If you aren’t excited for the film adaptation of Alan Moore’s Watchmen, then you are either horribly unawares of just how phenomenal the graphic novel is, or you have no taste whatsoever. While Moore is reportedly a grade-A douchebag about adaptations, and purportedly rebuked V for Vendetta (can you tell I’m defensive), I’m anticipating Zack Snyder’s translation to do for Moore what 300 did for Frank Miller: make him a household name.

After seeing trailers laden with the trademark slo-mo goodness and heavy Smashing Pumpkins in the background, I decided it was time to grow my catalogue of exposure to adult-themed comics. I say that as a fan and supporter of other comics, especially to the extent that they typically do not patronize children by oversimplifying or prettying-up the message. However, I don’t remember Superman ever having a ménage à trois with Lois Lane.

The graphic novel is more than just a shocking read, although I would imagine it was just that in 1986 when compared with most other literature of its kind. The story is inventive, unique, reflective, suggestive, charitable, even-handed, and absurdly realistic. Every character has their strengths, but what makes them three-dimensional and exceedingly interesting is their weaknesses. The omnipotent demi-god who is impotent against fate, the patriotic hero who happens to be a misogynist rapist, the relentless and demented detective who fights against his own shame and bizarre sexual issues—all contribute to the psychotic, yet plausible narrative of a world where superheroes are really just concerned citizens who put on an outfit.

What impressed me most about the book is the naked honesty with which it delves into the various psyches of the comic book archetypes. What would compel a being with limitless powers and no particular attachments to protect a world of creatures no more significant than microbes are to us? How could a vigilante driven purely by revenge reconcile the gray areas of morality in order to tell friend from foe? How does a superhero cope with aging and insignificance? How does society deal with beings that give it great strength, yet simultaneously cripple it? I guess you’ll have to read and find out for yourself.

–Casimir

I make more puns that cannot be understood without first looking something up. Why did no one ever read Caveat Lector? Anyhow, here you go. This makes like the kabillionth thing we’ve uploaded in the last week. Crazy, I know, but winter break only comes once a year. I guess what I’m saying is, that’s all for me until the summer. No, hopefully not, but don’t expect nearly this much content.

This may facilitate understanding of the joke.