Watchmen by Alan Moore

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Description

Now A Major Motion Picture! 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... read more

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Summary

A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen is set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed Superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the “Doomsday Clock” – which charts the USA’s tension with the Soviet Union – is permanently set at five minutes to midnight.... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Cast of Characters/Important People

Rorshach: The only one of the masked heroes still roaming the streets. A detective-like vigilante who works on his own agenda and sees himself as purging the world of filth. He theorizes that there is a conspiracy to pick off former costumed heroes.
Nite Owl II/Daniel Dreiberg: The second Nite Owl (inherited the mantle from Hollis Mason). Currently retired with the passing of the Keen Act in 1977 outlawing vigilantes not endorsed by the government.
The Comedian/Edward Blake: Now retired. Endorsed by the government to help with Vietnam. The Comedian is a brutal crime-fighter who doesn't believe in veiling the natural brutality of humankind. He is murdered in the beginning of the book, leading Rorschach to formulate his mask-killer theory.
Silk Spectre II/Laurie Jupiter: The daughter of Sally Jupiter, the first Silk Spectre. Her mother wanted her to follow in her footsteps, so she fought crime for ten years before the Keene Act banned vigilantes. Lives on a government research base with her lover, Dr. Manhattan.
Dr. Manhattan/Dr. Jon Osterman: Was transformed into a blue-skinned superpowered being after he was caught and disintegrated in an "Intrinsic Field Subtractor". Afterwards, he became a superhero contracted by the United States government, who gave him the name Doctor Manhattan. He is the only character in the story who possesses real superpowers.
Ozymandias/Adrian Veidt: Retired BEFORE the Keen act of 1977 and became an extremely successful entrepreneur, selling self-help books, an action-hero franchise, cologne, and other products. Considered as having the highest IQ in the world. Draws inspiration from Egypt, Rameses II, and Alexander "the Great".

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Memorable Quotes

“I shall go and tell the indestructible man that someone plans to murder him.”
Rorschach
“The city is afraid of me. I have seen its true face.”
Rorschach

First Sentence

Rorschach's Journal. October 12, 1985. Dog carcass in alley this morning, tire tread on burst stomach. This city is afraid of me. I have seen its true face.

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Glossary

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Errata

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Series

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Authors & Contributors

Alan Moore (Author)
Dave Gibbons (Artist)

Other Contributors:

John Higgins (Illustrator) - John Higgins the colorist was brought in by Dave Gibbons because he liked his "unusual" style. It helped that they lived very close as well, to share ideas.