Before Watchmen: Minutemen #1

Before Watchmen: Minutemen

by Darwyn Cooke (Writer, Illustrator), Len Wein (Backup writer), John Higgins (Backup illustrator)

Darwyn Cooke brings readers the tale of the Minutemen. Formed in 1939 by Captain Metropolis and Sally Jupiter, the team brought together some of the most well known crime-fighters of the era. But public glitz and glamour only hide the grim and gritty reality behind the masks.

“Little did we know that poor boy would lead to the end of us all.” Plus: Don’t miss the CRIMSON CORSAIR backup story by writer LEN WEIN and artist JOHN HIGGINS!

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

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Darwyn Cooke was an Eisner Award winning comic book writer, artist, cartoonist and animator, best known for his work on the comic books Catwoman, DC: The New Frontier and Will Eisner's The Spirit.

In 1985, Cooke published his first comic book work as a professional artist in a short story in New Talent Showcase #19, but economic pressure made him leave the career and he worked in Canada as a magazine art director, graphic and product designer for the next 15 years.

In the early 1990s Cooke decided to return to comics, but found little interest for his work at the major publishers. Eventually he was hired by Warner Bros. Animation after replying to an ad placed by animator Bruce Timm.

He went on to work as a storyboard artist for Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series, and in 1999 he animated the main title design for Batman Beyond. He then worked as a director for Sony Animation's Men in Black: The Series for a year.

DC Comics then approached Cooke about a project which he had submitted to the publisher years earlier which eventually became Batman: Ego, a graphic novel published in 2000.

The critical success of that project led to Cooke taking on more freelance work, such as X-Force, Wolverine/Doop and Spider-Man's Tangled Web for Marvel Comics and Just Imagine... Stan Lee for DC.

In 2001, Cooke and writer Ed Brubaker teamed up to revamp the Catwoman character. They started with a 4 issue serial "Trail of the Catwoman" in Detective Comics #759-762 in which private detective Slam Bradley attempts to investigate the death of Selina Kyle (AKA Catwoman).

The story led into a new Catwoman title in late 2001 by Brubaker and Cooke, in which the character's costume, supporting cast and modus operandi were all redesigned and redeveloped. Cooke would stay on the series, which was met with critical and fan acclaim, up until issue #4. In 2002 he would write and draw a prequel, the Selina's Big Score graphic novel which detailed what had happened to the character directly before her new series.
Cover to DC: The New Frontier #6.
Cover to DC: The New Frontier #6.

Cooke's next project was the ambitious DC: The New Frontier (2004), a six issue miniseries which sought to tell an epic storyline bridging the gap between the end of the golden and the start of the silver age of comic books in the DC Universe. The story, which was set in the 1950s, featured dozens of super-hero characters and drew inspiration from the comic books and movies of the period as well as from Tom Wolfe's non-fiction account of the start of the US Space Program The Right Stuff. The major DC characters are introduced in "The New Frontier" in the same order that DC originally published them, even down to the correct month and year in the story's timeline. In 2005, Cooke won an Eisner Award for "Best Limited Series", and a Joe Shuster Award for "Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist" for his work on the series.

Most recently, Cooke contributed to DC's artist-centric anthology project Solo. His issue (#5, June, 2005) featured several different stories in different styles with a framing sequence featuring the Slam Bradley character. In 2006, Solo #5 won an Eisner Award for "Best Single Issue."

In July 2005, it was announced that in 2006 Cooke and writer Jeph Loeb would produce a Batman/Spirit crossover, to be followed shortly afterwards by an ongoing Spirit series written and drawn by Cooke. Batman/The Spirit was ultimately published in November 2006, followed in December by the first issue of Cooke's The Spirit. In June 2007, Cooke and J. Bone won a Joe Shuster Award for "Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Artists" for their work on "Batman/The Spirit", and Cooke won "Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist" for his work on "The Spirit".

In July 2006, it was announced that Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics would release a series of direct-to-DVD animated movies based on important DC com

Reviews

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am rereading the whole Before Watchmen series, in anticipation of whatever DC will be throwing in their Rebirth era. I have started with Moloch and Dollar Bill, and now Minutemen.

This six-part series is written and illustrated by the late Darwyn Cooke. Issue one serves as an introduction to the members of the Minutemen, each having given a varied number of pages.

If you are a fan of Darwyn Cooke and/or have read Watchmen, Minutemen is highly recommended. This series treads on a new path, an almost standalone story to the group which precedes the Watchmen themselves.

