Late Reviews: Before Watchmen: Rorschach #2 Review

BEFORE WATCHMEN: RORSCHACH #2

by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo

"Go to hell."

"Plan to. As soon as you give me  the directions."

If there's complaint I have about Rorschach #2, it's that Brian Azzarello does little to distinguish Rorschach from the Punisher. This could have 'easily been an issue of the Punisher, if it took place in the 80's. Thankfully, the criticism ends there. Azzarello can write a pretty dark story. Out of all the Before Watchmen books, I think that this is the most brutal, only being matched by the Comedian (also  written by Azzarello). Azzarello has made  80's New York the pure definition of hell. Just reading this can make  you want to avoid the city. But that's what he's going for. This is a city where murders are an everyday occurrence. The citizens are so accustomed to muggings, that it doesn't warrant a second look.  The mystery of the Bard is mentioned only in a newspaper clipping, so Roschach's war on Rawhide takes  the spotlight. And it gets bloodier.

What is there left to say about Lee Bermejo's art? It's... Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Some of the best art you can lay your eyes on. If you don't like the story, get the book for the ART.

Rorschach #2 could easily be the Punisher, but if you can get past it, you've got an awesome read sitting in your hands.

STORY: 4/5
ART: 5/5
VERDICT: 4.5/5