Besides being one of Time Magazine's 'Top 100 Novels Ever Written' the Watchmen series has enormous fan following. So big in fact that it's famous 'smiley blood spatter' has become an iconic part of pop culture and is referenced in movies, TV and even other graphic novels.
Watchmen was originally published by DC Comics between 1986 and 1987, written by Alan Moore with the iconic art being provided by artist Dave Gibbons and colourist John Higgins. Watchmen is beautifully drawn and well written and is, in my opinion, like the Holy Bible of comic book fiction.
Almost every fantasy or sci-fi graphic novel written since Watchmen was first published has taken at least a bit of inspiration from the book, yet, Watchmen still stays its own book - unique to any other.
What makes the Watchmen novel unlike any other comic book or graphic novel is its complexity, in its narrative and its political, moral and ethical commentary on war, injustice and the value of human life. Are our doings throughout history and in everyday life are truly justified? If we do something for the 'greater good' do we really consider the impact on all dimensions of life and reality? Is it better to tell ourselves and others the same lie in order to keep balance or should we tell the cold, unwanted truth to sustain innocence and morals?
Basically you could apply and compare this book to any political, moral or ethical situation on Earth right now (especially right now) and you'd find more similarities than differences.
