like a weight making the story harder to digest. For that I’d put this as the weakest edition thus far.

[adrianO C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusta el cómo se va contando la historia, y nuevamente el fragmento final de Hollis Mason, le da un toque a la historia que te hace entender el mundo en el que se desarrolla la historia, antes y después.

[Joseph Knecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the biggest hero, the one that is supposed to prevent humanity from radioactive war, gets accused of causing cancer, it is humanity that suffers.

When nuclear heads wear down into Manhattan, the doctor is on another planet.

In the final judgment, we are all alone.