Rich Johnston Kills Gay Couple, Denial Is Next Step
One of the famous questions about Watchmen (the book, not the film) has always been just what the hell really happened to Hooded Justice and Captain Metropolis? WHile we are told explicitly what the world believed happened to them, the art seemed to tell a different story.
From Rich Johnstons Lying in the Gutters:
Including one theory that the characters Captain Metropolis and Hooded Justice faked their deaths and live, anonymously, as a couple.Hooded Justice "disappeared." Captain Metropolis was "decapitated." There is evidence in the "Watchmen" comic (and indeed referenced in the opening titles of the "Watchmen" film) that the characters were gay. The people in this panel are certainly comparable, their bow ties are drawn to resemble the domino mask made popular by Robin, and they are rather in the forefront of the panel, attracting attention.
This theory was made popular by James Gifford when he published a pamphlet illustrating his theory and observations. And it seems so perfect doesn't it? A little Easter Egg hidden in "Watchmen" for those to find it - a potential happy ending for two minor characters.
So naturally, I had to spoil it all. I e-mailed Dave Gibbons to ask. He replied, "That wasn't our intention, but it's such an interesting and plausible theory that I'm reluctant to deny it!"
I agree. I think we should collectively decide that it's intentional and forget what was actually intended. Fate conspiring against the creators. Agreed?
Well, damn. I always thought it was a nice little tip of the hat that these two heroes were living happily together, even if they had to keep it a secret. My sense of denial is pretty damn strong after all these years, so I'll probably go on believing that these two heroes are living together win wedded bliss, but it's unfortunate that it was not intended by Moore or Gibbons.
Goblin
Posted to Comics on 23 March 2009
· Comments (2)
Other stuff like this: Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Rich Johnston, Watchmen
Yes, it would be lovely to think that Hooded Justice and Captain Metropolis ended up growing old and happy together, so they could die in the holocaust that was New York City after the "alien" arrived.
Personally, I say that it IS Rolf and Nelson enjoying a lovely dinner together. As it was mentioned in the article proper, Dave Gibbons is a VERY careful artist, and Alan Moore is a VERY careful writer. Neither of them does anything unintentionally. I don't think this was unintentional. I think this was yet another mystery for the keen-eyed to unravel, and the fact that it's taken this long adds that much credence to it.
Okay...now we need to figure out how the Silhouette survived.