I will avoid spoiling so this will be short.
Action.
Mystery.

Those two words describe WATCHMEN in so many ways yet its not either.
This is a Superhero drama.
This is an epic story, this is Alan Moore's best work ever.
Yes there will be a movie, will I watch it? Hell yes. If its even a close iterpreatation I know it will be my favorite of 2009. Its that good.
For 10 dollars you get the best story ever called a "comic book".

I must admit that I'm quite surprised by all the superlatives heaped on this comic series. When I read it I found it a bit slow and tedious at times. And the drawings are not very impressive either. It's certainly an interesting storyline, but definitely not something to wax all enthusiastic about and reread several times. If you're looking for a comic series with a good storyline, wonderful drawings, layers upon layers and unforgettable characters that is just awesome, read The Sandman books by Neil Gaiman!

I do not generally read graphic comics, I tend to stick to fiction & non-fiction novels, but I was glad I picked this up after hearing all the pre-movie hype! It is a fantastic read with fantastic characters! It will be interesting to see how they pull it off on the big screen!!

If you are an avid comic reader I would suggest you don't read this review as it is not directed toward you (Even though I'm sure you all read this novel already)
"The Watchmen" was not what I was expecting. It wasn't page after page of explosions, fights, scantily-clad women and big-muscled villains kidnapping the damsel-in-distress. Sure, there is some of that, but on the whole "The Watchmen" by Alan Moore (illustrations by Dave Gibbons) is a smart, deceptive novel that is filled with unexpected plot-twists.
"The Watchmen" brings us the story of masked adventurers in a world when vigilanteism is banned and Richard Nixon is still president set in year 1985. When one of these masked adventurers is killed in very suspicious circumstances it leads one of our heros to begin investigating into what he thinks is a "mask killer" trying to get these adventurers out of the way for something even bigger.
The illustrations in this novel are wonderfull. As a non-comic reader, I really don't care how good the illustrations are if the story can't hold up. But boy does it ever in this one. This is a story for any reader out there. Please enjoy.

Although it's a bit dated, it's a classic. A must read for anyone who enjoys the graphic novel medium. Gritty, realistic, complex characters move the somewhat simplistic storyline forward. Considering it was written some 22 years ago, it's quite a classic. By todays standards I found it a bit thin.

This is the first graphic novel i've ever read and it was so much better than i thought. it took me only 2 days to finish and i plan to read it again before the movie comes out.

I can't personally comment on the book since I didnt get a chance to read it. I had looked for this in every bookstore in NYC and it was out of stock everywhere. My son who is an avid reader enjoyed the book immensely. Although he left the book for me to pick up and read at my leisure, he ended up taking the book along with him when he left for college.

I have heard about this for years and decided to read it in preparation for the movie.

I'm not a comics guy to begin with. Last comic I read was in the 80's.

Reading this for the first time in 2008, I found it to be overrated. Slow in parts, very predictable in others. I am not sure how I would have liked it in the 80's when it was groundbreaking.

There is no doubt that this is a brilliant piece of writing-for some reason I just couldn't finish it-I guess it seems to me the story is not about a grand idea(I may have to read the ending to see if I'm wrong!)and if I'm going to invest the time I want something like Asimov's Foundation which involves the future of all mankind-this book may involve that theme, but about halfway through there is not enough of a tease to keep me interested and try as I might I was skipping pages just to get a ahead and finally stuck it on my bookshelf unfinished. I'm hoping the movie will tell me the ending!!

My very essence of reading is to gain knowledge. To me that knowledge has to be very real. Hence, I seldom read fiction. To me it seems a waste of time. My viewing habits will go into the world of fiction but it must be historically accurate or again I will consider it a waste of my time.
Two weeks ago my Son was going through the books that I'm currently reading and casually challenged me to broaden my horizons. He described the Comic Series Watchmen and said that Time Magazine rates it as one of the top 100 novels. I took the bait and I ordered Watchmen on Amazon.Com.
The graphics are great and the writing is multi-layered and complex. It deals with the Costume Super Heroes from the late 1930's to 1985. The story details the formation of their organizations and how they came to be. Alan Moore creates an alternate history which is much different and darker than anything derived of in the Cold War period.
In order to understand this serial Comic Series you must know history. Please don't do as I first did and try to read things into Moore's writing. Just follow the flow and the multi-layered technique used by Moore. "Tales of the Black Freighter" is a comic series read within the Watchmen. "Under the Hood" is a book within the Comic Series. Please keep you eye on the ball. Dr. Manhattan, Nite Owl, Rorschach, Veidt along with Laurie will keep you occupied.
Throughout this tale, Dave Gibbons writes the graffiti on the walls of buildings in New York City always not complete and shown only partially. We readers know it says Who's watching the Watchmen? Literally we obviously are watching the Watchmen. In the end the Watchmen are their own police.
Oh and by the way, this review has solved the puzzle of what's the meaning of the Watchmen's book cover! Do you know what it means? Five stars, no problem!!!

