Book Cover

God exists and he’s American.

# Review

I first heard of this book because it’s the only graphic novel featured on Time's List of the 100 Best Novels. The collection of 12 comics tells a story that takes place in a fictional yet deeply realistic United States filled with “superheroes”; there are several different narratives that try to unveil a larger conspiracy.

The story itself is interesting; the characters are visceral and the storytelling is clever and succinct. The most visceral of the characters, Rorschach, is on one hand a man with a strong sense for truth and justice, but on another, a one-man alt-right vigilante. Rorschach is an excellent example of how Moore’s characters are nuanced, neither overtly good nor overtly evil. The pacing of the story is also a masterclass on how to control flow and engage the reader; one has to put in a bit of work to understand the subtext and read between the lines. Moore doesn’t force the story and themes upon the reader but if one wants a fuller reading, one has to periodically pause and do a bit of thinking.

My favourite aspect of the comic, by far, is how Moore uses it as a medium to explore deeper themes. Watchmen felt like a tasting menu of different uncomfortable and complicated topics, ranging from the failures of government to very uncomfortable topics like sexual assault. My favourite themes include his analysis of media political polarization; Nova Express, with its vitriolic social justice views, and New Frontiersman with its thinly-veiled alt-right views, seem to parody actual news outlets that exist today. I also enjoyed the philosophical musings of Dr. Manhattan on the meanings of humanity after he has attained apotheosis.

I think Moore's take on heroes is best summarized by himself, "As I see it, part of the art of being a hero is knowing when you don't need to be one anymore."

# Conclusion

A very nuanced take on superheroes.

# Overall rating: 8.3

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