With an average of three pages of exposure time per member, Cooke gives the right anount of backstory to them prior to the group being formed.

Cooke's art style perfectly fits this post-prohibition era. His is definitely not a Jim Lee superhero art, but delves more on the feeling of an uplifting, beautiful nostalgia of simpler times.

If there is only one Before Watchmen series I would recommend, it is Minutemen. The Dr. Manhattan series is the clear choice if one considers its relevance to what will eventually happen in the DC universe, but my vote goes to Minutemen in the quality department.

[Bert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darwyn Cooke’s brush work is very complimentary to that golden age era of superheroes that before watchmen focuses on. Its a solid story, one that doesnt hurt to read with Watchmen and also adds some interesting elements to some of the characters (particularly hooded justice)

[Sean Kottke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for issues #1-6, read together but not in the bound edition with "Silk Spectre." When "Before Watchmen" came out, I started reading all the series month by month, but abandoned the project after three months or so into the first set of mini-series. I didn't find the stories compelling enough - or enhancing my understanding of the "Watchmen" universe enough - to commit to the whole thing. Now that I can pick up each mini-series from the library and appreciate it on its terms, I'm more inclined to give it a second look. I started here, as I quite like Darwyn Cooke's style. No, it doesn't attempt to replicate the look of "Watchmen," and that's to its benefit, as it tells a story from the more optimistic Golden and Silver Ages, and shows how the world and its inhabitants are the same as they ever were or ever will be; it's just the way we represent them that has changed. The interweaving of flashbacks and stories within stories is masterful, and nearly each issue features a masterfully done full page grid subdividing the action within a single physical space seen in bird's eye view. My favorite bit is the meta-commentary on how superheroes ought to be represented in comics, mirroring the goal of the original "Watchmen."

[Letande D'Argon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The drawings aren't that good and don't fit the Watchmen universe at all. It's like your typical modern something with manga-like elements I never liked. Some pages were almost like Teen Titans. It's that bad. It doesn't fit the atmosphere and there's no charm of the original Watchmen. At all.

The story feels extremely boring and forced. It's like they just wanted to milk Watchmen a bit with this. It doesn't feel like there was a true reason to make this. The original Watchmen included everything you need to know about these characters. It was like the whole thing. This... most of the time it's just re-telling things we already knew from Watchmen. It's just this time we get more pictures. Which also ruins the charm. If you know what I mean. Like part of the charm of the original Watchmen was that some parts of the story were mentioned, but weren't shown. This one... it just ruins the whole feeling.

So, all in all, no. Just no. Forced, boring, completely needless and totally out of style. It's just your usual franchise milking.

[Rowan Charlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Issue 1 just feels like a re-introduction than the start of a story, the overall miniseries is strong with characters and direction. My only criticism is The Comedian is too nice here compared to his original appearance, and I feel it sidelines the attempted rape of Sally. I did enjoy Silhouette the most here, and while I prefer the Hooded Justice of the tv show sequel, I quite enjoyed the twist in final issue that left me wanting more.

I understand anything other than the original Watchmen has had controversy, but for me I enjoy the world and characters and just want to continue to explore it any way that is given. While we might not ever fully know whatever full story these characters could have had by Moore, there was a good attempt here at showing the team in their early days, prime and fall. Luckily I can also separate “canons”. If you can do that this Before Watchmen miniseries is worth a read.

[Ross Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not officially Moore-approved, this six-issue collection gives a glimpse of the glitz and glamour of the original group of superheroes, before Watchmen. We get a short introduction to the members of the crew (most of which have their own volumes in the "Before Watchmen" series), and how they came about and interacted. Some amusing fails from their early attempts to foil justice (remember these aren't superheroes, these are guys who donned a costume and went looking for trouble), leading up to a case involving the kidnapping and murder of children.
I'm not a huge fan of the artwork here, being quite cartoony, but it seems to fit the era OK.

[That One Rambler · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
A very enjoyable read, but rather unnecessary. Don't get me wrong: I loved Watchmen and am going through all the related materials I can find, but this novel went over some things hinted at by Watchmen that were much more interesting when left to the imagination. Regardless, Hollis Mason is one amazing man and this story really highlights that. A very heart-warming bromance between him and Byron, 11/10.

