Will Mr. Oz Die Before 'Doomsday Clock' Begins?

The mysterious Mr. Oz has been long associated with the Watchmen tie-ins happening in the DC Universe...but the cover to Action Comics #992, shipping on the same day as Doomsday Clock #1, depicts Superman apparently mourning Oz's death.

The image, seen in the attached gallery, features the Man of Steel on his knees, seemingly in shock and sorrow, with Mr. Oz's Scythe in pieces in his lap.

What could this mean for both fan theories that he is Ozymandias?

Well, along the way, Mr. Oz has certainly made cryptic comments that seem to indicate that he is aware of Dr. Manhattan's actions...but it's really just reading between the lines that has led fans to believe he was with Manhattan.

Some of Oz's comments, especially foreboding comments about "him" (him, in this case, being generally assumed to be Manhattan), could just as easily have been taken as forewarnings.

Either way, it seems we will learn more in Action Comics's upcoming "The Oz Effect" storyline.

...And let's not get started on why it is that DC hasn't yet released the image of Action Comics #991...!

ACTION COMICS #992
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by STEVE PUGH
Cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Variant cover by NEIL EDWARDS

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details. Please see the August Previews for ACTION COMICS #991, also shipping in November.

"AFTER EFFECTS"! Crippled by the events of "The Oz Effect," Superman struggles to regain a sense of hope for humanity. As a strange new threat brews in the background, a faithless Son of both Krypton and Earth must make a choice: stay and fight for his adoptive homeworld, or answer a call from the stars.

On sale NOVEMBER 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T