Watchmen (the comic)

[barryween]

The book is amazing. I didnt even read the "novel parts" and just skipped them. Pretty depressing ending though.

Its still probably the best ending theres been to anything...ever.

I hear they've changed it in the movie *facepalm*

They better not or I will shove Zac Snyder's tongue through his ass.

Eww...But...

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/10/19/watchmen-ending-changed/

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
But seriously, that sucks.
P.S: I didnt read the new ending so I dont know. maybe it is better then the novel...

Well, its similar...

[spoiler/] No squid, just a huge bomb [/spoiler]

Its the same situation, just more mainstream. I can understand it. I can see people laughing at it.

Aw....
I was just wondering if they would do that.

 

[Chaz D]

I mean it's like V for Vendetta, I liked the movie but they essentially made an entirely different story just to make it relevant to the US's extreme distaste for the 'age of bush' .

Man...that should be an MMO.

"Age of Bush"

Oh no! She got a Cheney, Everyone knows he's a Hero class! He can simultaneously be in the executive branch and not whenever it benefits him!

Dear God, I think you just ruined the Universe.

No, wait... Let me see if I can just put it back togeth-... No... No, it's completely ruined.

Damn you.

 

[Psychochik]

ATTENTION: POSSIBLE MOVIE SPOILER ALERT CONTAINED

I've heard as well that the ending has been changed... While I'm not so much of a super fan to get pissy about it- some of the rumors state that they use a "Dr. Manhattan" like explosions around the world.
This one would tick me off- because the Watchman's whole point was to create an event so strange and unfamilar that the world would have no choice but to unite. A "Manhattan goes mental" like attack defeats the entire end of Moore's story.

 

[I Stomp on Kittens]

Nice Review

 

[wrightofway]

ATTENTION: POSSIBLE MOVIE SPOILER ALERT CONTAINED

I've heard as well that the ending has been changed... While I'm not so much of a super fan to get pissy about it- some of the rumors state that they use a "Dr. Manhattan" like explosions around the world.
This one would tick me off- because the Watchman's whole point was to create an event so strange and unfamilar that the world would have no choice but to unite. A "Manhattan goes mental" like attack defeats the entire end of Moore's story.

Except the ending of the Comic book was pretty damn stupid.

 

[jad4400]

I just read Watchmen about three weeks ago and it was AWSOME, that was probibly one of the best graphic novles I have ever readn and it's narative was better than some novles. However, I still can't figure out how to pronounce Rorschach's name.

 

[ThaBenMan]

However, I still can't figure out how to pronounce Rorschach's name.

Well, I pronounce it like "Roar(as in a lion's roar)Shack". But, who knows.

I'm getting excited for the movie! Not too long to wait now.

 

[Johnnyallstar]

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rorschach

and secondly, I'm not sure how changing the ending to make it look like nukes went off and pointing it to Doc. Manhattan would work, because then Doc would have no reason to kill Rorschach to prevent the truth from being found out, which would further complicate the end and just make a mess of things.

Yeah, a giant genetic space squid may be a little cheesy, but when you think that Ozymandias was an expert in the field of genetics it works out fine.

 

[Pseudonym2]

Dave Gibbons uses a common British style of being very realistic with little stylization and no motion lines. In watchmen, it works to great affect because it makes the story more real.

While Brian Azzarello's version of the Joker was pretty subtle. Go look at the part where the joker gives the bird to "the city", he is actually flipping off batman who is hiding in shadows. Even I missed that at first glance.

 

[Theon Tonarim]

Read it a month ago, borrowed from a friend. Loved it. Loved it loved it loved it.
Sure, the giant psychic squid monster is a bit.. odd, but it does its job.
Rorschach

 

[wrightofway]

ATTENTION: POSSIBLE MOVIE SPOILER ALERT CONTAINED

I've heard as well that the ending has been changed... While I'm not so much of a super fan to get pissy about it- some of the rumors state that they use a "Dr. Manhattan" like explosions around the world.
This one would tick me off- because the Watchman's whole point was to create an event so strange and unfamilar that the world would have no choice but to unite. A "Manhattan goes mental" like attack defeats the entire end of Moore's story.

