Has any comic been as lauded as Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen? Possibly only Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns but Watchmen remains the critics' favourite. Why? Because Moore is a better writer, and Watchmen a more complex and dark and literate creation than Miller's fantastic, subversive take on the Batman myth. Moore, renowned for many other of the genre's finest creations (Saga of the Swamp Thing, V for Vendetta, and recently From Hell, with Eddie Campbell) first put out Watchmen in 12 issues for DC in 1986-87. It won a comic award at the time (the 1987 Jack Kirby Comics Industry Awards for Best Writer/Artist combination) and has continued to garner praise since.

The story concerns a group called the Crimebusters and a plot to kill and discredit them. Moore's characterisation is as sophisticated as any novel's. Importantly the costumes do not get in the way of the storytelling, rather they allow Moore to investigate issues of power and control--indeed it was Watchmen, and to a lesser extent Dark Knight, that propelled the comic genre forward, making "adult" comics a reality. The artwork of Gibbons (best known for 2000AD's Rogue Trooper and DC's Green Lantern) is very fine too, echoing Moore's paranoid mood perfectly throughout. Packed with symbolism, some of the overlying themes (arms control, nuclear threat, vigilantes) have dated but the intelligent social and political commentary, the structure of the story itself, its intertextuality (chapters appended with excerpts from other "works" and "studies" on Moore's characters, or with excerpts from another comic book being read by a child within the story), the fine pace of the writing and its humanity mean that Watchmen more than stands up--it retains its crown as the best the genre has yet produced. --Mark Thwaite

Watchmen forever!, 17 Nov 2008
I have always been a graphic novel buff ever since buying Hitman & Preacher in my late teens. And now in my early 30's I came across an old box containing my old graphic novels, I felt that I struck gold! I loved the V for Vendetta movie and decided to purchase the V for Vendetta graphic novel and found it gripping, intense and incredible (not that I'm a non-conformist!). Thus leading me to Watchmen. What can I say, WOW! This is my second read of Watchmen within a month. It's definately better reading it again & again! It is imperative to read Watchmen before the movie. So, what are you waiting for.....go & buy it!!!!!

!!!!!!GREAT!!!!!!!!, 15 Nov 2008
I didn't really know what to expect from this book.I bought V for Vendeta {by the same author Alan Moore} because of it's positive feedback but after reading it for a couple of hous I knew that I would be giving it negative.So as you can imagine I was a little bit wary of buying Watchmen but boy am I glad I did.Right away from the fdirst page I was hooked by its compelling story and often had to fight with myself to put it down.The characters are ingaging (Rosoach especially) and are all totaly different.The art (Dave Gibbons) is amsing and fits so well with Moores story tellig.I could go on for hours about all the good things this book has to over but basiclliy !!!JUST BY IT!!!!!

Surprisingly great, 30 Oct 2008
Recently, I have reached a part in my life in which I have gone back to reading comics. This is not a comic.

This is one of the finist pieces of literature I have ever read.

Alan Moore is is a very good writer, getting across the themes of this book, and has defined how good books should be written in the graphic novel form.

A very good book. NOT A COMIC.

The Most Depressing Story Ever Told, 24 Oct 2008
Alan Moore is a genius of the very worst kind. He produces work which you have to read, because frankly it's brilliant, but which you really don't want to, because fundamentally it's horrible.

Well, except Voice Of The Fire. Even an endorsement by Neil Gaiman couldn't put a shine on that.

Watchmen, however, is fantastic. I don't want to give it five stars, but it pries them from my begrudging hands. I have never come across a work of art so good which left me feeling so bleak and hopeless. If you're questioning your faith in humanity, or feeling at all bummed about the world, you might want to wait a bit before picking this up.

Don't say I didn't warn you. I did. This is me, warning you.

Still a good vintage, 22 Oct 2008
I hadn't read this since it was first out, and boy it has still got what it takes to be a classic.

I will agree some points of the book have dated but then again hasn't dickens? its a book of its time, but should be read and remembered always

Watchmen forever!, 17 Nov 2008
I have always been a graphic novel buff ever since buying Hitman & Preacher in my late teens. And now in my early 30's I came across an old box containing my old graphic novels, I felt that I struck gold! I loved the V for Vendetta movie and decided to purchase the V for Vendetta graphic novel and found it gripping, intense and incredible (not that I'm a non-conformist!). Thus leading me to Watchmen. What can I say, WOW! This is my second read of Watchmen within a month. It's definately better reading it again & again! It is imperative to read Watchmen before the movie. So, what are you waiting for.....go & buy it!!!!!

!!!!!!GREAT!!!!!!!!, 15 Nov 2008
I didn't really know what to expect from this book.I bought V for Vendeta {by the same author Alan Moore} because of it's positive feedback but after reading it for a couple of hous I knew that I would be giving it negative.So as you can imagine I was a little bit wary of buying Watchmen but boy am I glad I did.Right away from the fdirst page I was hooked by its compelling story and often had to fight with myself to put it down.The characters are ingaging (Rosoach especially) and are all totaly different.The art (Dave Gibbons) is amsing and fits so well with Moores story tellig.I could go on for hours about all the good things this book has to over but basiclliy !!!JUST BY IT!!!!!

Surprisingly great, 30 Oct 2008
Recently, I have reached a part in my life in which I have gone back to reading comics. This is not a comic.

This is one of the finist pieces of literature I have ever read.

Alan Moore is is a very good writer, getting across the themes of this book, and has defined how good books should be written in the graphic novel form.

A very good book. NOT A COMIC.

The Most Depressing Story Ever Told, 24 Oct 2008
Alan Moore is a genius of the very worst kind. He produces work which you have to read, because frankly it's brilliant, but which you really don't want to, because fundamentally it's horrible.

Well, except Voice Of The Fire. Even an endorsement by Neil Gaiman couldn't put a shine on that.

Watchmen, however, is fantastic. I don't want to give it five stars, but it pries them from my begrudging hands. I have never come across a work of art so good which left me feeling so bleak and hopeless. If you're questioning your faith in humanity, or feeling at all bummed about the world, you might want to wait a bit before picking this up.

Don't say I didn't warn you. I did. This is me, warning you.

Still a good vintage, 22 Oct 2008
I hadn't read this since it was first out, and boy it has still got what it takes to be a classic.

I will agree some points of the book have dated but then again hasn't dickens? its a book of its time, but should be read and remembered always

A beautifully drawn, but very dark, tale., 24 Oct 2008
This was my first introduction to more "adult orientated" graphic novels (as opposed to comics). I bought it on a whim after seeing the cover featured in a TV programme hyping the 1989 Tim Burton Batman movie, and it was a real eye-opener. The tone is certainly much darker than the image of Batman which I'd grown up with (ie Adam West in all his campness) and provides a fascinating origin for the Joker. He comes across as an ordinary man driven beyond his capacity for reason, instead of the stereotypical insane clown of lazier Batman stories. (In fact the entire story is based around his "one bad day is all it takes" philosophy...)
The story itself is short but all the more effective for it, with some beautifully - if chillingly - drawn characters. The Joker is especially well rendered, with several large and extremely detailed frames - which is hardly surprising given that much of the book focuses on him and his "past life".
All in all, "A Killing Joke" is a worthy complement to "Batman: Year One" and "Dark Knight Returns", as it gives the reader a solid - and believable - origin to Batman's most enigmatic adversary. Highly recommended.

