“Watchmen” Sequels on the Horizon?

It’s one of the most respected and influential comic books (and later graphic novels) of all time. For years, we’ve had the original 12 issues of the “Watchmen” universe and nothing more involving the characters.

But now with the visibility of the big-screen project and a changing of the guard at DC, it appears we could be in more “Watchmen” in the near future.

According to Bleeding Cool Comic News, Dan DiDio, SVP-Executive Editor at DC considers “Watchmen” a pet project and wants to return to the universe created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons with multiple prequel comic miniseries and ongoing spinoff projects.

Moore and Gibbons would be given the right of first refusal on the project and many within the comic industry feel that Moore would have little or no interest in returning. (Moore and DC have had a significant falling out since “Watchmen.”) If they both refuse, DiDio is courting other storytellers and artists for the spinoffs and prequels.

While some creators are reticent, the argument goes if there are a number of Watchmen spinoff projects, any blame or shame can be spread on many shoulders. The sales are expected to be massive, whatever the hardcore fan reaction and such expected sales benefits will be shared amongst the creative teams.

Both Jim Baikie, Rich Veitch and Gene Ha/Zander Cannon are artists who have taken on writing chores on books previously written by Alan Moore, to continue the storyline. The most creatively-acceptable solution would be Dave Gibbons writing and drawing new Watchmen titles. But DiDio’s plans seem much larger than just one book.

Part of the sudden interest by DC may be a clause in the contract to bring “Watchmen” to the big-screen. That clause allowed for sequels. But with no other material available, there’s nothing to develop.

This could give Hollywood the fodder it needs for more “Watch