mike[space] dot net

One thing I forgot to mention about our trips to the Lakes was that I finally got the opportunity to read Watchmen, generally lauded as the finest graphic novel ever written. It's currently being made into a Hollywood movie by the director of 300 Zack Synder.

I think the most important thing to point out is that it is absolutely incredible. I've not read many graphic novels in my time, but if they are all like this then I really need to be reading more. It takes a very gritty, real world look at the idea of costumed heroes and their impact on society, set against the backdrop of the rising paranoia of the Cold War. It looks at how people behave, both en masse and as individuals. It looks at the psychology of vigilantism, and what happens to people who decide to be "superheroes" (quotes because we are talking about ordinary people, rather than people who have been mutated or are aliens). The main story thread is based around an apparent plot to kill off the various surviving costumed heroes, but it's the details that make it shine, it feels like like a whole alternate universe with solid, believable characters. The inclusion of additional material such as essays about various of the characters just add to the depth.

The latest trailer for the movie came out today, and it really does look incredible. But I can't help but be worried. 300 looked amazing in the trailers, but frankly the film itself was flat and boring, inspite of the stunning visuals. I am just hoping that Synder has spent a little more time teasing out the depth of the story to ensure that the film is as engaging narratively as it is visually. *fingers crossed*

Regardless of the movie, do yourself a favour and check out the novel. If you are thinking "bleurgh, comics are for kids", prepare to be proven wrong.