Return of a classic, 24 Oct 2008
This was the first comic i ever bought,twenty or so years ago and it is still one of my favourites.The story is probably the best Joker tale and the art is un-paralled.This edition is if anything an improvement on the original having Brian Bolland's own colours which are a delight in themselves.This book might be the definitive version of this seminal graphic novel.

It was OK., 01 Sep 2008
I was really looking forward to this, having heard so much praise. I guess I missed something, but I was expecting a really deep, complex story, like so many reviews and articles had described, and didn't find anything of the sort. The artwork's flawless, but the story really did nothing for me, especially the Joker's back story, which seems to be the most raved about part. I felt no attachment to any characters, and having only recently read Watchmen for the first time, and being so blown away by that, I couldn't see how this was the same writer. I also found it shockingly short, which I don't expect from a graphic novel. As I said before though, awesome artwork. I still love that cover!

A Feast for the Eyes; A Drain On the Mind, 29 Aug 2008
Okay, let's keep this brief and informal lest I start taking myself far too seriously. After all, it is only a comic book to which I am referring regardless of how good or bad this particular one may be.
As an addition to the Batman Legend, 'The Killing Joke' is something of a let down, and not least due to the 1980's "think outside of the box" storyline. In my opinion it will warp your perception of the Caped Crusader and Smiles-McGee as it did mine with it's painting of the pair as something of an old married couple who may fight but deep down are the best of friends (and thankfully like an old married couple they are not sexually attracted to each other either). It has to be said though that The Joker's crimes depicted here are less master-criminal and more sick-bastard. Whilst inventive, they lack the subtlety and genius you'd expect from the character. It would be far too easy to confuse his antics with that of 'Lord Pumpkin' in his origin one-shot as the freaky carnival setting and deformed minions are not Joker-like in my mind. I'd also suggest that the "definitive origin story" for the Joker is an ideal that should have died long ago, way before the 80's ever hit, and it's inclusion here makes the Joker seem weak and unjustified (in some senses) in his madness. Basically, as in the short version, Alan Moore's story is cleverly gimmicky at best with scripting that is just plain awful. Sorry to all the fans of the piece out there, but it reads more like a romance comic with Batman being the hysterical woman moreover Dark Knight.
What you will take away from reading this (and despite what I just said, you must buy and read this!) is that Brian Bolland is highly revered for a reason. The artwork is simply phenomenal, and the newly revamped colouring is stunning. You may never see a depiction of classic Batman or Joker looking this good anywhere else again. With the added bonus of Bolland's 'Innocent Man' (which he also wrote) sitting quietly at the back, this package must adorn your bookcase. I would recommend this to anyone.

A short story, short on story, 17 Aug 2008
This graphic novel has been given a massive amount of praise and to be honest, I'm not sure why. Perhaps because it's Alan Moore, perhaps because it is Batman vs Joker, perhaps because it has a Joker origin. I'm not sure.

I read it in one sitting, it's a very short and at £10 is a bit expensive. As it's so short there's not really a story. None at all. Batman turns up at the begining and the end, the middle is mainly flashbacks to the Joker origin. Which is campy and somewhat uninteresting.

The end is somewhat ambiguous following on the unexplored idea of should Batman kill the joker and why.

Really, the problem is not bad writing, just that it's too short and doesn't really explore the relationship at all.

There are better graphic novels, there are better batman novels. I wouldn't recommend this.

Watchmen forever!, 17 Nov 2008
I have always been a graphic novel buff ever since buying Hitman & Preacher in my late teens. And now in my early 30's I came across an old box containing my old graphic novels, I felt that I struck gold! I loved the V for Vendetta movie and decided to purchase the V for Vendetta graphic novel and found it gripping, intense and incredible (not that I'm a non-conformist!). Thus leading me to Watchmen. What can I say, WOW! This is my second read of Watchmen within a month. It's definately better reading it again & again! It is imperative to read Watchmen before the movie. So, what are you waiting for.....go & buy it!!!!!

!!!!!!GREAT!!!!!!!!, 15 Nov 2008
I didn't really know what to expect from this book.I bought V for Vendeta {by the same author Alan Moore} because of it's positive feedback but after reading it for a couple of hous I knew that I would be giving it negative.So as you can imagine I was a little bit wary of buying Watchmen but boy am I glad I did.Right away from the fdirst page I was hooked by its compelling story and often had to fight with myself to put it down.The characters are ingaging (Rosoach especially) and are all totaly different.The art (Dave Gibbons) is amsing and fits so well with Moores story tellig.I could go on for hours about all the good things this book has to over but basiclliy !!!JUST BY IT!!!!!

Surprisingly great, 30 Oct 2008
Recently, I have reached a part in my life in which I have gone back to reading comics. This is not a comic.

This is one of the finist pieces of literature I have ever read.

Alan Moore is is a very good writer, getting across the themes of this book, and has defined how good books should be written in the graphic novel form.

A very good book. NOT A COMIC.

The Most Depressing Story Ever Told, 24 Oct 2008
Alan Moore is a genius of the very worst kind. He produces work which you have to read, because frankly it's brilliant, but which you really don't want to, because fundamentally it's horrible.

Well, except Voice Of The Fire. Even an endorsement by Neil Gaiman couldn't put a shine on that.

Watchmen, however, is fantastic. I don't want to give it five stars, but it pries them from my begrudging hands. I have never come across a work of art so good which left me feeling so bleak and hopeless. If you're questioning your faith in humanity, or feeling at all bummed about the world, you might want to wait a bit before picking this up.

Don't say I didn't warn you. I did. This is me, warning you.

Still a good vintage, 22 Oct 2008
I hadn't read this since it was first out, and boy it has still got what it takes to be a classic.

I will agree some points of the book have dated but then again hasn't dickens? its a book of its time, but should be read and remembered always

A beautifully drawn, but very dark, tale., 24 Oct 2008
This was my first introduction to more "adult orientated" graphic novels (as opposed to comics). I bought it on a whim after seeing the cover featured in a TV programme hyping the 1989 Tim Burton Batman movie, and it was a real eye-opener. The tone is certainly much darker than the image of Batman which I'd grown up with (ie Adam West in all his campness) and provides a fascinating origin for the Joker. He comes across as an ordinary man driven beyond his capacity for reason, instead of the stereotypical insane clown of lazier Batman stories. (In fact the entire story is based around his "one bad day is all it takes" philosophy...)
The story itself is short but all the more effective for it, with some beautifully - if chillingly - drawn characters. The Joker is especially well rendered, with several large and extremely detailed frames - which is hardly surprising given that much of the book focuses on him and his "past life".
All in all, "A Killing Joke" is a worthy complement to "Batman: Year One" and "Dark Knight Returns", as it gives the reader a solid - and believable - origin to Batman's most enigmatic adversary. Highly recommended.

