November Book Club Discussion: Watchmen (Possible Spoilers)
Cats: Books|
As I announced in a previous post, my new Book Club is talking Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
While this is not a review, I would give it 5/5 stars, easily. While my expectations for this graphic novel were not necessarily matched by the reading of the book, every statement I ever heard or read about Watchmen were correct. I have not read many comics or graphics novels, but this is definitely one that would enable the reader to transition to graphic novels from either classic literature or from films. There are enough layers of thematic elements, both in the narrative and graphically, to satisfy all from the most novice to the most advanced readers. Readers who take this book up multiple times will no doubt discover new aspects of Moore’s & Gibbons’ genius that emanate from the pages.
(Spoilers begin here!)
As masterful as the creation is, I have to mention a couple spots where I was affected most: first, the whole attack on NYC echoed 9/11 (though the book was written 15 years before those attacks), and for me, this simultaneously brought the events of the book much closer to reality, while also making the choices the main characters made in the end that much more appalling. The theme that sometimes people make the unthinkable choices for ‘the greater good,’ though not without giving up their own soul–this theme resonates so much more clearly after September 11th, 2001, at least with me.
So what about you? I want to hear what people think about the characters, the themes, etc. If you want to discuss the upcoming film, be my guest. I’ll definitely chime in as well.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:06 am
I really love Alan Moore and indeed loved Watchmen. It’s been years, however, since I’ve read it. I love how it undermines the motivations of heroes without turning them into some sort of brooding freudian mess like Batman became. If you’re interested in Moore’s work, I highly recommend From Hell, which is his ridiculously well researched telling of the Jack the Ripper story. While Moore calls it a “melodrama” it may well be the single best researched piece of work written on the subject. Do NOT skip the footnotes on this one.
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Thanks, Ryan. I saw the Johnny Depp film before I ever knew it was based on a graphic novel. It was pretty tremendous on film, but I agree I will need to pick up the book, especially based on your recommendation.
What do you mean by ‘undermining’ heroes’ motivations, in Watchmen? Do you mean how it makes their motivations for ‘costumed adventuring’ more mundane or banal than what we traditionally think, or what?
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Yeah, I forgot about the film version of From Hell. The book is MUCH better, and completely a horse of a different color. No silly opium addictions to motivate the story.
And in regard to undermining superheroes, I’m thinking of Rorschach and his obvious psychopathy, or Mr. Manhattan and his complete departure from understanding humanity. My memories of the comic are not fresh.
December 16th, 2008 at 6:30 am
I have read From Hell aswell, it’s good stuff if you’ve got the stomach for it. As far as Watchmen is concerned I was not as thrilled as it seems most people are with it. It is, of course a very intriguing idea, that of real-life implications of there being masked vigilantes. My main problem is that with regards to an actual plot line and resolution there is no need for any of the characters. True, they uncover the nefarious plot, but are not only unwilling to do anything to stop it, but are, in fact, incapable of stopping it. I can appreciate using a medium to prove a point, but I don’t have to enjoy it, or think it’s great literature.
December 16th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Oh, gnomeda11y (if that is in fact your *real* name), I appreciate your point about the lack of need for any of the characters. If that spoiled it for you, that’s too bad, because I think it’s on par with any 20th-century work I’ve read…though people love Catcher In the Rye & Rabbit, Run; I neither ‘got’ nor liked those, and I’ve never read any Hemingway, so the above is pretty weak praise.