Doctor Manhattan

Doctor Manhattan (Dr. Jonathan "Jon" Osterman) is a fictional DC Comics character created by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons. He debuted in the limited series graphic novel, Watchmen.

After a laboratory accident, atomic physicist Jon Osterman gains the ability to observe and manipulate matter at the subatomic level. The U.S. government dubs him Doctor Manhattan due to his immense destructive potential. As he explores the extent of his powers, Jon becomes increasingly detached from his personal life and his understanding of the human experience, which dehumanizes him. Media analysts view his portrayal in the novel as a significant exploration of the tension between absolute power and its moral use, as well as a commentary on American exceptionalism in the late 20th century.

Manhattan later appeared in the Before Watchmen comic book prequel. In 2016, as part of DC Comics' Rebirth relaunch, Manhattan became a major character in the DC Universe. He was one of the main characters in the Doomsday Clock miniseries, published from 2017 to 2019.

Manhattan made his first live-action debut in the 2009 film Watchmen, played by Billy Crudup. He also appeared in the 2019 limited television series Watchmen, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, with his original form played by Darrell Snedeger.