Very suprised at the quality of prose used to convey the story. My only other association with graphic novels were 'Spawn' which, although looking fantastic, had a rather 'trashy' novel-esque stories. However, much to my pleasure, the writing in this is absolutely peerless with other graphic novels. Had me literally gripped, read it within {a very busy} three days.Whole-heartedly recommended !

I have long put off reviewing this graphic novel as it's hard to know what to say. Now that the film has finally been made Watchmen is hard to avoid. Normally I would say that that's a good thing. But unfortunately the film was such a huge let down and many people won't even bother to read this incredible book. I'm sure you're aware that it's set in an alternate version of 1985 where superheroes or Masked Adventurers were once common place but due to a forced un-masking are now on the decline. We begin with Rorschach, one of the most inventive and unusual (not so super) 'superheroes' you are ever likely to come across, beginning his investigation into the death of fellow masked adventurer The Comedian. The story then moves about amongst the intertwined stories of several 'ex-superheroes' who used to be known as The Minutemen. With the exception of Jon 'Dr Manhatten' Osterman there is not a super power in sight, just a bunch of normal, everyday humans living with their own normal, everyday problems. That and the threat of World War 3. We are also treated to a comic within a comic, the marvelous Tale Of The Black Freighter, which is being read by a young boy at a newstand. A lot of the story is told in flash back so you have to keep your concentration to keep track of what's going on but don't worry, it's not too taxing on the brain. But it is a masterpeice of (fairly) modern fiction and is worth the small effort of concentration it takes to read it. If you've not read a comic book before then don't let the idea of a story told in pictures put you off. Watchmen is not to be missed. Who watches the watchmen? Why watch it when you can read it?

Watchmen is a complex and unusual book, dealing with the themes of justice, power, politics, identity and world peace. At its heart is the question of 'who watches the watchmen?', in this case, self-appointed superheroes who were once feted, but are now forgotten or ignored. At times, the book and its themes feel a little outdated, centred as they are on the Cold War and the threat of a nuclear holocaust. At others, however, they seem as relevant as ever, particularly when considering the role of the US as self-appointed guardian of world justice. What impresses throughout is the quality of writing and breadth of imagination. I'm not sure I will be rushing out to buy a load more graphic novels, but as the reviews say, if you only read one, you should probably read this one.

MY god after reading Sam Ruddock's review I don't know what to add everything he said was quite true.

Great characters, good storyline, shame about the ending otherwise this would have been a classic in my eyes, gets into the modern day idea of us wanting to see behind the mask, and to see ourselves staring back, not some superman (literally), the characters are expertly crafted and details released about them are well timed and managed, it just seems to fall apart at the end with a unrealistic ending, I know people are going to say it's a comic book and it's meant to be like that, but it just feels too unreal, shame, had loads and loads of promise.