Final Blog Post

Delving deeper into the book and the complex lives of these superheroes, I am still intrigued by this essential breakdown of the superhero. Here, we see several important characters being ripped from the past and current selves, trying to collect pieces that have been shredded by the time in between. These are only further emphasized by the constant mirroring of panels, the reuse of scenes that we have discussed in class.

Another running theme I see in Watchmen is the constant presence of media, through newspapers and textual clues in the panels. The last chapter is specifically evident of these little details. Throughout the story, several panels will contain newspapers with bold, readable headlines such as “Nixon Promises Maximum Force” from the New York Gazette or “Cops Say “Let Them Do It””. These newspapers are able to connect these scenes to the larger worldview. We never stay in one character’s head long enough to become unaware of the city’s sentiment, the growing tension and apprehension.

Interestingly enough however, the use of POV is used expertly to really identity the reader with the main characters. Often, panels will feature hands performing actions, the body attached to it seemingly ours. This is especially notable in panels such as page 162, first panel first row and first panel third row, page 155 third row, and all of page 65. Due to this perspective, we are given a full, uncensored first person view of the action. Sometimes, the images we see are jarring, but give Watchmen incredible life and leave haunting images imprinted on the mind. The Rorschach slides and Rorschach’s vivid interpretations are both skillfully drawn, but cringe-worthy.