[Wisdom Wasp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent start to the series, the art in particular is exceptional and completely suits the golden er of comics at that time. The smaller panels also allow more story to fit in, im as much a fan of Image double page panels as anyone but the conic benefits. Some rather predicatable social commentary (thats not too bad, really) but besides not much to fault. if you can pick up a subtle and enjoyable comic book movie reference too

[Cameron (Mr. Sage) Kwong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m finally reading all of Before Watchmen and I have to say great start! Knowing what I know from the original comic, it’s fun to see what the Minutemen were like in their prime. And Darwyn Cooke was a perfect person for this story. I love his writing and his artwork. I can’t wait to read the rest!

[Daryl Mather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just started to reread the Before Watchmen series. They’re outstanding comics even if Alan Moore wasn’t involved.

To be honest, if the grand Wizard himself was a little less precious we would’ve had a lot more of his brilliant work to read.

[Dkolacinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of back stories is brilliant in both style and content, reflecting back on the golden age of super heroes but with critical eye.

[looneybooks79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A first introduction to the Minutemen in this prequel to the Watchmen!

[Deborah Replogle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the artwork. For some reason the plotline didn't grab me.

[Venkata Ramana Babu Redrouthu]

Good book

[Lser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this comic was nice, fast explaining some quick origins. Art was ok, the origins were alright.
Age recommendation: T/12+ due to violence
Rating: 7.5/10 or 3.8/5

[Lolo RA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Como precuela de watchmen, bastante bueno, pero no llega a estar a la altura de watchmen.

[Antonio Ruiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mid

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK, silk spectre story seemed a little lacking.

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to stop at the 50% mark. Started off really great–fresh writing and original concept. But the halt starts at about the 30% mark and never quite picks up again.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn’t look like Watchmen, but that’s good. It does, however, conjure that Watchmen vibe quite well. I’m curious to see where this goes.

[Abhinav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This is a guest review written by me for the Civilian-Reader blog.

My prior experience with Watchmen is limited to the 2009 film adaptation. I remember that it was an extremely weird experience, as I had no prior familiarity with it and I was rather confused for the whole of it. My friends helped fill in a few blanks later during dinner and then that was that. As you can no doubt tell, I was not motivated to go pick up Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ graphic novel and read the source material.

Recently, however, I’ve been getting back into comics after a rather long break, and when I heard that DC was planning a prequel phase, the Before Watchmen series, I was mildly curious. I like the idea of prequels, especially for things like these. To give but one example, Tolkien’s Silmarillion is one of my favourite novels ever; although it is almost entirely prequel stories set in Middle-Earth and in Valinor and our heroes of the original trilogy barely feature in it.

So when the Before Watchmen comics started releasing last month, I picked them up one by one: the first issues of Minutemen, Silk Spectre, Comedian and Nite Owl. I still somewhat prevaricated on this, and didn’t read them right away as I had some other reading commitments to get out of the way first.

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Considering that the Twitter grapevine told me this was a rather well-received issue, and as I’d already liked Cooke’s work with Connor on Silk Spectre, I once again went in with some high (though not too high) expectations. Comedian had killed off some of my enthusiasm by this point.

I was pleasantly surprised by this title. Once again, it was the art that spoke to me. As Connor did with Silk Spectre, so too has Darwyn Cooke pulled double duty here for the primary cover as well as internal artwork. Combined with Phil Noto’s colours, Minutemen #1 is a very satisfying visual experience that hooks you in all the way. The style is very clean and vibrant, and reminds me quite strongly of the art and graphics in the various DC animated shows. There is that light feel to it that was present in Superman: The Animated Series, and at times it also mimics the gritty feel of Batman: The Animated Series, although it is never quite as dark.

Combined with the great art, Cooke’s narration is very upbeat throughout. This is also unlike the other first issues, in that this is a collection of vignettes about each of the superheroes of the group that would later become the Minutemen. They are presented in the form of remembrances by the retired Hollis Mason (aka Nite Owl), as he thinks about his autobiography and of his place with the rest of the team. The best of these were with Ursula (aka The Silhouette), Sally Jupiter (aka Silk Spectre) and Hooded Justice.

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You can find the full review over at Civilian-Reader:

http://civilian-reader.blogspot.co.uk...

[James Mourgos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Minutemen issue with DC Comics’ “prequel” of Alan Moore’s and Dave Gibbons’ classic was nicely done. The problem I had with the original Watchmen were the many vignettes and breaking up the story into news articles – which is OK, but was overdone.

Rather, Darwyn Cooke (DC’s New Frontier, Richard Stark, etc.) does a great job of updating the beginnings of the Watchmen and reflects on what would happen if a team of heroes got together during the Great Depression. How would they get together?

The story starts out with a Mystery Man who is writing an autobiography and though his publisher is not really happy with it, gives the man pause to reminisce on his past pals – some becoming “heroes” due to their own insanities or love of profit, and others wanting to do something right.