But one of the best works of literary art of our time. Complex characters and an insane and yet amazing plot. There's no possibility to be disappointed by this book.

I was originally suggested to read this by a teacher of mine, and I was a bit hesitant due to the medium. After reading through it the first time I became more and more aware of how intricate and how well thought out the story truly is. It is without a shadow of a doubt a masterpiece of literature. The story is enthralling, captivating, and alluring. There is so much said in the comic panels themselves, each with a subtle touch that speaks about the issues beyond what is described by the words.

Don't get me wrong. This is a very well written graphic novel. However, it was built up so much in my mind that I found myself somewhat disappointed in it.

The ending is very anticlimactic, which hurts after such a long story.

I wouldn't say that I couldn't put it down, by any means. In fact, some nights while reading this, I had a hard time picking it up.

This is one of the better stories I've read, but I don't think I'd call it the best graphic novel of all time. Or, at the very least, it certainly isn't my favorite.

Comic books have reached an intermediary stage in art. On one hand, there are classic comics like The Dark Knight Returns that have even the most jaded comic critics raving, and on the other hand, there are comics like Dazzler, which have no depth or complexity and are purely there for the entertainment of young, hormone driven teenage boys. Watchmen rises above this stage and becomes something that can only be called the greatest graphic novel of all time. It has truly proven that along with painting, literature and music, comics can become an art form. The levels of complexity within the characters, the numerous accounts of well done parallelism, the intricately woven mystery, the scope and breath of the emotions in the characters, all rival the best the other art forms have to offer. This is truly and unequivocally a masterpiece for the ages.

I was never really into the whole comic/graphic novel genre, that is until I purchased WATCHMEN! This is seriously one of my favorite books of all time. I've read regular novels and this still takes the cake. Since reading WATCHMEN I've become hooked.

If you are into the super-hero genre or just like great stories you will really enjoy this one!

It's great for skeptics and die-hards alike!

Buy it and see for yourself.

Watchemn is the best graphic novel ever. And the copy I recieved was in perfect condition.

I'm not a comic book or graphic novel person, but I wanted to check The Watchmen out because of the buzz about the upcoming movie, and I was not disappointed. The watchmen was easily one of the best books I have ever read (and I real allot). It's setting takes it through the 1980's but it could easily be set to end today. Check it out, and you will know why.

Well worth checking out.

This was an awesome book. I normally don't read many comics, but I enjoyed this one. Kudos to Alan Moore!
(And, it's going to be a movie soon, I can't wait to see it!)

I was excited about reading this novel because I'd heard such wonderful things about it. However, my enthusiasm waned as I began to feel it was needlessly graphic and gory without having a "point." I complained to a friend, who recommended I finish it despite my objections.

I'm so glad I did! Every bit of what I had complained about had a point in the overarching storyline, and it all came into focus by the end. I'm very pleased with the novel, and I would recommend it to anyone who can stand a little graphic gore in the name of a good story.

The layers of storytelling make this book worth reading more than once. I really enjoyed this book in a way that I haven't enjoyed any others in a long time.

I, like many others, had no intention of seeking out or reading this book up until about 3 months ago. When the movie was announced and the trailer hit I was stoked. Picked up a copy of the Graphic Novel and drove right in.

This is really pretty heavy stuff; layered story telling, profound philosophical musings from some offbeat yet familiar heroes. The story offers a little something for everyone, intrigue and mystery on the surface, eye opening concepts about existence, strong character drama, gore, and a good old fashion comic story.

There is a multitude of different approaches one can take when reading this story and that in itself sets it apart from nearly every other story I have read recently. Whether the film adaptation can live up to the promise of the novel is a mystery, but if it does....move over Dark Knight because this could be the single greatest comic story ever written.

As a side note, I don't know whether I got a special edition or not, but my copy had small supplemental chapters in between each chapter. These extra pages really enlighten key points of the story as you move along and are a great companion piece.

This is absolutely recommended.

I started Watchmen having no idea what it was about and I think that is probably the best way to read it: no preconceived notions on what you think it should be. Just sit back and read it and go along for a spectacular ride with extremely in depth character analysis. I'd recomend Watchmen to anyone and everyone.

The Watchman has become a classic of the graphic novel genre, and rightfully so. Interesting setting, great plot, great story telling, great story. It's got it all. If you think you might like this book, then you will.

