ranking item image

Watchmen

Comic book series

About

Watchmen is a groundbreaking comic book series created by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins. It was published by DC Comics from 1986 to 1987 and later compiled into a single-volume graphic novel. The story takes place in an alternate history where superheroes have significantly impacted the world, leading to a U.S. victory in Vietnam and a prolonged presidency of Richard Nixon. The narrative explores the deconstruction of the superhero genre, delving into complex themes such as morality, power, and the role of heroes in society. The series follows a group of retired superheroes as they navigate a world where their actions are outlawed by the Keene Act. The plot unfolds with the murder of a government-sponsored superhero, The Comedian, prompting an investigation that uncovers a larger conspiracy. Characters like Rorschach, Doctor Manhattan, and Ozymandias grapple with existential questions and moral dilemmas, challenging traditional notions of heroism. Watchmen is renowned for its detailed storytelling, rich imagery, and philosophical exploration, making it a seminal work in the comic book genre.