I Read Comic Books discussion

I recently finished a second reading of Watchmen and was wondering what the IRCB communities' thoughts on it were. Also saw the theatrical version of the film, also fair game.

I still consider it a classic that I go back and re-read every 6-7 years. Some of it is dated now. It definitely picks up a lot of life in the Reagan era. I typically skip all the Black Freighter stuff on rereads. This is the book that made me a huge fan of Dave Gibbons.

The movie didn't do a whole lot for me. While Zack Snider makes some really visually appealing scenes, I'm not a fan of his grim-dark movies. Hopefully the HBO series will be much better.

People have noted that "The Watchmen ruined everything."

In itself, it was brilliant. A masterpiece. But the ideas behind it, that heroes were basically creeps, led to so much ill-considered "Dark Age" stuff (starting with Jason Todd, maybe?) that there are probably some who would like to retcon the 90s- not just in continuity, but close some of those doors that Watchmen opened.

Watchmen is a piece of its time. I think what Moore was trying to do with the book as a reflection of comics in the 80s works, though the book has some issues when viewed through modern lens.

Nonetheless, it still stands as a book that defined popular comics of the time and, for me, is a classic comic that nailed the unbelievable grittiness of the time. To say that it's a perfect comic is a bit of a stretch, but I find it enjoyable to read when I want to take on something complex and shocking.

As a story, it's unbelievably dense. I don't think I've ever managed to read it all in a sitting, let alone a few sittings. It's very much a "chapter per sitting" read for me--especially given the prose work.

Mike wrote: "especially given the prose work. "

I've always found myself bored with Moore's prose whether it be Watchmen, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, or Providence. I always reach a point of "This sucks. Why am I bothering to read it?" and then skip over the rest.

I note that as of now, every respondent's given it 5 stars.

So how about the HBO series? I thought it was amazing!

It is fantastic so far. I highly recommend listening to the Official Watchmen Podcast - I love feeling affirmed about the subtle nuances I caught and enjoy learning about the ones I missed.

Mike wrote: "Watchmen is a piece of its time. I think what Moore was trying to do with the book as a reflection of comics in the 80s works, though the book has some issues when viewed through modern lens.

None..."

I was pleased to read your comment that you found the story to be "unbelievably dense". I had the same feeling. In the end, I really liked the story, but I had to wrestle my way through it chapter by chapter. I will give it a reread in a year or so-- current events are very distracting and make it impossible for me to maintain the concentration and focus necessary to fully appreciate a Moore work.

Watchmen graphic novel has really set the benchmark for comic books industry! Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, John Higgins and Len Wein made the whole experience a breathtaking one. (Intentionally added the name of the editor here because of his contribution in structuring the single issues)

I felt that the movie was fantastic and honest, although ahead of its time, and hence has become a little obscure to the newly emerged superhero movie fans!

I even enjoyed most of the controversial prequels, like Nite Owl, Moloch, Dollar Bill, Minutemen, Silk Spectre, Rorschach and Comedian. Ozymandias's origin is okay, however, Dr Manahattan and Crimson Corsair storylines are painful!

Couldn't get my hands on Doomsday Clock event books yet.

I realized from the discussion above that there is a new web series, which is great news!

There is also a very well-made Watchmen motion comics available on YouTube which was created by Warner Bros. Must give it a try!

I took this ongoing quarantine to finally take the time to read Watchmen. I have to say I wasn't a fan, but perhaps that's the point- its a provocative story.

Although I did not care for the narrative, I found the story refreshingly subversive for that era, and I applaud Moore and Gibbons for crafting such a unique story. That the characters, themes, and framework of the story are still being explored in movies, tv-series and other graphic novels today show that the story is a classic for a reason. While not a true fan of this tale, I am intrigued enough to explore some more adaptations of the Watchmen universe, and perhaps my feelings will mellow with time and I will come to appreciate how it changed comic book storytelling forever.

My full review can be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2020/04/2...

Nancy wrote: "I took this ongoing quarantine to finally take the time to read Watchmen. I have to say I wasn't a fan, but perhaps that's the point- its a provocative story.

Although I did not care for the narr..."

Have you seen the HBO series?

Tom wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I took this ongoing quarantine to finally take the time to read Watchmen. I have to say I wasn't a fan, but perhaps that's the point- its a provocative story.

Although I did not car..."

I have not watched or read anything else concerning Watchmen, as I felt I needed to read the source material first. I've heard good things about the HBO series, so if it comes out on DVD (I don't subscribe to HBO), I will watch it. I do now want to see the 2009 movie.

Nancy wrote: "Tom wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I took this ongoing quarantine to finally take the time to read Watchmen. I have to say I wasn't a fan, but perhaps that's the point- its a provocative story."

I feel pretty much the same way you do about the original book, but I love the new TV series. I feel like it's doing for TV what the original book did for comics back when it was released--pushing societal and industry norms about what is "okay" to include in that medium.

Kait wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Tom wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I took this ongoing quarantine to finally take the time to read Watchmen. I have to say I wasn't a fan, but perhaps that's the point- its a provocative story..."

I've heard only good things about the new series! I will definitely check it out once it is released on DVD, as the cast looks very intriguing.

Nancy wrote: "Kait wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Tom wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I took this ongoing quarantine to finally take the time to read Watchmen. I have to say I wasn't a fan, but perhaps that's the point- its a prov..."

It's amazing. It's the kind of show that you have to go back and watch again to pick up a lot of stuff you missed the first time around.