Rorschach Arkham Release

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Lee Bermejo's work on *Before Watchmen: Rorschach* (2012–2013) was a collaboration with writer Brian Azzarello, continuing their partnership that began with *Lex Luthor: Man of Steel* (2005) and the *Joker* graphic novel (2008). In this limited series, Bermejo provided interior art and cover art, depicting Walter Kovacs in a story set before the events of the original *Watchmen*. The series explores Rorschach's uncompromising nature and his violent pursuit of justice. Bermejo's artistic style, honed through earlier projects like *Batman: Noël* (2011) which he both wrote and drew, brought a gritty, detailed visual approach to the character. Bermejo's career also includes drawing the Superman story in *Wednesday Comics* (2009) and launching *Suiciders* for Vertigo and *We Are Robin* for DC Comics in 2015.

In Their Own Story

In *Before Watchmen: Rorschach*, Bermejo and Azzarello crafted a narrative that delves into Rorschach's early vigilante career. The story follows Walter Kovacs as he investigates a series of murders connected to a conspiracy involving political figures and organized crime. Bermejo's illustrations capture the grim, rain-soaked streets of New York City and the shifting inkblot patterns of Rorschach's mask. Key moments include Rorschach's brutal interrogation of suspects and his confrontation with a villain known as the 'Bogeyman.' The series ends with Rorschach's journal entries, hinting at the paranoia and moral absolutism that define his character in the original *Watchmen*. Bermejo's art emphasizes the physical toll of Rorschach's lifestyle, showing scars and wear on his costume that reflect his relentless pursuit of truth.

Reader's Guide

For fans exploring Bermejo's *Before Watchmen: Rorschach*, the series is best understood as a prequel that expands on Rorschach's backstory without contradicting the original *Watchmen* timeline. Key issues include #1-4 of the limited series, published from 2012 to 2013. Bermejo's interior art is notable for its use of heavy shadows and detailed linework, which he developed through his self-taught approach. The collaboration with Azzarello mirrors their earlier work on *Joker* (2008), where they similarly explored a villain's perspective. Readers should note that Bermejo also drew variant covers for *Action Comics* #1000 (June 2018) and contributed to *All-New X-Men* #25 (2014) and *Daredevil* vol. 2 #100 (2007) for Marvel. His style is consistent across these projects, characterized by realistic proportions and atmospheric lighting.

Did You Know?

• Lee Bermejo's first credited comics work was in *Gen13* #43, published in September 1999.
• He collaborated with writer Brian Azzarello on three major projects: *Lex Luthor: Man of Steel* (2005), *Joker* (2008), and *Before Watchmen: Rorschach* (2012–2013).
• Bermejo both wrote and drew the *Batman: Noël* graphic novel in 2011.
• He was nominated for a 2023 Eisner Award for Best Painter/Multimedia Artist for *A Vicious Circle*.
• Bermejo drew the 2000s variant cover for *Action Comics* #1000, released in June 2018.