Nite Owl Review

“No Such Thing As A Free Lunch”

To begin a comic as J. Michael Straczynski (J.M.S) and Andy Kurbert did was both clever, exciting and instantly inviting. Jumping straight to what mattered; The Nite Owl.

I loved the Watchmen series from when I first read the novel when I was 16 after seeing an extremely fantastic trailer for the 2009 film which all comic book geeks and fans alike were going mad for its arrival. But at the time I was a bit sceptical approaching this novel as it wasn't my normal genre of comics, I more often than not opted for the familiar Batman Stories such as Year One and Long Halloween (Which are both amazing reads) but I thought I would venture out of my comfort zone and read a critically acclaimed graphic novel.
I loved the novel, before I first picked it up I was unsure about the storyline so when I finally did begin to read it I enjoyed the experience of generally not knowing anything, all I knew was that these “heroes” had disbanded. I loved the mysteriousness and instantly was hooked, especially when I laid my eyes on the fascinating Nite Owl II.

So reading this comic was always going to be incredible for me, but it was one step better.

J.M.S has certainly excelled in this story, portraying Daniels father as a really nasty piece of work was maybe a shock to most people, including me. All Daniel had said about his father was that; “He left him a lot when he died.” Nor did he ever mention about his mothers abuse. I suppose even though it doesn't have to be said in the novel to be true, but I do think it was definitely a possibility. Fathers during the 60s were a lot more spiteful and discipline based, as compared to modern day society.

William's heart attack though was obviously a sad moment... but not for any one sane! Daniel and his mother didn't seem unhappy about his impending and inevitable death, cant say I blame them though... If anyone burnt my shrine including comics and memorabilia, and abused my mother, I think there would be some issues!

Hollis' approach to Daniel was another unexpected twist, he wasn't exceptionally friendly to Dan throughout the whole comic until he handed over his shrine. In the watchmen he seemed nothing like his earlier self, he seemed lovely and friendly just as I always imagined him to be.

I did love his first appearance in this issue of Nite Owl, his approach to crime fighting was excellent also, just wished he would have been less tough on the young Dan Dreiberg.

Rorschach's first appearance was “epic” to say the least.

He made me giggle like a little school girl when he first mummered: “Hurm”, and again when Dan snapped back: “Stop that.”

Andy Kubert as always brings everything to the table and nothing less, he always shows his amazing talent. He most importantly nailed the Nite Owls beautiful costume, it was flawless, even down to the utility belt and the symbolic night vision goggles.

J.M.S and Andy Kubert do remind me of the unlikely couple; ruthless J.M.S pushing the comic boundaries... While Rorschach pushes his victims down elevator shafts.

Andy Kubert, the silent but deadly artist and creator who puts no line wrong... Just as the Nite Owl knows all the ins and outs.

Overall Ratings

Story – 4/5 Art – 4/5 Surprise Factor – 5/5 Cover 4.5/5

Humour – 5/5 Emotional – 3/5 Recommend? – 5/5