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Dr. Manhattan
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Creation & Design

Dr. Manhattan was created by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons for the 'Watchmen' series, which was originally published by DC Comics. He was inspired by the character Captain Atom from Charlton Comics.

Early Years

Jonathan Osterman was a physicist who, after a tragic accident in an intrinsic field subtractor, was transformed into Dr. Manhattan, gaining god-like powers and a detached view of humanity.

Character Development

Over the years, Dr. Manhattan has evolved from a detached observer of humanity to a more complex character grappling with his identity, morality, and the implications of his powers on free will and fate.

Cultural Reception

Dr. Manhattan is widely regarded as one of the most complex and philosophical characters in comic book history, often cited in discussions about the nature of heroism and morality.

Character Details

Real Name:
Jonathan Osterman
First Appearance:
Watchmen #1
Aliases:
Manhattan, Jon
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
The Minutemen, The Watchmen, Veidt Enterprises
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Telekinesis, Teleportation, Manipulation of matter, Precognition
Equipment:
None
Weight:
unknown
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
none

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Watchmen #1
DC ⋅ 1986
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Watchmen #1
 
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Key Facts

Premiere issue of a twelve-issue series that explores the dark side of superheroes from a realistic, flawed perspective

1st appearance of Rorschach, Dr. Manhattan, Ozymandias, Silk Spectre, The Comedian and Night Owl

Alan Moore based his characters off of DC's newly acquired Charlton heroes: the Question, Captain Atom, Thunderbolt, Nightshade, the Peacemaker and Blue Beetle

[July 2023 - Warner Bros. announced an animated Watchmen feature is in development]

Watchmen #4
DC ⋅ 1986
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Watchmen #4
 
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Key Facts

Origin of Dr. Manhattan

1st appearance of Bubastis, a genetic experiment appearing as a mutated lynx

Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #1
1:200 ⋅ DC ⋅ 2012
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Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #1
 
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Key Facts

Variant cover art by Jim Lee featuring Dr. Manhattan

Doomsday Clock #10
DC ⋅ 2019
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Doomsday Clock #10
 
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Key Facts

Origin of Dr. Manhattan and how he connects to the DC Universe

Doomsday Clock #12
DC ⋅ 2019
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Doomsday Clock #12
 
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Key Facts

1st full appearance of Clark Dreiberg, the son of Mime & Marionette, raised by Doctor Manhattan

1st cameo appearance of Cleopatra Pak, an orphan destined to become a vigilante named Nostalgia

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