I first read this statement in Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress. In the book the phrase, translated to “who watches the watchmen,” was used to question those responsible for keeping our nations secrets secret. Who watches those that watch us? It’s a question that should be asked more often then it is. Those in power — politicians and the like — tend to exist in a bubble where they can do what they like. They’re untouchable.
The question arises again as the closing line in Watchmen. The movie debuts today and so to prepare myself I decided to read the only graphic novel Time Magazine included in it’s 100 Best Novels list. I knew nothing about the story, other than it was about superheroes of some sort. Staying away from internet hype and movie trailers, I dove into the book.
Warning, minor plotline spoilers and viral marketing videos will follow.
It’s an interesting concept: when superheroes first appeared in comic books in the 30’s, it spurred certain people to dawn masks and fight crime on their own terms. Now super powers, just costumed vigilantes. As a result superhero comic books went out of style and time moved on.
As the original group of “costumed heroes” started to fade a new batch came into fashion. This group brought something new to the table, something truly super. As a result from a nuclear accident appropriately named Dr. Manhattan was born and thus had the power of a god. Thanks to Dr. Manhattan, and other members of the Crime Busters, the war in Vietnam was won and President Nixon earned a third presidential term.
Though in 1977 support for the few remaining “adventurers” was waning fast and the Keene Act was was adopted outlawing masked vigilantes. Some costumed heroes exposed themselves, others went into hiding while Dr. Manhattan and The Comedian became employed by the US Government and therefore exempt from the new law.
Fast forward to 1985 — the pinnacle of human civilization (just ask Marty McFly). Someone has killed The Comedian and, it seems, is going after other masked vigilantes. Dr. Manhattan gets bored and decides to head off to somewhere that would better stimulate him and, as a result, the Russians invade Afghanistan. The proverbial doomsday clock is quickly ticking toward midnight and it seems everyone is powerless to do anything.
The book itself is very dark, which fits the storyline, and tells a depressing yet highly interesting tale. It comes across as very ordinary and believable, that the events in the book could actually happen today. While it’s technically about superheroes, there doesn’t seem anything overtly spectacular about it. There are awesome characters, introduced by the director in the video below, ranging from the previously mentioned Dr. Manhattan to the borderline insane — yet fascinating — Rorschach. All that said, it’s a great story with an unsatisfying ending. It’s not to say it’s not a good ending, it just left me wanting.
Despite the ending, I’m looking forward for to the movie. Since I finished the book I’ve gone on to read early reviews and watch trailers, as well as the viral videos shown above. By all accounts, the movie will live up to the books reputation and truly be worth seeing on the big screen.
I can’t wrap this article up without posting this really funny video (Four videos in one post? Yowza!) showing Watchmen as an 80’s cartoon. Pure awesome follows.
Told you it was awesome.
3/8/09
TOPolk
Why was I so entertained by that 80s cartoon mockup?
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