Book Review: Watchmen

Oh deary me, this is so overdue. I mean, the movie came out forever ago, and the DVD came out two months ago, and the actual book itself came out like, 25 years ago. So yeah, I'm a wee bit late.

Also, no "but Shauntel, this is a graphic novel, not a book. It can't possibly count for one of your reviews". To that I say nonsense. First of all, this so called "comic book" is better than most regular books out there nowadays. Also, this is my blog. I can do what I want.

THE BASICS: In an alternate 1980s world, one where Richard Nixon is in his third term and nuclear war is just around the corner, masked vigilantes have been outlawed. Some chose to retire, either using their fame to gain power and riches or simply disappearing into the shadows, hoping for a quiet life. Others continue their work, either legally by working exclusively for the government, or illegally, and living by their own terms. However, when one of these "superheroes" is murdered, others suspect a plot that might lead to the extermination of them all. However, what is discovered is more terrible and disturbing than any of them could have imagined.

THE CHARACTERS: (I hate going down the line, character by character, but I find it necessary in this instance. Not only because they're all so interesting, but because they each seem to embody a theme, all of which are presented throughout the book.)

The Comedian's death is revealed on the first page, but that doesn't take away from his presence that pervades the story. He is unquestionably rude, blunt, and a downright jerk and yet, you never can quite come to hate him. Shooting a pregnant woman, presumably carrying his child, and attempting to rape his friend are only a few of the crimes he has committed, yet he's almost unnervingly likable. He doesn't really care about anything, because he sees it all as one big joke. He doesn't care about the "smaller" of any evil, he's calloused himself to the more awful things in life. As a result, when faced with something truly horrific, he can't handle it. Because it was, for him, too late.

Rorschach is justice. Unbiased, unquestioning, cruel justice. He won't think twice about killing or maiming a person, but only those who deserve it. He has only one motive in life- to punish those who would harm the innocent. And anyone who would try to stop his from achieving this goal. True justice never compromises, and neither does he. He's another one of those unnervingly likable sorts too.

There is nothing particularly special about Night Owl. But that's what makes him unique. He represents the "everyman". He's a good, decent person who's just trying to do that right thing in a world filled with things far beyond his control. He shows that you don't have to have powers or some strange psychosis to be a hero.

And like the average person, he does some truly remarkable things. He shows feats of bravery and occasionally intelligence beyond that of his more "eccentric" pals. He's willing to sacrifice to do what he feels is right. And he's friends with Rorschach. That my friends, is something to brag about.

Good ol' Silk Specter II. Her mother was a hero as well, the original Silk Specter, and she's one of the few members of the Watchmen who never really enjoyed her job. Her future was mapped out at an early age, thus she never really had a choice about going into the super heroing business. As a result, she has quite a bit of animosity towards her parents, mostly her mother because she was the one who chose her career, but somewhat towards her dad as well, because he left his family when she was young.

Because of this, she feels lonely and lost much of the time, and she's generally quick to judge others, as she doesn't want to get hurt. The world is black and white to her.

As the only person in the story with actual powers, Dr. Manhattan is truly unique. Because of a science experiment gone wrong, he has the ability to manipulate objects at an atomic level. But in being endowed with God-like powers, he lost much of his human side. He simply doesn't care about life. Sub-atomic particles are much more interesting.

He is what science without morality is. It simply keeps moving, keeps improving upon itself, not caring about what harm it might do to the world around it.

Last, but definitely not least, is Adrian Vendt, aka Ozymandias. He used his "retirement" to give him a substantial fortune and fame unmatched. He's the marketer of a large variety of commercial products, including action figures of himself and the other Watchmen. Yet, despite the fame and novelization, no one really knows much about him. No one understands who he really is. To the media, he's a poster boy, an celebrity who helps bring in their cash. But then again, he brought it upon himself.

TECHNICAL STUFF: The comic is written in a fairly common, nine panel format, not that that probably means much to my reader though. Also, the color scheme, instead of being the traditional primary color format, is done with secondary colors. But once again, not that you care.

What you do proabably care about is just how in depth the story gets. The story of the outlawed masked heros is only one tale within the book. Actually, there are three separate stories going on at once, the other two which serve as a way to further convey the themes outlined in the book.

THE THEME: Dang, there are a lot of messages hidding in this book. But the main one? Appreciate life. Make the most of it. 'Cause you never know when it will end.

OVERALL: This book is on TIME Magazine's "Best 100 Novels" list for a reason. It's a brilliant story, embellished with strong, fascinating characters, a crazy twist ending, and overall cleverness. It's the sort of thing that everyone should read in their lifetime.

GRADE: A

Would I let my sister read it? No
Would I let my cousin read it? Nope
Would I let my dad read it? Yes