Watchmen By Alan Moore: A Literary Analysis

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Graphic novels have had a substantial impact on the world of literature. They have created a rift throughout society due to their controversial inclusion into legitimate writing. Many argue that graphic novels should not be considered canon to other pieces of literature. Their large incorporation of illustrations convinces readers that graphic novels should be viewed as entertainment and not analyzed for their literary merit. Despite these arguments, graphic novels can act as a strong supplement to full length texts. They include in depth themes, a substantial plot, and provide a large influence on the world of art. One of the most popular graphic novels of all time is Watchmen by Alan Moore. Moore is a notorious graphic novel writer and has inspired many other authors. Watchmen, his …show more content…

Their presence has altered major events in history such as the Vietnam War and the election of Richard Nixon. Superheroes have been outlawed by the government due to their unpopular status among police and the public. At the opening of the novel, Edward Blake (AKA The Comedian), has been brutally murdered by a mysterious figure (Moore, I, 1-4). The temptation to return to the realm of superheroes is constantly put into jeopardy with an increasing amount of heroes disappearing. This is clearly seen in Chapter 1 when Rorschach, a vigilante, comes to visit Dan Dreiberg (formerly Nite Owl) (Moore, I, 10-13). Dan is visibly conflicted with the glory days and the desire to return to his former self. One of the major themes in Watchmen is the strict set of rules that are placed upon the superheroes. These restrictions prevent them from returning to crime fighting with free will and ultimately establish the major conflict of the story. The main conflict isn’t that Edward Blake has been murdered, but instead that superheroes can not return to their line of duty to solve the

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