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Reading Watchmen sure ain't like reading Batman


After reading the first three chapters of the Watchmen I can see why it would be listed as Time Magazine's 100 Best Novels. The story from the first panel is dark and gloomy and begins with the death of an important character, Edward Blake, the Comedian. This comic is unlike any we have read so far. Sure, Batman has been dark and gloomy at times, but he always had Robin there to brighten the panels. Perhaps the people working on Batman are not working as hard as Alan Moore to make sure a crucial social commentary on America in the late 1980s is made. I guess I need to read more, but I am having trouble understanding just what that commentary is supposed to be. I understand so far that the question the story poses a lot is, "Who watches the Watchmen?" meaning we should not have to depend on superheroes to survive. But is it worth it?

It is valid point to not depend on super beings for help because peoples self-reliance would be lost. However, from a comic book fan's point of view, I don't read comics for profound thinking. I don't read comics to question the authority of my government. Comics are a recreation for me. I read comics to enjoy a good ol' fashioned action adventure story of the good guys versus the bad guys with the latter always losing. I haven't finished reading the story, but it sure isn't like reading Batman. I'm not saying Watchmen is bad and should not exist. It's just not my cup of tea. I'll take the Caped Crusader or the Man of Steel any day.

Comments

Dan the hafaball said…
If comics don't make you think, then what does? The whole beginning of comics before television and radio was a commentary on society, government, and civilization. I agree they are made to be fun, but you can't just dismiss the messages they give. Do you dismiss the messages in The Matrix because it's flashy? I haven't read Watchmen yet, but to say you never try to find an underlying message in comics is hard for me to understand.
July 21, 2008 at 4:58 PM
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