Love this book. If they manage to pull off the movie well i can't see how it would make sense without having read the book first to get all the background.

Just read it already. You're already considering it. Just go for it.

This is an excellent book, I encourage you to buy it today!

Most comic books are shallow, ridiculous stories with flat, uninteresting characters. The issues are painted in black and white and one side is explicitly presented as the side of absolute Good. The Watchmen is different. The story is multifaceted and the characters are much more complicated than they first appear (In fact, I also recommend that you read the book at least twice!). There is no faction in the Watchmen that can claim a monopoly on "Truth, Justice, and the American Way," and no assumption that this is desirable or even possible. Without qualification, this is the best book I have read for pleasure in a very long time.

After seeing the trailer for the Watchmen film, I became very interested in the Graphic Novel. Now I can't put it down. Since I recieved it in the mail, I've read it through cover to cover three times. And after doing this I honeslty don't know how a comprehensive movie can be made. There is just so much going on in this book. The stroy does not focus so much on action, as the movie trailer makes it seem, but instead on character development. And what characters they are. Each one is more complex than anything I have read before. Rorsharch is by far one of the best characters ever written and is now forever in my top ten fictional characters of all time. The other thing that really impressed me about this book was the interesting juxtopositions of different media. The comic-within-a-comic idea was extremely well done, and brings a whole new level to the story. Its this more than anything else that will be missing from the movie.

In closing, if you like comics, no, if you like a complex story with well defined characters, Watchmen is for you!

With the movie coming out I wanted to see what it was about. It was good reading for a graphic novel and lets you know who is who and what is going on. Good for escapeism reading.

This is the second graphic novel I've read. The first was Heroes volume One which advertised Watchmen at the back. That advertisement sold it well and it really lived up to my expectations. I found this an intriguing, exctiting and 'novel' read with a touch of black humor in places too. From a newbie's standpoint I'd recommend it.

It was like no other series I ever read. Every character in the book was unique, and each has their fair share of perks and flaws. This book shatters the concept of good & evil, black & white, etc. I would recommend this book to any person willing to read it.

Watchmen is much more than a graphic novel. It is a fantastically well crafted piece of literature. On top of the breathtaking imagery and top notch art work, the authorization is incredibly well done. I would highly suggest this book to any and everyone, whether they be a fan of comics or not. This book delves deeply into the many problems with today's society and hammers them out with such force it will leave you in slight disbelief afterward. You will finish this novel and want to immediately flip back to the front cover and start again, and you should. This book needs to be read a minimum two or three times to really grasp everything. Not to mention that it's better each time, because there are things there that you couldn't have possibly noticed the first time around. Read watchmen. Read it again and again.

I bought this when it first came out in the 80's and couldn't make it through. This week I set out to read it, as the film has been made. 20 years hasn't resulted in a change of opinion. The storyline is as hacky as a 30's radio show. The dialogue is lifeless. The pirate story subplot is boring and anticlimactic. All in all, just a complete waste of time.

One short story by John Varley is more interesting.

This is one of the greatest graphic novels ever written. Alan Moore changed the world of comics with this series. If you haven't read it yet, you should.

I had told a coworker a while ago that I did not enjoy black and white super heroes where the good guys were 100% good and the bad guys were 100% bad. Watchmen fits exactly what I wanted. This is how super heroes should be done. Can't wait for the film!

Excellent book! Its an absolute must read whether you are a comic book fan or not!

I have never been a reader of comics, and this is only the second graphic novel I've tried. I have to say, I am so glad I did! I still have 3 chapters left, but every panel of Watchmen is beautifully crafted, both in the story and the illustration. I will admit that I bought this so I will have some idea what the upcoming movie is about, and now that I have read the novel, I really hope Hollywood has done it justice!

The Watchmen is a graphic novel that follows the lives of people who were once superheroes, adressing ideas such as: incentive, morals, and the aftermath of what wearing a mask, and donning a suit has on one's sanity.
Complex, and certainly well-writen, The Watchmen is the perfect graphic novel for anyone who feels a little funny reading superhero comics...

in spite of being a bit wordy in some sections, this is definatly an amazing work of literature and art. i can not wait for the movie next march.

This is the first time I've ever read a graphc novel. I grew up reading my brother's comics but I've never ben exposed to thsi side of the genre. I'm glad I took the time to see what all the hype is about. If you love comics, you'll be entertained by this one. This one will make you think for a long time.

the story is great. i was a bit disappointed with the paper quality used though. that said its still worth buying and would definitely recommend to anyone.

