Just finished reading Alan Moore's "Watchmen" last week.
Without being too crass, this graphic novel was a mind-fuck. Because of some poor planning on my part I had about 24 hours to read to make it in time for discussion in my Graphic Narrative class.
The topic that came up more than any other was how "Watchmen" redefined Comics culture, specifically the image and meaning of the "superhero". As quoted on the back of the text, "[t]his is the book that changed an industry and challenged a medium".
What makes "Watchmen" so important, such a groundbreaking work?
In an essay titled "The Myth of Superman", novelist Umberto Eco writes that the traditional superhero is marked by a timelessness, a deathlessness, a continuance of presence. As humans, this is the antitheses of our nature. We are momentary creatures, with nothing so special separating us from one another but superficial characteristics and attributes. The superhero, being virtually immortal, perfect, and a true indi
vidual, is something we, as humans, long for. We also imagine the superhero as a bully for good, you could say, taking care of the "bad guy", being purely reactive to the good in the world.(I warn you, if you haven't read "Watchmen" this next bit will ruin it for you)
"Watchmen" turns all of this on its head.
Laurie doesn't want to be superhero in the first place.
Rorschach hates the majority of people.
Hollis Mason suffers from a serious case of nostalgia, effectively rendering him impotent.
The Comedian sees all of life as a joke, and treats it as such.
Dr. Manhattan has lost most of his humanity and is fashioning his own home on Mars to escape earth.
Ozymandias, although seemingly the only "superhero" who exhibits traditional superhero beliefs (truth, justice, and American way) ends up killing millions of people in NYC in the name of greater good.
The Watchmen takes Eco's take on the traditional hero and smash it to smithereens. These are superheros fully capable of dying. This ingredient of reality combined with their very "un"-superhero persona change our perspective of them. These are recognizable humans (for the most part) in a recognizable city, dressing up in costume, with no special powers (again, Dr. Manhattan being the exception), and a very serious sense of protecting America and Americans at all cost. They also take matters into their hands, some going out looking for people to protect or bad guys to thwart even after America pass laws against "masked adventurers". Others involve themselves deeply in American politics or capitalism, effectively selling-out to keep their titles and powers of influence.
"Watchmen" questions the superhero, American politics, American history, and the history of comics. I've gotten this from just the first reading. This comic is working on so many planes, levels, strata, etc. that I don't think I've even cracked the surface of this convoluted masterpiece.
For the newbie, like me, I was terrified to pick this one up. It's reputation and loyal follwing precede it. I think, however, it is essential to read this graphic novel asap. The more you meet the superhero in one form or another and become more familiar with the medium, I can only imagine what Alan Moore has created in the "Watchmen" will only become more amazing, complex, and perhaps clearer.
Until next time,
GN
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