Published 2005 by DC Comics (first published September 8th 1987)
Goodreads Synopsis
This Hugo Award-winning graphic novel chronicles the fall from grace of a group of super-heroes plagued by all-too-human failings. Along the way, the concept of the super-hero is dissected as the heroes are stalked by an unknown assassin.
One of the most influential graphic novels of all time and a perennial best-seller, Watchmen has been studied on college campuses across the nation and is considered a gateway title, leading readers to other graphic novels such as V for Vendetta, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and The Sandman series.
My Review
This year I had resolved to read all the graphics novels on the essential graphic novel reading list. That included everything from manga to comic books to graphic memoirs. And so far, I haven't been disappointed at all. In fact, as someone who kind of looked down on the entire concept of graphic novels, it has been quite an intellectual awakening for me. Because there is SO MUCH GOOD STUFF out there!
Watchmen by Alan Moore was naturally on top of the list. The premise itself was so interesting to begin with: dissecting the concept of super heroes, what it means to be a vigilante, do these heroes suffer from the same human failings as common folk do, and who watches these watchmen? It reminded me of the Prime TV show The Boys, where the superheroes are commercialized and are giant assholes who believe that the are not answerable to anyone. Highly recommended show by the way!
But I digress. We're here to talk about Watchmen. Watchmen tells the story of the rise and fall of self proclaimed vigilantes or super heroes in America during the 1940s to 1980s. Mr. Moore cleverly take historical events like the Vietnam War, World War 2, etc and intertwines these events with the involvement of these vigilantes. He presents entirely human reasons which made these people take up crime fighting in the first place - selfish human reasons like power, thrill, adventure, money, publicity. He examines the murky backdrop of the mundane lives of these heroes behind their costumed public figures. He also tells the story of their interpersonal relationships with one another and how this super group is plagued by the same human problems as the rest of us.
The story is very beautifully told through vibrant comic panels, newspaper clippings, excerpts from another comic book inside the story and a retired vigilante's autobiography. The characters are distinctly unlikeable and entirely unforgettable and extremely human. It is a dark, dreary and gory dystopia which somehow feels too close to the truth to be comfortable.
I would highly recommend this brilliant piece of fiction to EVERYONE. And I'll probably go and check out the movie now and crib about how it does not match up to the magic of the book.
“Heard joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says, "Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up." Man bursts into tears. Says, "But doctor...I am Pagliacci.”
**shivers**
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