Return of a classic, 24 Oct 2008
This was the first comic i ever bought,twenty or so years ago and it is still one of my favourites.The story is probably the best Joker tale and the art is un-paralled.This edition is if anything an improvement on the original having Brian Bolland's own colours which are a delight in themselves.This book might be the definitive version of this seminal graphic novel.

It was OK., 01 Sep 2008
I was really looking forward to this, having heard so much praise. I guess I missed something, but I was expecting a really deep, complex story, like so many reviews and articles had described, and didn't find anything of the sort. The artwork's flawless, but the story really did nothing for me, especially the Joker's back story, which seems to be the most raved about part. I felt no attachment to any characters, and having only recently read Watchmen for the first time, and being so blown away by that, I couldn't see how this was the same writer. I also found it shockingly short, which I don't expect from a graphic novel. As I said before though, awesome artwork. I still love that cover!

A Feast for the Eyes; A Drain On the Mind, 29 Aug 2008
Okay, let's keep this brief and informal lest I start taking myself far too seriously. After all, it is only a comic book to which I am referring regardless of how good or bad this particular one may be.
As an addition to the Batman Legend, 'The Killing Joke' is something of a let down, and not least due to the 1980's "think outside of the box" storyline. In my opinion it will warp your perception of the Caped Crusader and Smiles-McGee as it did mine with it's painting of the pair as something of an old married couple who may fight but deep down are the best of friends (and thankfully like an old married couple they are not sexually attracted to each other either). It has to be said though that The Joker's crimes depicted here are less master-criminal and more sick-bastard. Whilst inventive, they lack the subtlety and genius you'd expect from the character. It would be far too easy to confuse his antics with that of 'Lord Pumpkin' in his origin one-shot as the freaky carnival setting and deformed minions are not Joker-like in my mind. I'd also suggest that the "definitive origin story" for the Joker is an ideal that should have died long ago, way before the 80's ever hit, and it's inclusion here makes the Joker seem weak and unjustified (in some senses) in his madness. Basically, as in the short version, Alan Moore's story is cleverly gimmicky at best with scripting that is just plain awful. Sorry to all the fans of the piece out there, but it reads more like a romance comic with Batman being the hysterical woman moreover Dark Knight.
What you will take away from reading this (and despite what I just said, you must buy and read this!) is that Brian Bolland is highly revered for a reason. The artwork is simply phenomenal, and the newly revamped colouring is stunning. You may never see a depiction of classic Batman or Joker looking this good anywhere else again. With the added bonus of Bolland's 'Innocent Man' (which he also wrote) sitting quietly at the back, this package must adorn your bookcase. I would recommend this to anyone.

A short story, short on story, 17 Aug 2008
This graphic novel has been given a massive amount of praise and to be honest, I'm not sure why. Perhaps because it's Alan Moore, perhaps because it is Batman vs Joker, perhaps because it has a Joker origin. I'm not sure.

I read it in one sitting, it's a very short and at £10 is a bit expensive. As it's so short there's not really a story. None at all. Batman turns up at the begining and the end, the middle is mainly flashbacks to the Joker origin. Which is campy and somewhat uninteresting.

The end is somewhat ambiguous following on the unexplored idea of should Batman kill the joker and why.

Really, the problem is not bad writing, just that it's too short and doesn't really explore the relationship at all.

There are better graphic novels, there are better batman novels. I wouldn't recommend this.


Manhattan perfect transfer, 01 Dec 2008
`Watching the Watchmen' is the hardback equivalent of all those extra features you get in a deluxe DVD movie package. Dave Gibbons delivers the text equivalent of the audio commentary and opens up his portfolio to offer us page after beautiful glossy page of early, revised or deleted scenes from key stages in the development of the greatest graphic novel of all time.

It is a refreshingly frank and humble guide. Despite already enjoying huge critical success on a variety of other projects, Gibbons recalls how he and (Alan) Moore did not take DC's exclamations of approval for granted as they began to submit pages and receive the glowing feedback.

If you've ever wondered how your favourite comic strips go from concept to critical acclaim, this is the book for you.

One word of advice, this may have the weight and girth of a coffee table book, but you may want to read it wearing white gloves. It really is a thing of beauty - and such beauty should remain untainted!


Worth Watching the Watchmen, 07 Nov 2008
For Watchmen fans, Watching the Watchmen offers a gorgeous companion to the comics masterpiece, revealing excised pages, early versions of the script, original character designs, page thumbnails, sketches and much more.

Gibbons deliberately skirts around the controversy that ensued the publication of Watchmen, which ultimately led to Alan Moore refusing to work for DC Comics because of royalty and character ownership disputes. While not averse to scandal, the consummate artist prefers instead to celebrate the work and its ongoing success.

While I would have liked to have seen more of Alan Moore's script for this seminal work, the art samples are stunning and a testament to Gibbons artistic skills. This is a beautifully packaged, superbly designed celebration of the Watchmen which should encourage fans to revisit the original work and see its pages and storytelling in a whole new light.


An essential companion for my favourite graphic novel, 05 Nov 2008
I must have re-read Watchmen once a year since I first bought it and loved it, and thought there was nothing new I could now discover about it, but this book has changed my mind. I found it's a book to dip into, not read from start to finish in one big bite, but there's so much to see and pore over on every page, I didn't want to gulp it down anyway, lots of colours and textures and so much fine detail in every frame. Alan Moore gets loads of kudos, and deserves it 100%, but it's good for once to see Dave Gibbons get his time in the sun - a fantastic artist.

If any comic has a claim to have truly reinvigorated the genre then The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller--known recently for his excellent Sin City series and, previously, for his superb rendering of the blind superhero Daredevil--is probably the supreme contender. Batman represented all that was wrong in comics and Miller set himself a tough task taking on the camp crusader and turning this laughable, innocuous children's cartoon character into a hero for our times. In his introduction the great Alan Moore (V for Vendetta, Swamp Thing, the arguably peerless Watchmen) argues that only someone of Miller's stature could have done this. Batman is a character known well beyond the confines of the comic world (as are his retinue) and so reinventing him, while keeping his limiting core essentials intact, was a huge task.

Miller went far beyond the call of duty. The Dark Knight is a success on every level. Firstly it does keep the core elements of the Batman myth intact, with Robin, Alfred the butler, Commissioner Gordon and the old roster of villains, present yet brilliantly subverted. Secondly the artwork is fantastic--detailed, sometimes claustrophobic, psychotic. Lastly it's a great story: Gotham City is a hell on earth, streetgangs roam but there are no heroes. Decay is ubiquitous. Where is a hero to save Gotham? It is 10 years since the last recorded sighting of the Batman. And things have got worse than ever. Bruce Wayne is close to being a broken man but something is keeping him sane: the need to see change and the belief that he can orchestrate some of that change. Batman is back. The Dark Knight has returned. Awesome. --Mark Thwaite

Watchmen forever!, 17 Nov 2008
I have always been a graphic novel buff ever since buying Hitman & Preacher in my late teens. And now in my early 30's I came across an old box containing my old graphic novels, I felt that I struck gold! I loved the V for Vendetta movie and decided to purchase the V for Vendetta graphic novel and found it gripping, intense and incredible (not that I'm a non-conformist!). Thus leading me to Watchmen. What can I say, WOW! This is my second read of Watchmen within a month. It's definately better reading it again & again! It is imperative to read Watchmen before the movie. So, what are you waiting for.....go & buy it!!!!!