Except the ending of the Comic book was pretty damn stupid.

It isn't actually.

Spoiler

The world is about to tear itself apart through war, and an outside threat is needed to unite humanity together. While a giant psychic squid isn't the most conventional way of doing this, it serves the purpose very well. Humanity believes that it's under attack from extraterrestrial forces, so abandons its inner-fighting in order to stand together against this new threat.

It's a strange ending, but it makes perfect sense. Which is why I'm more than a litte pissed off about the new ending. Who is it that the world is supposed to unite against? Dr Manhatten? He used to work for the US military. Any Manhatten-like explosions are going to instantly put the American Army right at the top of the suspect list.

All that is well and good until you realize:

Spoiler

Scientists agree that it was not an intelligent creature. It was compared to an interdimensional bee that stings when it dies. When everyone agrees that it is highly unlikely it will ever happen again, what is there to keep humanity united; to keep people from killing each other again.

 

[wrightofway]

ATTENTION: POSSIBLE MOVIE SPOILER ALERT CONTAINED

I've heard as well that the ending has been changed... While I'm not so much of a super fan to get pissy about it- some of the rumors state that they use a "Dr. Manhattan" like explosions around the world.
This one would tick me off- because the Watchman's whole point was to create an event so strange and unfamilar that the world would have no choice but to unite. A "Manhattan goes mental" like attack defeats the entire end of Moore's story.

Except the ending of the Comic book was pretty damn stupid.

It isn't actually.

Spoiler

The world is about to tear itself apart through war, and an outside threat is needed to unite humanity together. While a giant psychic squid isn't the most conventional way of doing this, it serves the purpose very well. Humanity believes that it's under attack from extraterrestrial forces, so abandons its inner-fighting in order to stand together against this new threat.

It's a strange ending, but it makes perfect sense. Which is why I'm more than a litte pissed off about the new ending. Who is it that the world is supposed to unite against? Dr Manhatten? He used to work for the US military. Any Manhatten-like explosions are going to instantly put the American Army right at the top of the suspect list.

All that is well and good until you realize:

Spoiler

Scientists agree that it was not an intelligent creature. It was compared to an interdimensional bee that stings when it dies. When everyone agrees that it is highly unlikely it will ever happen again, what is there to keep humanity united; to keep people from killing each other again.

The fact that it confirms life on a universal scale, and that it genuinely provides a threat to us. A creature like that could not materialize and die on our planet by accident - the event is seen as proof that something worse is approaching.

And a god like Dr Manhattan cannot be created on accident either. There had to have been some greater power behind it.

 

[wrightofway]

ATTENTION: POSSIBLE MOVIE SPOILER ALERT CONTAINED

I've heard as well that the ending has been changed... While I'm not so much of a super fan to get pissy about it- some of the rumors state that they use a "Dr. Manhattan" like explosions around the world.
This one would tick me off- because the Watchman's whole point was to create an event so strange and unfamilar that the world would have no choice but to unite. A "Manhattan goes mental" like attack defeats the entire end of Moore's story.

Except the ending of the Comic book was pretty damn stupid.

It isn't actually.

Spoiler

The world is about to tear itself apart through war, and an outside threat is needed to unite humanity together. While a giant psychic squid isn't the most conventional way of doing this, it serves the purpose very well. Humanity believes that it's under attack from extraterrestrial forces, so abandons its inner-fighting in order to stand together against this new threat.

It's a strange ending, but it makes perfect sense. Which is why I'm more than a litte pissed off about the new ending. Who is it that the world is supposed to unite against? Dr Manhatten? He used to work for the US military. Any Manhatten-like explosions are going to instantly put the American Army right at the top of the suspect list.

All that is well and good until you realize:

Spoiler

Scientists agree that it was not an intelligent creature. It was compared to an interdimensional bee that stings when it dies. When everyone agrees that it is highly unlikely it will ever happen again, what is there to keep humanity united; to keep people from killing each other again.