I first heard of Watchmen when I saw a trailer for its movie. Liking the trailer very much, I bought a copy of the graphic novel to see what it was about. What I expected was a light fun read full of pointless action like most other comics.
I couldn't have been farther from the truth.
What I read instead was a captivating novel with wonderfully developed characters and an intriguing plot with romance, action, and deep questions involving morality and the value of a human life.
Set in 1985 in an alternate history of the US, Watchmen follows the stories of masked vigilantes as they try to unveil a plot to kill them off.
Regardless of whether you are an avid reader or don't enjoy reading at all, Watchmen is sure to be a very enjoyable read.

i love this graphic novel . im really glad i was able to get a paperback edition. thank you very much for the item

The art is crisp and realistically drawn. Gibbons switches drawing styles seamlessly throughout the book. I've collected comics for the better part of 25 years and I've never seen anything better. If you love comics, you won't forgive yourself if you pass Watchmen by.

Like most recent buyers, I bought the graphic novel after seeing the trailer for the movie. I thought the trailer looked good, but I was not prepared for how amazing the novel is. Never have I seen superheroes be so likable and so unlikeable at the same time which is a testament to Moore's writing. So much of Watchmen is still applicable to today's society, despite it being set in 1985. This novel really has everything - humor, romance, intricate plots, a strong message, and definitely action. If you like graphic novels, there's a great chance you'll love Watchmen. If you don't like graphic novels, there's a good chance you'll love Watchmen, too.

Cerebral and entertaining at the same time. Watchmen is a book that will invariably be over-hyped thanks to the upcoming film; however this is a book that requires every single frame to be breathed in and pondered over.

Alan Moore has never since written anything quite so extraordinary (though he came very close with The Killing Joke) and I have a feeling Gibbons will want a quote from Watchmen inscribed on his tombstone. It's *that* good.

Moral ambiguity is the real star of this colossal masterpiece.

Don't let the fact that this is a graphic novel (e.g., "comic book") fool you. Watchmen is a fantastic piece of fiction, and was well-written, fantastically illustrated, fast-paced, and thought provoking. The geo-political issues felt a little dated, but one doesn't have to think to hard to extrapolate the issues to modern times. This is a "must read"!

There is a reason Time magazine named it one of the best novels of the 20th century - Watchmen transcends all other comics (with the possible exception of Frank Miller's epic The Dark Knight Returns) in its art, depth and believability. If you have never read a comic before, you don't have to worry: unlike Superman, X-men or any of the other established comics, Watchmen is entirely self-contained.

I thought it was a very very good book...for it's time! Don't get me wrong, yes, it was a great book! Everyone should read this!! I just thought it was a long long long long read, for such a so so ending. If you haven't read this, please give it a try, I just didn't think it lived up to the "Best Graphic Novel"

I'm not going to make this long but basically I saw the trailer for the movie and was blown away. When I found out it was based on "the greatest graphic novel of all time" I knew I just had to get a copy. I'm not much of a comic person but the artwork is impressive. The story has interesting characters, the ending is VERY unpredictable. Other than that, if you're like me and you read lots of novels, short stories, and movie scripts don't expect to be knocked off your feet.

I hope the movie does well for everyone involved. The special effects will have everyone running to see it. After the first two weeks of release we'll see how well it does. If you're like me, a person who had never even heard of the Watchmen before, read the book and post what you think.

Not bad but not "incredible" either.

I was given this book by younger friends, with a certain amount of trepidation on their part. They need not have worried, for this is a fantastic piece of work, beautifully-drawn, consistently intriguing. Want to know what super-heroes are REALLY like? This will get you inside their minds ... and his super-heroes are orders of magnitude more interesting than Batman, Superman, et al.

The most acclaimed graphic novel of all-time, this collects the seminal twelve-issue "Watchmen" 1986-1987 DC Comics mini-series written by Alan Moore and drawn by Dave Gibbons. This self-contained, marginally fictional universe is mostly set in mid-1980s New York City during a fifth Nixon term and heightened cold war tensions. The main characters are ex-superheroes (based on old Charlton Comics characters but unique to this series) that have been banned by the US government and now seem to be mysteriously disappearing. Besides the nearly omnipotent blue giant Dr. Manhattan, these heroes are mostly simple masked vigilantes without superpowers. Fictional primary source material (magazine articles, book excerpts, letters, etc.) appears between each issue to provide further background on the characters.
Since a new hardcover edition is coming out in November 2008, Amazon is currently selling this 400-plus page TPB for only $11 - one of the best deals I've ever seen them offer. There's enough in this regular edition to render any "deluxe editions" superfluous. I'll see and probably enjoy the March 2009 movie but there's no way that all of the rewarding intricacies of this story will make it to the big screen. Read this first!