!!!!!!GREAT!!!!!!!!, 15 Nov 2008
I didn't really know what to expect from this book.I bought V for Vendeta {by the same author Alan Moore} because of it's positive feedback but after reading it for a couple of hous I knew that I would be giving it negative.So as you can imagine I was a little bit wary of buying Watchmen but boy am I glad I did.Right away from the fdirst page I was hooked by its compelling story and often had to fight with myself to put it down.The characters are ingaging (Rosoach especially) and are all totaly different.The art (Dave Gibbons) is amsing and fits so well with Moores story tellig.I could go on for hours about all the good things this book has to over but basiclliy !!!JUST BY IT!!!!!

Surprisingly great, 30 Oct 2008
Recently, I have reached a part in my life in which I have gone back to reading comics. This is not a comic.

This is one of the finist pieces of literature I have ever read.

Alan Moore is is a very good writer, getting across the themes of this book, and has defined how good books should be written in the graphic novel form.

A very good book. NOT A COMIC.

The Most Depressing Story Ever Told, 24 Oct 2008
Alan Moore is a genius of the very worst kind. He produces work which you have to read, because frankly it's brilliant, but which you really don't want to, because fundamentally it's horrible.

Well, except Voice Of The Fire. Even an endorsement by Neil Gaiman couldn't put a shine on that.

Watchmen, however, is fantastic. I don't want to give it five stars, but it pries them from my begrudging hands. I have never come across a work of art so good which left me feeling so bleak and hopeless. If you're questioning your faith in humanity, or feeling at all bummed about the world, you might want to wait a bit before picking this up.

Don't say I didn't warn you. I did. This is me, warning you.

Still a good vintage, 22 Oct 2008
I hadn't read this since it was first out, and boy it has still got what it takes to be a classic.

I will agree some points of the book have dated but then again hasn't dickens? its a book of its time, but should be read and remembered always

A beautifully drawn, but very dark, tale., 24 Oct 2008
This was my first introduction to more "adult orientated" graphic novels (as opposed to comics). I bought it on a whim after seeing the cover featured in a TV programme hyping the 1989 Tim Burton Batman movie, and it was a real eye-opener. The tone is certainly much darker than the image of Batman which I'd grown up with (ie Adam West in all his campness) and provides a fascinating origin for the Joker. He comes across as an ordinary man driven beyond his capacity for reason, instead of the stereotypical insane clown of lazier Batman stories. (In fact the entire story is based around his "one bad day is all it takes" philosophy...)
The story itself is short but all the more effective for it, with some beautifully - if chillingly - drawn characters. The Joker is especially well rendered, with several large and extremely detailed frames - which is hardly surprising given that much of the book focuses on him and his "past life".
All in all, "A Killing Joke" is a worthy complement to "Batman: Year One" and "Dark Knight Returns", as it gives the reader a solid - and believable - origin to Batman's most enigmatic adversary. Highly recommended.

Return of a classic, 24 Oct 2008
This was the first comic i ever bought,twenty or so years ago and it is still one of my favourites.The story is probably the best Joker tale and the art is un-paralled.This edition is if anything an improvement on the original having Brian Bolland's own colours which are a delight in themselves.This book might be the definitive version of this seminal graphic novel.

It was OK., 01 Sep 2008
I was really looking forward to this, having heard so much praise. I guess I missed something, but I was expecting a really deep, complex story, like so many reviews and articles had described, and didn't find anything of the sort. The artwork's flawless, but the story really did nothing for me, especially the Joker's back story, which seems to be the most raved about part. I felt no attachment to any characters, and having only recently read Watchmen for the first time, and being so blown away by that, I couldn't see how this was the same writer. I also found it shockingly short, which I don't expect from a graphic novel. As I said before though, awesome artwork. I still love that cover!

A Feast for the Eyes; A Drain On the Mind, 29 Aug 2008
Okay, let's keep this brief and informal lest I start taking myself far too seriously. After all, it is only a comic book to which I am referring regardless of how good or bad this particular one may be.
As an addition to the Batman Legend, 'The Killing Joke' is something of a let down, and not least due to the 1980's "think outside of the box" storyline. In my opinion it will warp your perception of the Caped Crusader and Smiles-McGee as it did mine with it's painting of the pair as something of an old married couple who may fight but deep down are the best of friends (and thankfully like an old married couple they are not sexually attracted to each other either). It has to be said though that The Joker's crimes depicted here are less master-criminal and more sick-bastard. Whilst inventive, they lack the subtlety and genius you'd expect from the character. It would be far too easy to confuse his antics with that of 'Lord Pumpkin' in his origin one-shot as the freaky carnival setting and deformed minions are not Joker-like in my mind. I'd also suggest that the "definitive origin story" for the Joker is an ideal that should have died long ago, way before the 80's ever hit, and it's inclusion here makes the Joker seem weak and unjustified (in some senses) in his madness. Basically, as in the short version, Alan Moore's story is cleverly gimmicky at best with scripting that is just plain awful. Sorry to all the fans of the piece out there, but it reads more like a romance comic with Batman being the hysterical woman moreover Dark Knight.
What you will take away from reading this (and despite what I just said, you must buy and read this!) is that Brian Bolland is highly revered for a reason. The artwork is simply phenomenal, and the newly revamped colouring is stunning. You may never see a depiction of classic Batman or Joker looking this good anywhere else again. With the added bonus of Bolland's 'Innocent Man' (which he also wrote) sitting quietly at the back, this package must adorn your bookcase. I would recommend this to anyone.

A short story, short on story, 17 Aug 2008
This graphic novel has been given a massive amount of praise and to be honest, I'm not sure why. Perhaps because it's Alan Moore, perhaps because it is Batman vs Joker, perhaps because it has a Joker origin. I'm not sure.

I read it in one sitting, it's a very short and at £10 is a bit expensive. As it's so short there's not really a story. None at all. Batman turns up at the begining and the end, the middle is mainly flashbacks to the Joker origin. Which is campy and somewhat uninteresting.

The end is somewhat ambiguous following on the unexplored idea of should Batman kill the joker and why.

Really, the problem is not bad writing, just that it's too short and doesn't really explore the relationship at all.

There are better graphic novels, there are better batman novels. I wouldn't recommend this.


Manhattan perfect transfer, 01 Dec 2008
`Watching the Watchmen' is the hardback equivalent of all those extra features you get in a deluxe DVD movie package. Dave Gibbons delivers the text equivalent of the audio commentary and opens up his portfolio to offer us page after beautiful glossy page of early, revised or deleted scenes from key stages in the development of the greatest graphic novel of all time.

It is a refreshingly frank and humble guide. Despite already enjoying huge critical success on a variety of other projects, Gibbons recalls how he and (Alan) Moore did not take DC's exclamations of approval for granted as they began to submit pages and receive the glowing feedback.

If you've ever wondered how your favourite comic strips go from concept to critical acclaim, this is the book for you.

One word of advice, this may have the weight and girth of a coffee table book, but you may want to read it wearing white gloves. It really is a thing of beauty - and such beauty should remain untainted!


