After yet another two-month gap between chapters, Geoff Johns, Gary Frank and Brad Anderson have all finally returned with the latest issue of Doomsday Clock. With one delayed issue after another, will Doomsday Clock be able to retain readership and interest as the months go on? As the first six issues have been released, thus commemorates the halfway mark of this series, a year still remains until this tale concludes (for those who haven’t been following closely, the creative duo decided to make the title bi-monthly, releasing every other month, due to artistic constraints on Frank’s behalf earlier this year). With one slow-burning issue after another, the focus of readers seems to be waning due to the delayed issues, regardless of how great the actual story is, but the sales will show where interest truly lies.

A picture, as the saying goes, tells a thousand words, and legendary artist Gary Frank brings stunning detail that speaks volumes into each and every panel. Whether it’s simple character moments or over the top action, his master pencil work makes every page stand out. His use of movement between panels adds a cinematic aspect to the series, giving off the impression of the images moving on the pages. Always bringing an eye for dynamic shots, Frank continues to fire on every cylinder and displays why there was no other choice for this series. Even without Johns’ words at times, Frank’s ability to sell emotion and tension with his stunning character work and panel layouts is what truly make this series as great as it is. Without Frank on art, the relationship between Mime and Marionette, for example, would carry less weight and be a much harder sell. The colorwork of Brad Anderson is not to go unnoticed; the grit and action of Frank’s pencils are brought into being with the glorious colors of Anderson.

As per usual, Geoff Johns brings great work to the shelves, even though it is completely undermined by these obligatory delays. This issue takes its time and lets readers finally get to know Mime and Marionette, similar to issue four with the new Rorschach’s origin story. Johns manages to continue the plot forward, while sharing a tale from the past, something the aforementioned issue didn’t do. Unfortunately, it is the slow pace, coupled with the delays, that end up being the detrimental aspects of this issue.

The series will continues to drudge along through this next year, as readers finally reach the halfway point. Issue seven is solicited to have huge revelations about Doctor Manhattan and his involvement with the DC Universe, but, between the last six months of very little happening and having to wait yet another two months until September, reader anticipation has began to wear thin as the Doomsday Clock inches ever so slowly toward midnight.

Grade: B-