Watchmen

About

Watchmen is a groundbreaking comic series created by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins, published by DC Comics from 1986 to 1987. It is set in an alternate history where superheroes emerged in the 1940s and 1960s, significantly altering historical events like the Vietnam War and the presidency of Richard Nixon. The story unfolds in 1985, with superheroes outlawed by the Keene Act of 1977, except for Dr. Manhattan and The Comedian, who work for the U.S. government. The plot begins with The Comedian's murder, prompting an investigation that draws retired heroes back into action. Watchmen critiques the superhero genre by portraying complex, flawed characters grappling with existential dilemmas. It explores themes of morality, politics, and human nature, challenging traditional superhero narratives. The series includes Tales of the Black Freighter, a pirate comic within the story, serving as a commentary on comic book influence. With its detailed narrative structure and philosophical depth, Watchmen has elevated the comic book medium to literature, influencing many subsequent works in the genre.