Worth Watching the Watchmen, 07 Nov 2008
For Watchmen fans, Watching the Watchmen offers a gorgeous companion to the comics masterpiece, revealing excised pages, early versions of the script, original character designs, page thumbnails, sketches and much more.

Gibbons deliberately skirts around the controversy that ensued the publication of Watchmen, which ultimately led to Alan Moore refusing to work for DC Comics because of royalty and character ownership disputes. While not averse to scandal, the consummate artist prefers instead to celebrate the work and its ongoing success.

While I would have liked to have seen more of Alan Moore's script for this seminal work, the art samples are stunning and a testament to Gibbons artistic skills. This is a beautifully packaged, superbly designed celebration of the Watchmen which should encourage fans to revisit the original work and see its pages and storytelling in a whole new light.


An essential companion for my favourite graphic novel, 05 Nov 2008
I must have re-read Watchmen once a year since I first bought it and loved it, and thought there was nothing new I could now discover about it, but this book has changed my mind. I found it's a book to dip into, not read from start to finish in one big bite, but there's so much to see and pore over on every page, I didn't want to gulp it down anyway, lots of colours and textures and so much fine detail in every frame. Alan Moore gets loads of kudos, and deserves it 100%, but it's good for once to see Dave Gibbons get his time in the sun - a fantastic artist.

The Dark Knight Stuns!, 22 Oct 2008
Starting off with anarchy approaching Gotham, Batman as an older man finds himself pulled back into vigilante activities with a variety of mean, ugly threats to be dealt with.

The art & the writing in this are excellent & this is a really gripping read. This is recommended even if you aren't a big graphic novel fan, as the action pulls you in and the story is very compelling. A great read.

SUPERB!, 28 Sep 2008
Only Watchmen can be considered to be as good as Batman: The Dark Night Returns. However, where Watchmen had an absolute myriad of characters, The Dark Night Returns with its single protagonist is better able to create characters the reader can emphasise with.

The reader is introduced to an ageing Bruce Wayne who has come out of retirement to continue is vengeful fight against crime. This dark, disturbed and sad character is pitted against those he considered allies, new enemies that are stronger than him and an all too familiar nemesis. The story is wonderfully written, well paced with a few twists and turns that keep the story interesting and a surprise shock ending with a man in tights. The artwork is brilliant, quick loose drawings capturing the action and suspense of a dark brooding story in a way some comics are unable to achieve.

Batman: The Dark Night Returns is a must own and a must read. The story is brilliantly told and features a damaged, weary character that draws you in to his own one man war.


The Greatest...., 24 Jul 2008
In all types of history there are defining moments. A moment that is so extraordinary that you have to see it again to believe what you have just seen. It sometimes takes time for the dust to settle to appreciate such a moment.
This comic is one of those moments.
The Dark Knight Returns took a tired out superhero genre and re-injected it with the modern paced style we see today. A comic that in fact saved the superhero himself. The multi-layering of story lines in this epic tale is almost cinematic in its construction.
Maybe a little dated now, but at the time it re-defined everything in comics and the way superheroes where percieved. If you are a fan of Batman, this should be the cornerstone to your collection.

DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, 23 Jul 2008
If you are used to the slick, photo-realistic art of some modern Graphic Novels/Comics, then the look of this book may take some getting used to... but get passed that, and it's one of the best comics you'll ever read.

A very good read., 05 Jun 2008
If I had to choose one word to describe this, I would choose the word epic. Why? Because its an interesting look on how Bruce Wayne would handle himself in his later years with excellent action sequences and crisp dialogue. There's really only one thing bad about this, and that is the lack of Joker. Sure he's in it, but he's not really as important to the plot as he should have been. And he's camper than ever. But aside from that, buy it. It should tickle your fetish.

Watchmen forever!, 17 Nov 2008
I have always been a graphic novel buff ever since buying Hitman & Preacher in my late teens. And now in my early 30's I came across an old box containing my old graphic novels, I felt that I struck gold! I loved the V for Vendetta movie and decided to purchase the V for Vendetta graphic novel and found it gripping, intense and incredible (not that I'm a non-conformist!). Thus leading me to Watchmen. What can I say, WOW! This is my second read of Watchmen within a month. It's definately better reading it again & again! It is imperative to read Watchmen before the movie. So, what are you waiting for.....go & buy it!!!!!

!!!!!!GREAT!!!!!!!!, 15 Nov 2008
I didn't really know what to expect from this book.I bought V for Vendeta {by the same author Alan Moore} because of it's positive feedback but after reading it for a couple of hous I knew that I would be giving it negative.So as you can imagine I was a little bit wary of buying Watchmen but boy am I glad I did.Right away from the fdirst page I was hooked by its compelling story and often had to fight with myself to put it down.The characters are ingaging (Rosoach especially) and are all totaly different.The art (Dave Gibbons) is amsing and fits so well with Moores story tellig.I could go on for hours about all the good things this book has to over but basiclliy !!!JUST BY IT!!!!!

Surprisingly great, 30 Oct 2008
Recently, I have reached a part in my life in which I have gone back to reading comics. This is not a comic.

This is one of the finist pieces of literature I have ever read.

Alan Moore is is a very good writer, getting across the themes of this book, and has defined how good books should be written in the graphic novel form.

A very good book. NOT A COMIC.

The Most Depressing Story Ever Told, 24 Oct 2008
Alan Moore is a genius of the very worst kind. He produces work which you have to read, because frankly it's brilliant, but which you really don't want to, because fundamentally it's horrible.

Well, except Voice Of The Fire. Even an endorsement by Neil Gaiman couldn't put a shine on that.

Watchmen, however, is fantastic. I don't want to give it five stars, but it pries them from my begrudging hands. I have never come across a work of art so good which left me feeling so bleak and hopeless. If you're questioning your faith in humanity, or feeling at all bummed about the world, you might want to wait a bit before picking this up.

Don't say I didn't warn you. I did. This is me, warning you.

Still a good vintage, 22 Oct 2008
I hadn't read this since it was first out, and boy it has still got what it takes to be a classic.

I will agree some points of the book have dated but then again hasn't dickens? its a book of its time, but should be read and remembered always

A beautifully drawn, but very dark, tale., 24 Oct 2008
This was my first introduction to more "adult orientated" graphic novels (as opposed to comics). I bought it on a whim after seeing the cover featured in a TV programme hyping the 1989 Tim Burton Batman movie, and it was a real eye-opener. The tone is certainly much darker than the image of Batman which I'd grown up with (ie Adam West in all his campness) and provides a fascinating origin for the Joker. He comes across as an ordinary man driven beyond his capacity for reason, instead of the stereotypical insane clown of lazier Batman stories. (In fact the entire story is based around his "one bad day is all it takes" philosophy...)
The story itself is short but all the more effective for it, with some beautifully - if chillingly - drawn characters. The Joker is especially well rendered, with several large and extremely detailed frames - which is hardly surprising given that much of the book focuses on him and his "past life".
All in all, "A Killing Joke" is a worthy complement to "Batman: Year One" and "Dark Knight Returns", as it gives the reader a solid - and believable - origin to Batman's most enigmatic adversary. Highly recommended.

