Why We're Still Hooked on Watchmen

I’ve been captivated by the enduring influence of “Watchmen,” a groundbreaking comic series co-created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. This twelve-issue maxiseries offered an unvarnished perspective on what superheroes might look like in our reality, where their existence would have dramatically altered the course of history and global politics.

“Watchmen” is often hailed as the pinnacle of comic storytelling, and rightfully so. Moore and Gibbons skillfully employed every tool at their disposal to craft a tale that “Time” magazine recognized as one of the most significant pieces of literature in the 20th century. This masterpiece elevated comics into the realm of high art, alongside other works considered truly exceptional.

To this day, every remarkable comic is measured against “Watchmen,” and its lasting impact on the industry has given rise to countless other extraordinary stories. Creators continue to strive to emulate and surpass the legacy of “Watchmen.

Moore’s character in the comic industry is commonly perceived as grumpy, and his views on superhero comics – though controversial and even more so since he departed from the field – continue to stir debates. These opinions are significant in understanding why the story resonates so deeply: they provide the cynical backdrop for the book’s ideas. There seems to be a magnetic pull to Watchmen that has held comic enthusiasts captive ever since its release. Critiques, such as this one, abound, and discussions about its influence have been ongoing since its conclusion in October 1987. The question remains: what keeps us captivated by Watchmen nearly four decades later? What is it that keeps this comic relevant in the cultural conversation?

The Problem of Watchmen

It’s not entirely accurate to credit Watchmen with maturing the comic medium, as it was actually a period of significant transformation in the comic industry during the 1980s. The creators who emerged during this time were often fans who had grown up reading comics and saw them not just as a job but as their passion. Many, like Alan Moore, were deeply influenced by the comics of the Golden and Silver Ages. Unlike their predecessors, these new creators sought to produce comics that captured the vitality of those they grew up with while incorporating the maturity they found in other artistic mediums. Reading through comics from this era, one can sense a fresh perspective, even in mainstream superhero books and independent titles. Works like “The Dark Phoenix Saga” aimed to tell stories with a depth and sophistication that set them apart from earlier works by Stan Lee or Gardner Fox.

In essence, Watchmen wasn’t the first mature comic, but it was undeniably the most effective in conveying maturity. Alan Moore had been preparing the ground for Watchmen with his exceptional work on Swamp Thing, using a classic monster character to explore human themes. Watchmen served as a culmination of all the transformations in the comic industry, reflecting Moore’s extensive literary background that took him away from the hardships of Northampton’s Burrows neighborhood and into the worlds of fiction.

When compared to the mature comics of the early ’80s, such as Ronin, The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller’s Daredevil, and Maus, Watchmen stands out in a unique way. It wasn’t merely a dark, violent story with adult content; it offered a fresh perspective on the superhero genre that no other book had previously explored. Prior to Watchmen, superheroes were often portrayed as ideal, virtuous figures, but Watchmen challenged this notion by depicting heroes as ordinary individuals, which is what truly sets it apart.

The concept of “Watchmen” sparked a significant issue within the realm of superhero stories. At that time, such an approach was unprecedented, giving birth to numerous followers. Some of these successors, who were primarily imported from the UK due to innovators like Moore and Gibbons, managed to grasp the lesson from “Watchmen” and incorporate it into their works, resulting in a comic book renaissance. However, the majority of imitators merely mimicked the mature themes – the violence, the adult content, the gloomy narrative – which ultimately steered the entire comic industry towards a negative trajectory. In essence, “Watchmen” served as a double-edged sword, reshaping the comic book industry in its likeness.

In my opinion, the enduring fascination we have with “Watchmen” is due to its unprecedented influence in the world of comics. Few comics can rival the impact that “Watchmen” has had. Alongside iconic titles like “Action Comics” #1, “Detective Comics” #27, “Showcase” #4, “Fantastic Four” #1, and “Amazing Fantasy” #15, “Watchmen” paved new paths for the medium, just as they did. Nevertheless, the level of obsession with “Watchmen” seems remarkable. The primary distinction lies in its ability to elevate comics to the realm of literature, a domain often considered superior to comics, such as novels or films. If you ask an MCU fan if they read comics, you’d likely get a reaction similar to tasting sour milk. “Watchmen” was that exceptional comic that comic enthusiasts could proudly compare to the best works of other mediums, and it sparked a wave of comics that would push the boundaries of what comics once represented.

Until Something Tops Watchmen, It Will Always Be a Topic of Conversation

The debut issue of Action Comics set the stage for the introduction of superheroes in the world, Showcase #4 marked the beginning of the Silver Age, and Fantastic Four #1 offered a fresh perspective on superheroes. Yet, it’s no secret that more captivating comic books have emerged since then. This isn’t to diminish the quality of those earlier comics; rather, it’s an acknowledgment that superior ones have been published. The transformations they initiated were crucial, but they eventually became foundational elements in the world of comics, overshadowed by the flood of outstanding books they spawned. We recognize their significance, but we no longer feel the need to discuss them at length because it’s self-evident. However, with Watchmen, nothing has surpassed its excellence yet.

We’re consistently captivated by “Watchmen” as it continues to outshine subsequent comics in some respects. While numerous impressive comics have emerged since 1987, none has managed to dethrone “Watchmen” from its lofty position. It’s true that occasionally someone might claim a comic surpasses “Watchmen,” but such views are not the norm. The consensus among many is that “Watchmen” remains unrivaled in greatness, even if it may not be their preferred choice. Until this perspective shifts, discussions about “Watchmen” will persist. Our fascination with it will cease only when a new benchmark for comparison emerges within the realm of remarkable comics.

2025-03-23 15:40

Why We’re Still Hooked on Watchmen

The Problem of Watchmen

Until Something Tops Watchmen, It Will Always Be a Topic of Conversation

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