'Doomsday Clock' rumors: Ozymandias to become the Joker?

Promotional art for "Doomsday Clock" DC

Ozymandias appears to be getting the last laugh in DC universe, as rumors and theories lead to the "Watchmen" antagonist becoming the Joker in "Doomsday Clock."

According to Screen Rant, the early development of Adrian Veidt a.k.a. Ozymandias' story points to clues that show how it might be a Joker origin story. The website has pointed out several clues, the most notable of which was Veidt's dialogue regarding his failed plans to unite the people of the world once and for all. In this scene in the graphic novel "Doomsday Watch," Veidt monologues that his response to this was laughing uncontrollably until it hurt.

This led to some fans speculating that he may indeed be going insane to the point of being parallel to the Crown Prince of Crime.

Another big hint that Veidt might be being set up to become Joker in "Doomsday Clock" is the big reveal that he is sick, specifically due to a tumor the size of a ping-pong ball growing in his brain. Many have found this ironic as Veidt is the smartest man in the world in "Watchmen," and his most precious possession ever is his brain and intellect, both of which he has used to outsmart the most inquisitive and powerful members of the Watchmen such as Rorschach and Doctor Manhattan.

It can be assumed that Veidt's tumor is located on the right side of his skull and near the front. This puts the disease at the supervillain's frontal lobe, which is responsible for problem solving, spontaneity, memory, language, initiation, judgment, impulse control, and social and sexual behavior.

Most importantly, the frontal lobe is also used to control facial expressions. This could mean Veidt might soon be brandishing a signature Joker smile. It is not yet clear how Veidt got the tumor, but planting it is something Doctor Manhattan can do, so Veidt looking for him in the first issue of "Doomsday Clock" could also be driven by his desire to have it removed.

Whether these speculations are accurate remains to be seen in the future issues of "Doomsday Clock." The second issue arrives on Dec. 27.

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