Return of a classic, 24 Oct 2008
This was the first comic i ever bought,twenty or so years ago and it is still one of my favourites.The story is probably the best Joker tale and the art is un-paralled.This edition is if anything an improvement on the original having Brian Bolland's own colours which are a delight in themselves.This book might be the definitive version of this seminal graphic novel.

It was OK., 01 Sep 2008
I was really looking forward to this, having heard so much praise. I guess I missed something, but I was expecting a really deep, complex story, like so many reviews and articles had described, and didn't find anything of the sort. The artwork's flawless, but the story really did nothing for me, especially the Joker's back story, which seems to be the most raved about part. I felt no attachment to any characters, and having only recently read Watchmen for the first time, and being so blown away by that, I couldn't see how this was the same writer. I also found it shockingly short, which I don't expect from a graphic novel. As I said before though, awesome artwork. I still love that cover!

A Feast for the Eyes; A Drain On the Mind, 29 Aug 2008
Okay, let's keep this brief and informal lest I start taking myself far too seriously. After all, it is only a comic book to which I am referring regardless of how good or bad this particular one may be.
As an addition to the Batman Legend, 'The Killing Joke' is something of a let down, and not least due to the 1980's "think outside of the box" storyline. In my opinion it will warp your perception of the Caped Crusader and Smiles-McGee as it did mine with it's painting of the pair as something of an old married couple who may fight but deep down are the best of friends (and thankfully like an old married couple they are not sexually attracted to each other either). It has to be said though that The Joker's crimes depicted here are less master-criminal and more sick-bastard. Whilst inventive, they lack the subtlety and genius you'd expect from the character. It would be far too easy to confuse his antics with that of 'Lord Pumpkin' in his origin one-shot as the freaky carnival setting and deformed minions are not Joker-like in my mind. I'd also suggest that the "definitive origin story" for the Joker is an ideal that should have died long ago, way before the 80's ever hit, and it's inclusion here makes the Joker seem weak and unjustified (in some senses) in his madness. Basically, as in the short version, Alan Moore's story is cleverly gimmicky at best with scripting that is just plain awful. Sorry to all the fans of the piece out there, but it reads more like a romance comic with Batman being the hysterical woman moreover Dark Knight.
What you will take away from reading this (and despite what I just said, you must buy and read this!) is that Brian Bolland is highly revered for a reason. The artwork is simply phenomenal, and the newly revamped colouring is stunning. You may never see a depiction of classic Batman or Joker looking this good anywhere else again. With the added bonus of Bolland's 'Innocent Man' (which he also wrote) sitting quietly at the back, this package must adorn your bookcase. I would recommend this to anyone.

A short story, short on story, 17 Aug 2008
This graphic novel has been given a massive amount of praise and to be honest, I'm not sure why. Perhaps because it's Alan Moore, perhaps because it is Batman vs Joker, perhaps because it has a Joker origin. I'm not sure.

I read it in one sitting, it's a very short and at £10 is a bit expensive. As it's so short there's not really a story. None at all. Batman turns up at the begining and the end, the middle is mainly flashbacks to the Joker origin. Which is campy and somewhat uninteresting.

The end is somewhat ambiguous following on the unexplored idea of should Batman kill the joker and why.

Really, the problem is not bad writing, just that it's too short and doesn't really explore the relationship at all.

There are better graphic novels, there are better batman novels. I wouldn't recommend this.


Manhattan perfect transfer, 01 Dec 2008
`Watching the Watchmen' is the hardback equivalent of all those extra features you get in a deluxe DVD movie package. Dave Gibbons delivers the text equivalent of the audio commentary and opens up his portfolio to offer us page after beautiful glossy page of early, revised or deleted scenes from key stages in the development of the greatest graphic novel of all time.

It is a refreshingly frank and humble guide. Despite already enjoying huge critical success on a variety of other projects, Gibbons recalls how he and (Alan) Moore did not take DC's exclamations of approval for granted as they began to submit pages and receive the glowing feedback.

If you've ever wondered how your favourite comic strips go from concept to critical acclaim, this is the book for you.

One word of advice, this may have the weight and girth of a coffee table book, but you may want to read it wearing white gloves. It really is a thing of beauty - and such beauty should remain untainted!


Worth Watching the Watchmen, 07 Nov 2008
For Watchmen fans, Watching the Watchmen offers a gorgeous companion to the comics masterpiece, revealing excised pages, early versions of the script, original character designs, page thumbnails, sketches and much more.

Gibbons deliberately skirts around the controversy that ensued the publication of Watchmen, which ultimately led to Alan Moore refusing to work for DC Comics because of royalty and character ownership disputes. While not averse to scandal, the consummate artist prefers instead to celebrate the work and its ongoing success.

While I would have liked to have seen more of Alan Moore's script for this seminal work, the art samples are stunning and a testament to Gibbons artistic skills. This is a beautifully packaged, superbly designed celebration of the Watchmen which should encourage fans to revisit the original work and see its pages and storytelling in a whole new light.


An essential companion for my favourite graphic novel, 05 Nov 2008
I must have re-read Watchmen once a year since I first bought it and loved it, and thought there was nothing new I could now discover about it, but this book has changed my mind. I found it's a book to dip into, not read from start to finish in one big bite, but there's so much to see and pore over on every page, I didn't want to gulp it down anyway, lots of colours and textures and so much fine detail in every frame. Alan Moore gets loads of kudos, and deserves it 100%, but it's good for once to see Dave Gibbons get his time in the sun - a fantastic artist.

The Dark Knight Stuns!, 22 Oct 2008
Starting off with anarchy approaching Gotham, Batman as an older man finds himself pulled back into vigilante activities with a variety of mean, ugly threats to be dealt with.

The art & the writing in this are excellent & this is a really gripping read. This is recommended even if you aren't a big graphic novel fan, as the action pulls you in and the story is very compelling. A great read.

SUPERB!, 28 Sep 2008
Only Watchmen can be considered to be as good as Batman: The Dark Night Returns. However, where Watchmen had an absolute myriad of characters, The Dark Night Returns with its single protagonist is better able to create characters the reader can emphasise with.

The reader is introduced to an ageing Bruce Wayne who has come out of retirement to continue is vengeful fight against crime. This dark, disturbed and sad character is pitted against those he considered allies, new enemies that are stronger than him and an all too familiar nemesis. The story is wonderfully written, well paced with a few twists and turns that keep the story interesting and a surprise shock ending with a man in tights. The artwork is brilliant, quick loose drawings capturing the action and suspense of a dark brooding story in a way some comics are unable to achieve.

Batman: The Dark Night Returns is a must own and a must read. The story is brilliantly told and features a damaged, weary character that draws you in to his own one man war.


The Greatest...., 24 Jul 2008
In all types of history there are defining moments. A moment that is so extraordinary that you have to see it again to believe what you have just seen. It sometimes takes time for the dust to settle to appreciate such a moment.
This comic is one of those moments.
The Dark Knight Returns took a tired out superhero genre and re-injected it with the modern paced style we see today. A comic that in fact saved the superhero himself. The multi-layering of story lines in this epic tale is almost cinematic in its construction.
Maybe a little dated now, but at the time it re-defined everything in comics and the way superheroes where percieved. If you are a fan of Batman, this should be the cornerstone to your collection.

DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, 23 Jul 2008
If you are used to the slick, photo-realistic art of some modern Graphic Novels/Comics, then the look of this book may take some getting used to... but get passed that, and it's one of the best comics you'll ever read.

A very good read., 05 Jun 2008
If I had to choose one word to describe this, I would choose the word epic. Why? Because its an interesting look on how Bruce Wayne would handle himself in his later years with excellent action sequences and crisp dialogue. There's really only one thing bad about this, and that is the lack of Joker. Sure he's in it, but he's not really as important to the plot as he should have been. And he's camper than ever. But aside from that, buy it. It should tickle your fetish.

Fantastic Book - great present for any man, 03 Nov 2008
really loved this book, bought it for my dad who adored it and the trip down memory lane, infact a number of his friends were desperate to get their hands on a copy! woudl def recommend as an xmas gift, theyare sure to love it!!

Well Worth It, 02 Oct 2008
I bought this at Waterstone's so paid full whack. Maybe slightly over priced there but this is still a great gift.

If you like good drawing, or are interested in how things work then buy it.

If you want a history of Eagle, or a detailed breakdown of Cutaways then try the web but this is a nicely produced introduction for young'uns, or a trip down memory lane for their grandads. For me in the middle it is the answer to many gift-giving problems.

Maybe not for the Connoisseur but a Beautiful Book, 02 Oct 2008
This book feels like and looks a quality product.

It's a classic coffee table book which you can pick up and put down and enjoy over and over again.

I'm not an Eagle expert and I bought this for my dad and I know he will be delighted with it. I am holding off on giving it to him so I can carry on flicking through it a bit longer.

The colour reproduction is beautiful and really brings out the detail of the artists' work. There are a few problems with the guttering but this does not detract too much.

It would have been nice to have the dates on all work but the drawings are so amazing that I didn't think about the date they were drawn until someone else mentioned it in their review and think it is only the Eagle Connoisseur who will be bothered by this.



A shoddy cheapskate production job, 01 Oct 2008
A shoddy, cheapskate production which is an insult to the reader, the reprinted material and the Eagle artists who created it. The scans are muddy - much poorer in quality than those used years ago by Denis Gifford - and no gutter has been introduced, so that half an inch of each double page spread disappears into the binding. The material isn't dated, themed or indexed - even the page numbering peters out towards the end. The book has all the hallmarks of a couldn't care less publisher and a technically incompetant compiler. If it wasn't a requested gift I would have sent my copy back - it's really that bad.

Watchmen forever!, 17 Nov 2008
I have always been a graphic novel buff ever since buying Hitman & Preacher in my late teens. And now in my early 30's I came across an old box containing my old graphic novels, I felt that I struck gold! I loved the V for Vendetta movie and decided to purchase the V for Vendetta graphic novel and found it gripping, intense and incredible (not that I'm a non-conformist!). Thus leading me to Watchmen. What can I say, WOW! This is my second read of Watchmen within a month. It's definately better reading it again & again! It is imperative to read Watchmen before the movie. So, what are you waiting for.....go & buy it!!!!!

!!!!!!GREAT!!!!!!!!, 15 Nov 2008
I didn't really know what to expect from this book.I bought V for Vendeta {by the same author Alan Moore} because of it's positive feedback but after reading it for a couple of hous I knew that I would be giving it negative.So as you can imagine I was a little bit wary of buying Watchmen but boy am I glad I did.Right away from the fdirst page I was hooked by its compelling story and often had to fight with myself to put it down.The characters are ingaging (Rosoach especially) and are all totaly different.The art (Dave Gibbons) is amsing and fits so well with Moores story tellig.I could go on for hours about all the good things this book has to over but basiclliy !!!JUST BY IT!!!!!

Surprisingly great, 30 Oct 2008
Recently, I have reached a part in my life in which I have gone back to reading comics. This is not a comic.

This is one of the finist pieces of literature I have ever read.

Alan Moore is is a very good writer, getting across the themes of this book, and has defined how good books should be written in the graphic novel form.

A very good book. NOT A COMIC.

The Most Depressing Story Ever Told, 24 Oct 2008
Alan Moore is a genius of the very worst kind. He produces work which you have to read, because frankly it's brilliant, but which you really don't want to, because fundamentally it's horrible.

Well, except Voice Of The Fire. Even an endorsement by Neil Gaiman couldn't put a shine on that.

Watchmen, however, is fantastic. I don't want to give it five stars, but it pries them from my begrudging hands. I have never come across a work of art so good which left me feeling so bleak and hopeless. If you're questioning your faith in humanity, or feeling at all bummed about the world, you might want to wait a bit before picking this up.

Don't say I didn't warn you. I did. This is me, warning you.

Still a good vintage, 22 Oct 2008
I hadn't read this since it was first out, and boy it has still got what it takes to be a classic.

I will agree some points of the book have dated but then again hasn't dickens? its a book of its time, but should be read and remembered always

A beautifully drawn, but very dark, tale., 24 Oct 2008
This was my first introduction to more "adult orientated" graphic novels (as opposed to comics). I bought it on a whim after seeing the cover featured in a TV programme hyping the 1989 Tim Burton Batman movie, and it was a real eye-opener. The tone is certainly much darker than the image of Batman which I'd grown up with (ie Adam West in all his campness) and provides a fascinating origin for the Joker. He comes across as an ordinary man driven beyond his capacity for reason, instead of the stereotypical insane clown of lazier Batman stories. (In fact the entire story is based around his "one bad day is all it takes" philosophy...)
The story itself is short but all the more effective for it, with some beautifully - if chillingly - drawn characters. The Joker is especially well rendered, with several large and extremely detailed frames - which is hardly surprising given that much of the book focuses on him and his "past life".
All in all, "A Killing Joke" is a worthy complement to "Batman: Year One" and "Dark Knight Returns", as it gives the reader a solid - and believable - origin to Batman's most enigmatic adversary. Highly recommended.

Return of a classic, 24 Oct 2008
This was the first comic i ever bought,twenty or so years ago and it is still one of my favourites.The story is probably the best Joker tale and the art is un-paralled.This edition is if anything an improvement on the original having Brian Bolland's own colours which are a delight in themselves.This book might be the definitive version of this seminal graphic novel.

It was OK., 01 Sep 2008
I was really looking forward to this, having heard so much praise. I guess I missed something, but I was expecting a really deep, complex story, like so many reviews and articles had described, and didn't find anything of the sort. The artwork's flawless, but the story really did nothing for me, especially the Joker's back story, which seems to be the most raved about part. I felt no attachment to any characters, and having only recently read Watchmen for the first time, and being so blown away by that, I couldn't see how this was the same writer. I also found it shockingly short, which I don't expect from a graphic novel. As I said before though, awesome artwork. I still love that cover!

