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Writer's pictureJustin Whippo

Watchmen: Chapter 1 (2024)

Updated: 5 days ago

My quick rating - 7.0/10. I decided to dive back into the gritty, morally complex universe of one of the most iconic graphic novels of all time. As a massive fan of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen, I approached this animated adaptation with high expectations—and for the most part, it delivered, offering a solid start to what promises to be a faithful multipart adaptation. Set in an alternate 1985, the story unfolds as The Comedian (voiced by Rick D. Wasserman), a once-celebrated hero turned government agent, is murdered, sparking an investigation by Rorschach (voiced by Titus Welliver), the last active vigilante. His grim, unyielding pursuit of truth not only resurrects unresolved conflicts among his former colleagues—Nite Owl, Silk Spectre, Dr. Manhattan, and Ozymandias—but also raises the stakes, hinting at a deeper conspiracy. The adaptation succeeds in capturing the shadowy, heavy atmosphere of a world on the edge of nuclear annihilation, where heroes aren’t what they seem, and where no one can be trusted. The animation does justice to the dark, iconic visuals of the original comics. The art style is suitably gritty, and the character designs stay close to the original, making it feel like the pages have come to life. The voice acting deserves praise as well, with each character's voice fitting their distinct personalities—Rorschach’s narration is especially well done, capturing his cynical worldview and giving his internal monologues the weight they need. The pacing works well for a first chapter, covering the essentials without feeling rushed, though the episodic structure might test the patience of fans used to the depth of the graphic novel. As a first installment, it doesn’t dive too deep but lays out an intriguing mystery that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next chapter. The adaptation maintains the essence of Watchmen’s critique of power, identity, and morality, themes that only seem more relevant with each passing year. Overall, this is a promising start, true to the source material while bringing a fresh energy to the narrative. It’s not easy to capture the depth of a work as legendary as Watchmen, but this adaptation clearly respects its origins. It might not yet reach the heights of the graphic novel, but for fans like me, it’s enough to keep us hooked and waiting for what’s next. (Click on Watchmen anywhere on this page to read the original comics online)

Amazon along with a couple of other streamers have this one right now.

Watchmen: Chapter 1 #jackmeatsflix
Watchmen: Chapter 1
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