Watchmen
January 27th 2007 09:43
First off, I am sorry for not updating this as soon as I could. Again life decided to conspire against our hero (me) and kept me far too busy with other projects.
I was wandering Borders, not really looking for anything in particular when I spied this little treasure. Watchmen, by Alan Moore. For those of you not in the know, Alan Moore is the same guy that wrote V for Vendetta, which was one of last year's best movies. I will admit I felt a little trepidation picking this one up, on the basis that I hadn't really enjoyed the comic book of V but I have heard, from a friend of mine Jordan and from Nathan of the Comic Nerd Blog that it is well worth getting into. So I bit the bullet, handed over some cash and made my way to the nearest caffeine dispensing outlet.
I have to admit, despite the similarities between the two main characters of the books V and Rorshach there are differences as well. Both are interested in justice and both have been badly damaged in their past, explaining why they wear their masks, why they crusade against evil (Even in the face of armageddon, never compromise - Rorshach) and both tend to hide themselves in plain view.
Rorshach however is a good deal more human and entertaining than V. V tends more to the poetic and fey where Rorshach is very down to earth, lacking sophistication but not cunning. Where V exudes intellect and lethality, Rorshach is more like a hound, barely muzzelled. I like Rorshach, alot more than V. V was far too much ape, where Rorshach is alot more human. Flawed, hurt, angry, not bitter but resolved. It is a fine difference, but an important one.
Most interesting are the plot twists. Truly, you do not see them coming. Alan Moore is not simply a master of story telling, but also of creating a world truly believeable. The USA during cold war written by an englishman is scary with it's accuracy, capturing the tensions existing not only between countries, moral codes and characters, but how it affects so much of daily life.
Honestly, not movie material. Far too much of it to try and contain. Mini-series easy. As long as they do better with it than they did with Dune.
JZ
I was wandering Borders, not really looking for anything in particular when I spied this little treasure. Watchmen, by Alan Moore. For those of you not in the know, Alan Moore is the same guy that wrote V for Vendetta, which was one of last year's best movies. I will admit I felt a little trepidation picking this one up, on the basis that I hadn't really enjoyed the comic book of V but I have heard, from a friend of mine Jordan and from Nathan of the Comic Nerd Blog that it is well worth getting into. So I bit the bullet, handed over some cash and made my way to the nearest caffeine dispensing outlet.
I have to admit, despite the similarities between the two main characters of the books V and Rorshach there are differences as well. Both are interested in justice and both have been badly damaged in their past, explaining why they wear their masks, why they crusade against evil (Even in the face of armageddon, never compromise - Rorshach) and both tend to hide themselves in plain view.
Rorshach however is a good deal more human and entertaining than V. V tends more to the poetic and fey where Rorshach is very down to earth, lacking sophistication but not cunning. Where V exudes intellect and lethality, Rorshach is more like a hound, barely muzzelled. I like Rorshach, alot more than V. V was far too much ape, where Rorshach is alot more human. Flawed, hurt, angry, not bitter but resolved. It is a fine difference, but an important one.
Most interesting are the plot twists. Truly, you do not see them coming. Alan Moore is not simply a master of story telling, but also of creating a world truly believeable. The USA during cold war written by an englishman is scary with it's accuracy, capturing the tensions existing not only between countries, moral codes and characters, but how it affects so much of daily life.
Honestly, not movie material. Far too much of it to try and contain. Mini-series easy. As long as they do better with it than they did with Dune.
JZ
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
How was your weekend my friend?
Twas a lovely weekend to be patriotic.
'The Watchmen' is considered the start of the whole graphic novel concept, has won many accolades and awards and Alan Moore is quite well known in the graphic novel world....he created Constantine ('HellBlazer') and is also a practising magician.
I had forgotten about this series until your reveiw Josh. The backstories here are amazing....almost anti DC.
Hope you are well JZ.
Dusk
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
I like what Rorshach said about his choice of costume. Black and white, each separate, in movement but no grey. It says alot about who he is, that his name and face are about reading people and that his conceptions are only ever black and white.
I am going to get moore stuff (heh) as and when I can. Got ALOT of things to read this year.
I had to work the weekend, but it was good because I made alot of money.
Always good to hear from you Dusk.
JZ
Comment by AnthonyB
haven't read the book - in fact, didn't realise it was a book. Need to read more of Alan, obviously. He seems brilliant.
I'l check it out and let you know my findings. Thanks for this great little review, JZ !! You're totally happenin !!
- Anthony
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
Glad that in some way, some how, I can further the cause of people reading good books.
Come back soon dude,
JZ