Jared Matthews’s Reviews > Watchmen > Status Update

Fascinating how we almost expect anyone with the label “superhero” to have certain human aspects, even if it is quite clear that they are not human.

Superman and Martian Manhunter are both aliens and are different from humanity in a lot of ways. However, we expect the writers to keep them compassionate and understanding and generally human.

The Pagliacci joke is the punch line. While the heroes work to save those who need them. Who works to save the heroes when they need it? Who watches the Watchmen?

Not only is life as a hero unsustainable and dangerous, it cuts yourself off from any possible salvation or asylum when you need it.

Rorschach’s monologue at the end of #2 makes the brilliant observation that being a “hero” is unsustainable. Not only does it “appeal” to a certain kind of person, but they must start young, before they are able to have the maturity to deal with this kind of life. This kind of life is a “violent life, ending violently”.

Watchmen constantly insists that there are no “heroes” as opposed to “villains” and no “good guys” as opposed to “bad guys”. Even those who you think or want to be morally pure always disappoint you.

It’s a pessimistic attitude, but it’s not far from the truth. Dealing in black and whites rarely lead to a viewpoint that is in touch with reality.

Everything is gray, and tends to get darker.

On top of the moral grayness (or blackness) of many heroes is the added observation that many have different motives for their capers.

While some want justice or order or for evil to be punished, others are in it for power. They also choose to fight those who are inconvenient or annoying to them, whether or not they are innocent civilians or supervillains.

It was a bold task to attempt to deal with the subject of rape and trauma in a comic book in the 80s.

Silk Sceptre’s sexual assault and maltreatment by those closest to her caused her to be okay with degradation by others.

Showing “superheroes” in horrifying real-life situations shows just how simplistic superhero comics were at that time (and still are).

The ability to communicate this in 3 pages is crazy

The characters in watchmen match real-life much more the typical comics. In a post-superhero age, some superheroes became political weapons. Some became sad saps, reminiscing about the glory days. Some became sell-outs living cushy pampered lives. And some never moved on.

The complexity of the characters is unparalleled and must have been revolutionary in the 80s. Rorschach is clearly the protagonist and shared a lot of similarities with other fan-favorite heroes, as the grim, noir detective.

However, he is clearly an asshole and goes out of his way to piss others off. He is hopelessly self-righteous & conservative in a somewhat bigoted manner, blaming everything on the liberals.

The art is just as detailed and deep as the storytelling. The settings are illustrated with so much going on in the background. However, they too feel relatable and familiar. Rather than it feeling chaotic, it actually helps to communicate messages about the characters.

I can tell I’m going to have to read this slower than most comics. There is so much going on here and I love it.

Barely through the first chapter and I can tell this is different than any other comic I’ve ever read. The depth of storytelling is immense. Moore does a great job at painting a complex yet relatable idea of some of the main characters in just a panel or two.

His world building is similar, painting a world that has a complicated relationship with heroes, but without making the connection for the reader.