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Before Watchmen: Rorschach is a 4 issue comic of the series Before Watchmen written by Brian Azzarello and art by Lee Bermejo.

The story follows Rorschach in New York City, 1977, where his crime-fighting activities cause him to be targeted by a crime lord running drugs and prostitution in the then-sordid Times Square. While focused on the gang, Rorschach makes the mistake of allowing another predator to operate unchallenged.

Issue #1[]

Synopsis

New York City. 1977. Dirty. Hot. Dangerous. This town is going to the dogs, and only one man has the guts to clean it up--Rorschach. But with a serial killer on the loose and a new drug lord looking to increase his territory, one man might not be enough.

Plot

"Damntown"

Backup comic

"The Curse of the Crimson Corsair: The Evil That Men Do...! Part One"

Issue #2[]

Synopsis

As a serial killer known as "The Bard" continues to stalk the streets of NYC, Rorschach is drawn deeper into his personal war on crime.

Plot
Backup comic

"The Curse of the Crimson Corsair: The Evil That Men Do...! Part Eight"

Issue #3[]

Synopsis

Rorschach continues his relentless pursuit of the criminal boss "Rawhead" even as "The Bard" continues to terrorize the women of Manhattan. Is there a connection between the two and can Rorschach stay alive long enough to figure it out?

Plot
Backup comic

"The Curse of the Crimson Corsair: Wide Were His Dragon Wings Part Eight"

Issue #4[]

Synopsis

In the thrilling conclusion to the limited series highlighting one of the most popular characters in comics, Rorschach comes face-to-face with the crimelord Rawhead, even as a serial killer closes in on the only thing Rorschach cares about.

Plot