Episode 84 – Watchmen Part 2: Issues 4-6

Like clockwork, our four-part gaze into the abyss of Watchmen continues as we analyze the hidden meanings of the inkblots contained in issues #4-6, written by Alan Moore, drawn by Dave Gibbons, published by DC Comics! Alone on Mars, Dr. Manhattan examines his past, jumping back and forth through time as he recalls the accident that gave him his godlike powers. Back on an Earth growing increasingly fearful of atomic conflict, a homeless Laurie Juspeczyk moves in with lovestruck Dan Dreiberg and Adrian Veidt survives an assassination attempt. Meanwhile, the outlaw vigilante Rorschach, framed and arrested for the murder of the former villain Moloch, tells prison psychiatrist Malcolm Long who he is and how he came to be. Can this overmatched analyst shake off the all-consuming darkness of his patient's pitiless worldview? Can Curt make it through the episode with a sore throat? (Spoiler: Yes!) And can our heroes survive being thrown into that atomic disintegration chamber known as ... The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: The Watchmen TV show trailer Manhattan and Rorschach as Superman and Batman analogues Strangeness and charm Chekhov's time-lock test vault The weird passivity of Dr. Manhattan The fearful symmetry of Fearful Symmetry Hey, that guy carrying the sign! He's ...! The cultural influence of Rorschach The Watchmen Hostess Fruit Pie parody ad Saturday Morning Watchmen The Whimper of Whipped Dogs by Harlan Ellison The Reversible Man by Alan Moore The Death of the Red Mask from Animal Man # 7 Judgment Day and Other Stories: Illustrated by Joe Orlando Join us in two weeks as we march toward Armageddon with a look as issues 7-9! Until then, why not peruse our new spring line of Comics Canon merchandise? We also invite you to check out King Krackle from our friends at Category 4! Last but not least, please be so kind as to rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!