Watchmen by Alan Moore Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Watchmen
Book Review: Did I read the wrong book?
Summary: 1 Stars
I was fished into getting this book by the many glowing reviews which stated this was the acme of the comic-book genre, and when Amazon finally delivered a copy I was really looking forward to getting stuck in. What a disappointment; this is probably one of the least enjoyable comics I have read. Whilst the artwork is undeniably good, Watchmen has tried to create a superior plot to set it above other comics. Unfortunately, I found the plot to be unnecessarily complicated: there are several concurrent story-lines, which include three different time-lines and an unintelligible pirate story. In the hands of a skilful writer, concurrent storylines certainly to a plot, but in this book it feels contrived and is confusing.
My biggest gripe with this book concerns the characters; only one of the characters has any real "super" powers, and the rest are merely people who choose to dress up and act as vigilantes. Some of the reviews have stated that this allows the book to explore real humanity and characters' emotions. I disagree, if I want to read about humanity and emotions I would read a "written novel" (which has infinitely more capacity to allow for characterisation and description than the drawn format). Notably absent from this book is any form of action or any imagination stretching scenes which comics normally deal with so well. The book deals with a dastardly plot to change the outlook of nations during the Cold War, but I really didn't care by the end. True afficianados may say I have missed the point on this alleged ground-breaking book; maybe I have, but the fact is that neither I, nor several of my friends who also read this book, enjoyed it.
Book Review: Fantatstic Fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
Alan Moore has being trying to stretch the boundaries of the comic medium for over twenty years. With this story the definition of of a Super Hero has been inverted. Moore's characters are human, with the same feelings and failings as the rest of humanity. The art work is stylish and beautifully defined.The story is a superb piece of science fiction (if I remember rightly it won a Hugo award as the best sort fiction). There are pleanty of plot clues as the story evolves, and the use of a comic within a comic to advance the story works wonderfully when the story is reread.
If you have ever like super hero comics (even if it was 20 years ago) then you MUST have this book in your collection, just don't lend it to anybody. I'm on my third copy now as two of my friends have refused to let me have it back!!!
Book Review: The first and only 'graphic novel'
Summary: 5 Stars
I had never been exposed to any of the hype surrounding this book when I picked it up, but having read it now I can only say I agree with most of it. As a voracious reader of novels I was only an occasional comic reader, and scoffed at the epithet 'graphic novel' which seems to be tacked on to every collection of comic strips out just now. After reading The Watchmen I can only surmise that the term was invented to describe this book, and this book alone. By half way through it hit me like a cold shower, this was the genuine article, an actual graphic novel.While the artwork isn't as flash as some who have come later, it's clear and superbly laid out and complements the story wonderfully. The characters are, for a 'comic' at least, well rounded and always interesting, particularly the borderline psychopath Rorschach. In a world filled with caped vigilantes, Rorschach takes being a vigilante to the extreme, a delightful take on superheroes and how they are created and make their living. The one genuine superhuman in the story is so powerful as to be almost a deity, and his growing distance from the rest of humanity makes for some chilling scenes.
As with all good fiction this is about characters, about people and how their lives intertwine and effect those around them, and The Watchmen is as good at describing this as any novel I've read. It's nicely paced for so long and intricate a story, and while the plots a little forced in places it still stands out a mile in the world of comics as the best thing yet. You must buy it.
Book Review: Like it's going to get any less than 5 stars
Summary: 5 Stars
This is THE best graphic novel ever written. I might be the first to vote on this but I won't be the last and I confidently predict that everyone else who votes for this also gives it 5 stars. The Moore/Gibbons team is so strong the sotry has become a legend within the comic world. No-one who has read it has a bad word to say about it. Set it 1985, it charts the progress of a group of costumed vigilates basing themselves on comic book heroes. Without spoling the story, shall we just say things are a little larger than you first believe, in true Moore style.If you haven't read this, do so immediately. A truly amazing piece of work.
Book Review: It'll never get any better than this!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an avid comic reader and have been for years. But I think its safe to say that no comic will ever come close to the magnificance that is this Moore/Gibbons classic. The plot mixes elements of romance, action, horror, suspense and analysis of the human condition amazingly well. Small details of the story that you think are irrelevant suddenly become major influences in the over all story and the sub-plot with the pirate comic is mind blowing! This is not just one story its several woven together and they are all great!