Of all the vignettes, I loved the profit motive of Sally Jupiter – sexily drawn and fun to read. Another was the wasted hero Byron Lewis, whose addictions forced him into attempting to fly. Anti-heroes are included here too – Blake Edward, who busts a bar full of hoods but also busts the barkeep and keeps the change!

The retro look of Cooke's art is especially bright and sharp, with clear, deep inks and saturated colors with the tale of Ursula (Silhouette) which fight scene is pretty fierce, as she brandishes her guns and kicks some butt!

Bottom Line, loved the first issue of this mini-series. I was not a big fan of the Watchmen movie and though Moore’s comic series was well done, Cooke’s version cuts out the fat and gives us the meet.

DC Comics has a digital comic’s version where for an additional dollar you get a digital comics code number for online viewing. Each code is specific to that comic book. I did not get a chance to take advantage, but this sounds great for the comics industry which has been in print since the 1930s and really needs an upgrade.

At $3.99 a copy, you might be better off getting Minutemen #1 through a subscription service!

[Michael Emond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll try and keep this review short-ish, I love Darwyn's art and he is a solid storyteller. I love the original Watchmen by Moore and can only see these stories as something separate because pretending they are part of the Watchmen cannon would be like someone trying to add doodles to the Mona Lisa. So as independent stories I found them very readable but they did read like fanfic, trying to take the original characters and paint backstories on them that seem really out of place. Also, the twist at the end with the Comedian...um...okay. That was dark and very sick. And very forced. Really Darwyn's art is what saved this from being a 2 star. Very forgettable, but enjoyable as I was reading it. I will say I am of the crowd that thinks these "Before Watchmen" books need never have been written.

[Jota Houses · Rating 3 out of 5]

El conjunto de comics de la serie "Before Watchmen" oscilan entre la simple explotación de la obra original y, como en este caso, el cariñoso y respetuoso homenaje. Nada podía casar mejor con las aventuras de los Minutemen que el dibujo dinámico de Darwyn Cooke y su retcon del libro "Under the Hood" es a la vez respetuosa y sorprendente. Dibujo e historia encajan extraordinariamente y nos proporcionan una visión alternativa de la primera generación de enmascarados. Como pega, podríamos indicar que se echa de menos la visión de Cooke de algunos de los eventos que se describen en Watchmen y cuya elipsis en este cómic, perjudica su estatus de obra completa.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the 'Before Watchmen' series. I felt that the pace, tone and and themes were the most reminiscent of the original Watchmen novel. Themes such as the 'heroes' failings and moral ambiguity (especially Silk Spectre's and Dollar Bills greed and vanity as well as the general lust for violence).

I feel this is the only one that actually adds to the universe while many of the others you wondered why they bothered ('Before watchmen Rorschach/Comedian', Im looking at you!)

Plus I love Darwyn Cooke's art.

[João · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I was hesitant to read Before Watchmen due to Alan Moore's reaction to it. But eventually curiosity took over and I started. This series is about the first group of masked adventurers The Minutemen.
It is narrated by the first Nite Owl and I actually enjoyed reading it. There's a somewhat funny side to it. And the thing I liked the most about it was reading about the not so familiar characters of the Mothman, the Hooded Justice and the Silhouette. And you understand some of the reasons behind their final fates.
Overrall, not like the Watchmen but still fine reading.

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off the drawings are not that good .. drawings of dave gibbons were better than that in (it's time)
second i get the feeling that they're trying to make the minutemen more like the justice league, more super hero and not like they were originally a bunch of ordinary people wearing costumes trying to be super heroes.
i liked the crimson corsair tho .. looks promising

other than that i'm not really optimistic.

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

The presentation of the characters was good but I didn't like the illustration work at all and Under the Hood's epilogue sounded a little bit weird, strained.
But it was "The curse of the Crimson Corsair" what irritated me. It has no integration with the rest of the comic. It's a cheap immitation of "Tales of the Black Freighter" What purpose is it there for?

[s e n t i m e n t a l i t i e s olittlebear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uhm, what the heck is with the terrible little old timey piece at the end there?! But apart from that, really liked this. Yeah it's short but it's charming. Actually made me really like mothman. It's basically just a quick run down on your masked heroes.

[Adrian Bloxham]

No Stars, awful, I've read all six and won't be reading all the other Before Watchmen series, a cheap atttempt to make more money from pretty much the best stand alone story in comics. Read Watchmen not this....