Watchmen

There is a reason Watchmen is lauded as the best graphic novel ever produced. From the first panel, Alan Moore gives you the feeling of the dark and gritty that will feature throughout the book, giving it the feel of a thriller. Dave Gibbons & colorist John Higgins add to the feel, giving the book an artistic feel that nobody can ever replicate. Moore's plot progression and character study is flawless, as he makes the reader care for characters like Rorshach, one of the many heroes who features in Watchmen, and who is an example of Moore's flawless creations. Gibbons has the whole comic lined with symbols and images which are easy to miss if you're just flipping through the pages, but they serve as additional storytellers. Indeed, Watchmen contains four types of storytelling: the traditional comic, the notes at the back of each chapter, a "comic within a comic" (beautifully written by Moore to match the scenario of the main storyline) as well as a stray of symbols in the form of graffiti, newspaper headlines and what not. Watchmen is indeed peerless, and probably one of the greatest stories ever told in any format. Moore set out to prove that comics are the only stories where the readers get the idea of the creator's high level concepts and imagination, which is affirmed by the awesomeness personified that is Watchmen.

One simply can't be initiated into the subculture of comic book lover unless and until they have experienced firsthand, the iconic graphic novel, perhaps the best of times. And thanks to flipkart, it can now very well grace your book shelf!

Alan Moore's vision of a future is grim, cynical even. And his ideas of heroes are not caped crusaders fighting for justice. The "heroes" of the novel as as human as any other, and grapple with their own demons. From the sociopath Rorschach's conspiracy theory, to the indestructible man's - Dr Manhattan - past, and the cynicism of the Comedian.
The year, 1987 ('85 in the movie), where Soviet Russia and America are on the brink of nuclear war provides a surrealistic background for Moore and Gibbon's fantastic, albeit pessimistic and cynical version of the future (which Moore deals with once again in 'V For Vendetta').

So, why should you read it? One, because it's an epic when it comes to the history of comic books.
Two, for the element of fantastic art, exaggeration and most of all, a superb story and unconventional narration (what more can one expect of Moore?) as reality, fiction and exaggeration are fused in Gibbon's artwork.
Three, because Snyder's film was a colossal waste of money and managed to pique your interest in the book. And the book is way better; though Snyder has to be credited for adapting a book which had been described as one that "can never be made into a movie".
And four, because, as I said before, you really can't consider yourself a comic book geek if you haven't read 'Watchmen'.

Seriously, can a graphic novel better this gritty, brainy, and thoroughly bloody examination of human nature, pop culture and 'the good old days' that never were. It's as 'super-human' as human's get. The super-heroes are a manifestation of their own perceptions, strenghts and flaws. Gibbons artwork adds the perfect complexion to Moore's script delivering a perfectly imperfect rendition of sociological thriller. Adding to the flavours are a mix of well defined characters trying to play a part in a world set during the 'security-dilemma' and the race for hegemony.

There are so many questions regarding watchmen and everybody thinks why are there so many questions? that's because watchmen is not just any graphic novel,its an epic meant to be like that forever.When you read it ,you wonder ,am i living in the real world or inside the world of watchmen?. Complex plots,interesting subplots and the horrifying environment of cold war.At last there is only one thing to say,best of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons...mind blowing...Deadly...just buy and read it..

If there is a read that would give you chills down your spine....this is it!!!!
The story is awesome....the graphics are impeccable and you would never realize that this book was written in the 80's.
The best book for the people starting in the graphic novels genre.
Plus flipkart's service is awesome. Took only 4 days to reach me and no hidden costs. What you see is what you pay.