The fact that it confirms life on a universal scale, and that it genuinely provides a threat to us. A creature like that could not materialize and die on our planet by accident - the event is seen as proof that something worse is approaching.

And a god like Dr Manhattan cannot be created on accident either. There had to have been some greater power behind it.

Yes he could, and yes he was. He was split apart on a sub atmoic level, while each individual piece retained his cosciousness. He then used his training in watch repair to put himself back together.

That is my point exactly. There is an in-universe example of something supernatural that was just a freak accident. There is no in-universe explanation for why they would think that the squid was the vanguard of an invasion force or anything like that. Hence, no reason to stay united as a species. Although this may have been entirely Moore's purpose.

 

[Acid Armageddon]

I bought Watchmen on a wim at at local comic shop and could not put it down all day! I read the whole thing through, then read it again! It's one of the greatest stories I have ever read!

 

[GloatingSwine]

That is my point exactly. There is an in-universe example of something supernatural that was just a freak accident. There is no in-universe explanation for why they would think that the squid was the vanguard of an invasion force or anything like that. Hence, no reason to stay united as a species. Although this may have been entirely Moore's purpose.

It was entirely the purpose.

All but the very last line of the comic, from Dr. Manhattan, is "Nothing ever ends Adrian.", indicating that the current state of peace will not last, and that Ozymandias' actions have only averted the current crisis, not created the shining new future of peace and kittens forever that he thought they would.

Edit: And the bomb in New York ending is stupid. At DEFCON 1, the reaction to what appears to be a nuclear explosion on US soil would be an immediate launch of all missiles at all targets, on the assumption that this was a Russian first strike, and that more were already on the way. The movie ending would do exactly the opposite of what it was intended to do, because no-one would wait around to find out whether this was a russian nuke or not, they'd just launch because if it was, the cost of waiting would be annihilation.

 

[Simriel]

I
Oh no. Judging by your avatar you've gone for Douchebag post movie, 100 bullets bullshit Joker. Azarello's take on the character was horrible.


I'm looking forward to the Watchmen movie but, in contrast to your average Watchmen fan, I think they should change the ending. In my ending Rorschach beats Ozymandias to death with a coffee table.

I've read every graphic novel that has ever included the Joker. (and many comic arcs for that matter)

So I'd practice your judgment skills. Especially since you've already failed with the line "X has a horrible take on him." Short of a few things you can't do the Joker wrong, he changes who he is with every day according to the world around him.

A flimsy excuse for bad writing. Azarello has a talent for hilariously over the top Macho dialogue (usually with homoerotic undertones) and it's served him well in 100 bullets but when he tries the same shtick on the Joker it just strips all the subtlety from the character. He did the same with John Constantine when he took over Hellblazer as well, turning a deeply threatening character into an obvious 'bad ass'.

I think you can take your opinion and shove it up your ass. I love that story and would like to see you write a Joker story(and judging from how you would end watchmen, well...)

I will watch (and gleefully review) the movie, but I have absolutely zero interest in the source material.

Fine review. I'm tempted to say it's too short, but I'm not one for writing long reviews myself. Really quick read with a good chunk of information. Good stuff.

The Watchmen is one of the best Graphic novels I've ever read.

Likewise Rorschach is one of my top 3 favorite characters.

1) Joker
2) Rorschach
3) Captain America

I know...talk about a change in seriousness from top to bottom .

Oh no. Judging by your avatar you've gone for Douchebag post movie, 100 bullets bullshit Joker. Azarello's take on the character was horrible.


I'm looking forward to the Watchmen movie but, in contrast to your average Watchmen fan, I think they should change the ending. In my ending Rorschach beats Ozymandias to death with a coffee table.

I've read every graphic novel that has ever included the Joker. (and many comic arcs for that matter)

So I'd practice your judgment skills. Especially since you've already failed with the line "X has a horrible take on him." Short of a few things you can't do the Joker wrong, he changes who he is with every day according to the world around him.

