Doomsday Clock #4 — Questions and Theories

Doomsday Clock #4 was released today, and it gave some very necessary backstory to the characters of Doomsday Clock, and even expands more on characters from the original Watchmen. But while we did get many answers on the origins and motivations of characters, this issue did also bring up some questions. So, before I go any further, MAJOR SPOILERS for Doomsday Clock #4.

What’s the deal with Mr. Freeze?

Mr. Freeze is one of Batman’s most famous villains, due in part to his sympathetic goal of saving his wife from an incurable disease. However, we see that he’s currently locked up in Arkham. He is witness to a fight that Reggie is in, and seems disapproving and angry. While this could easily just be his cold-hearted nature, it seems as if he could be watching, and possibly studying the new inmate.

Where is the Mad Hatter?

An issue with these issues is that the Mad Hatter should be in his cell, but Rorschach is currently there. We also heard in the last issue that the Mad Hatter had escaped and had been caught again, meaning he should go back to his cell. While this seems like a small mistake, the Mad Hatter is able to control people, which can make him a very dangerous adversary. Although, his hat that can control people could be used much more dangerously than him as a person.

What is Jane Doe gaining for helping Rorschach?

For those of you who don’t know, Jane Doe is a pretty obscure Batman villain. She studies her victims personality and mannerisms before killing them and taking their identity. While it may seem that she’s just doing this again with Rorschach, that wouldn’t make much sense to escape and act as another former inmate. Clearly she has an ulterior motive, or somebody’s making her do this. This could be the work of Dr. Manhattan, who has been known to do things in certain ways so that he can be found. This is further evidenced by the fact that when Jane Doe and Rorschach leave, the famous picture of Jon Osterman appears out of nowhere.

Why is Dr. Manhattan’s picture in Arkham Asylum?

At the end of the issue, we see the famous picture of Jon Osterman fluttering down in the cell that Rorschach just escaped from. There was no evidence to suggest that Rorschach had ever possessed or even known about this picture. And just like in The Button storyline, an iconic Watchmen item is left behind where Dr. Manhattan was watching someone. We also know that Dr. Manhattan has been watching Ozymandias and Rorschach since they arrived, hence the reason The Comedian attacked Ozymandias last issue. So, what is Dr. Manhattan planning to do now that Rorschach has escaped? Knowing his mannerisms, I’d say he just wants to watch and see what will happen.

Is Rorschach going to become a villain?

While Rorschach obviously isn’t going to become part of Batman’s rouges galley, will he join forces with them? Currently he has no reason to trust Batman, as he was the one who locked him up in Arkham Asylum. Then, Jane Doe, one of Batman’s enemies, helped Rorschach to escape. This could also cause Rorschach to meet up with the Mime and the Marionette again, as they’ve gone on a quest to find the Joker. And, as we’ve seen from the cover of Doomsday Clock #6, Rorschach will encounter the Joker, but won’t be on his side. So, this could be Rorschach’s first reaction, but it’s more likely that the Joker will kill some innocent citizens, which causes Rorschach to reluctantly get back on Batman’s side. Batman can also be seen on top of the Building behind the two, watching the Joker being beaten to a pulp.