A flimsy excuse for bad writing. Azarello has a talent for hilariously over the top Macho dialogue (usually with homoerotic undertones) and it's served him well in 100 bullets but when he tries the same shtick on the Joker it just strips all the subtlety from the character. He did the same with John Constantine when he took over Hellblazer as well, turning a deeply threatening character into an obvious 'bad ass'.

A flimsy excuse made by DC comics years before this graphic novel existed...

Anyways, every single novel I've ever read about the Joker has been dramatically different. Which makes sense. Much like Lincoln each new examination of the character reveals a new outlook on the character (Yes I mean Abraham Lincoln...).

Considering the Joker crippled batgirl, killed the second robin, killed batman dozens (or hundreds) of times over and over when he had the ability to control reality, and considering he's got the highest murder toll of ANY character in Batman...I don't see where this 'subtelty' comes in.

I have to agree with you here. The joker has NEVER been subtle. His kill count is roughly 2000, not including when he warped reality. In fact the point of the joker is that he ISN'T subtle. Every other villain tries to work things so batman does not know. Half the time the Joker actually TELLS batman whats going on.

 

[Pseudonym2]

ATTENTION: POSSIBLE MOVIE SPOILER ALERT CONTAINED

I've heard as well that the ending has been changed... While I'm not so much of a super fan to get pissy about it- some of the rumors state that they use a "Dr. Manhattan" like explosions around the world.
This one would tick me off- because the Watchman's whole point was to create an event so strange and unfamilar that the world would have no choice but to unite. A "Manhattan goes mental" like attack defeats the entire end of Moore's story.

Except the ending of the Comic book was pretty damn stupid.

It isn't actually.

Spoiler

The world is about to tear itself apart through war, and an outside threat is needed to unite humanity together. While a giant psychic squid isn't the most conventional way of doing this, it serves the purpose very well. Humanity believes that it's under attack from extraterrestrial forces, so abandons its inner-fighting in order to stand together against this new threat.

It's a strange ending, but it makes perfect sense. Which is why I'm more than a litte pissed off about the new ending. Who is it that the world is supposed to unite against? Dr Manhatten? He used to work for the US military. Any Manhatten-like explosions are going to instantly put the American Army right at the top of the suspect list.

All that is well and good until you realize:

Spoiler

Scientists agree that it was not an intelligent creature. It was compared to an interdimensional bee that stings when it dies. When everyone agrees that it is highly unlikely it will ever happen again, what is there to keep humanity united; to keep people from killing each other again.

The fact that it confirms life on a universal scale, and that it genuinely provides a threat to us. A creature like that could not materialize and die on our planet by accident - the event is seen as proof that something worse is approaching.

And a god like Dr Manhattan cannot be created on accident either. There had to have been some greater power behind it.

Yes he could, and yes he was. He was split apart on a sub atmoic level, while each individual piece retained his cosciousness. He then used his training in watch repair to put himself back together.

That is my point exactly. There is an in-universe example of something supernatural that was just a freak accident. There is no in-universe explanation for why they would think that the squid was the vanguard of an invasion force or anything like that. Hence, no reason to stay united as a species. Although this may have been entirely Moore's purpose.

It released psychic singles that told some people about the fictional alien invasion.

 

[trollboy]

Great review, does a good job of summarizing that basic outline of the comic. However, if you just glaze over the interludes between each chapter you also miss out on a lot more background information about each character.

I must say I truly enjoyed the snippets at the newsstand, where the world of the comic and the vendor's ranting melded together. And it was an interesting story to be telling in the background.

 

[Duh]

i havent finished readding it yet, but since the movie will only be released in 2 weeks i have time

 

[Deleric]

Just finished reading the book. I'll probably go back and find all the little panel eastereggs and stuff.

As for the movie, It's really awesome to see how the comic has migrated into a motion picture. The scenes look as they should compared to their graphic counterparts, and the characters are brilliantly designed. I think it'll be great, and'll show the source material some justice.