A Feast for the Eyes; A Drain On the Mind, 29 Aug 2008
Okay, let's keep this brief and informal lest I start taking myself far too seriously. After all, it is only a comic book to which I am referring regardless of how good or bad this particular one may be.
As an addition to the Batman Legend, 'The Killing Joke' is something of a let down, and not least due to the 1980's "think outside of the box" storyline. In my opinion it will warp your perception of the Caped Crusader and Smiles-McGee as it did mine with it's painting of the pair as something of an old married couple who may fight but deep down are the best of friends (and thankfully like an old married couple they are not sexually attracted to each other either). It has to be said though that The Joker's crimes depicted here are less master-criminal and more sick-bastard. Whilst inventive, they lack the subtlety and genius you'd expect from the character. It would be far too easy to confuse his antics with that of 'Lord Pumpkin' in his origin one-shot as the freaky carnival setting and deformed minions are not Joker-like in my mind. I'd also suggest that the "definitive origin story" for the Joker is an ideal that should have died long ago, way before the 80's ever hit, and it's inclusion here makes the Joker seem weak and unjustified (in some senses) in his madness. Basically, as in the short version, Alan Moore's story is cleverly gimmicky at best with scripting that is just plain awful. Sorry to all the fans of the piece out there, but it reads more like a romance comic with Batman being the hysterical woman moreover Dark Knight.
What you will take away from reading this (and despite what I just said, you must buy and read this!) is that Brian Bolland is highly revered for a reason. The artwork is simply phenomenal, and the newly revamped colouring is stunning. You may never see a depiction of classic Batman or Joker looking this good anywhere else again. With the added bonus of Bolland's 'Innocent Man' (which he also wrote) sitting quietly at the back, this package must adorn your bookcase. I would recommend this to anyone.

A short story, short on story, 17 Aug 2008
This graphic novel has been given a massive amount of praise and to be honest, I'm not sure why. Perhaps because it's Alan Moore, perhaps because it is Batman vs Joker, perhaps because it has a Joker origin. I'm not sure.

I read it in one sitting, it's a very short and at £10 is a bit expensive. As it's so short there's not really a story. None at all. Batman turns up at the begining and the end, the middle is mainly flashbacks to the Joker origin. Which is campy and somewhat uninteresting.

The end is somewhat ambiguous following on the unexplored idea of should Batman kill the joker and why.

Really, the problem is not bad writing, just that it's too short and doesn't really explore the relationship at all.

There are better graphic novels, there are better batman novels. I wouldn't recommend this.


Manhattan perfect transfer, 01 Dec 2008
`Watching the Watchmen' is the hardback equivalent of all those extra features you get in a deluxe DVD movie package. Dave Gibbons delivers the text equivalent of the audio commentary and opens up his portfolio to offer us page after beautiful glossy page of early, revised or deleted scenes from key stages in the development of the greatest graphic novel of all time.

It is a refreshingly frank and humble guide. Despite already enjoying huge critical success on a variety of other projects, Gibbons recalls how he and (Alan) Moore did not take DC's exclamations of approval for granted as they began to submit pages and receive the glowing feedback.

If you've ever wondered how your favourite comic strips go from concept to critical acclaim, this is the book for you.

One word of advice, this may have the weight and girth of a coffee table book, but you may want to read it wearing white gloves. It really is a thing of beauty - and such beauty should remain untainted!


Worth Watching the Watchmen, 07 Nov 2008
For Watchmen fans, Watching the Watchmen offers a gorgeous companion to the comics masterpiece, revealing excised pages, early versions of the script, original character designs, page thumbnails, sketches and much more.

Gibbons deliberately skirts around the controversy that ensued the publication of Watchmen, which ultimately led to Alan Moore refusing to work for DC Comics because of royalty and character ownership disputes. While not averse to scandal, the consummate artist prefers instead to celebrate the work and its ongoing success.

While I would have liked to have seen more of Alan Moore's script for this seminal work, the art samples are stunning and a testament to Gibbons artistic skills. This is a beautifully packaged, superbly designed celebration of the Watchmen which should encourage fans to revisit the original work and see its pages and storytelling in a whole new light.


An essential companion for my favourite graphic novel, 05 Nov 2008
I must have re-read Watchmen once a year since I first bought it and loved it, and thought there was nothing new I could now discover about it, but this book has changed my mind. I found it's a book to dip into, not read from start to finish in one big bite, but there's so much to see and pore over on every page, I didn't want to gulp it down anyway, lots of colours and textures and so much fine detail in every frame. Alan Moore gets loads of kudos, and deserves it 100%, but it's good for once to see Dave Gibbons get his time in the sun - a fantastic artist.

The Dark Knight Stuns!, 22 Oct 2008
Starting off with anarchy approaching Gotham, Batman as an older man finds himself pulled back into vigilante activities with a variety of mean, ugly threats to be dealt with.

The art & the writing in this are excellent & this is a really gripping read. This is recommended even if you aren't a big graphic novel fan, as the action pulls you in and the story is very compelling. A great read.

SUPERB!, 28 Sep 2008
Only Watchmen can be considered to be as good as Batman: The Dark Night Returns. However, where Watchmen had an absolute myriad of characters, The Dark Night Returns with its single protagonist is better able to create characters the reader can emphasise with.

The reader is introduced to an ageing Bruce Wayne who has come out of retirement to continue is vengeful fight against crime. This dark, disturbed and sad character is pitted against those he considered allies, new enemies that are stronger than him and an all too familiar nemesis. The story is wonderfully written, well paced with a few twists and turns that keep the story interesting and a surprise shock ending with a man in tights. The artwork is brilliant, quick loose drawings capturing the action and suspense of a dark brooding story in a way some comics are unable to achieve.

Batman: The Dark Night Returns is a must own and a must read. The story is brilliantly told and features a damaged, weary character that draws you in to his own one man war.


The Greatest...., 24 Jul 2008
In all types of history there are defining moments. A moment that is so extraordinary that you have to see it again to believe what you have just seen. It sometimes takes time for the dust to settle to appreciate such a moment.
This comic is one of those moments.
The Dark Knight Returns took a tired out superhero genre and re-injected it with the modern paced style we see today. A comic that in fact saved the superhero himself. The multi-layering of story lines in this epic tale is almost cinematic in its construction.
Maybe a little dated now, but at the time it re-defined everything in comics and the way superheroes where percieved. If you are a fan of Batman, this should be the cornerstone to your collection.

DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, 23 Jul 2008
If you are used to the slick, photo-realistic art of some modern Graphic Novels/Comics, then the look of this book may take some getting used to... but get passed that, and it's one of the best comics you'll ever read.

A very good read., 05 Jun 2008
If I had to choose one word to describe this, I would choose the word epic. Why? Because its an interesting look on how Bruce Wayne would handle himself in his later years with excellent action sequences and crisp dialogue. There's really only one thing bad about this, and that is the lack of Joker. Sure he's in it, but he's not really as important to the plot as he should have been. And he's camper than ever. But aside from that, buy it. It should tickle your fetish.

Fantastic Book - great present for any man, 03 Nov 2008
really loved this book, bought it for my dad who adored it and the trip down memory lane, infact a number of his friends were desperate to get their hands on a copy! woudl def recommend as an xmas gift, theyare sure to love it!!

Well Worth It, 02 Oct 2008
I bought this at Waterstone's so paid full whack. Maybe slightly over priced there but this is still a great gift.

If you like good drawing, or are interested in how things work then buy it.

If you want a history of Eagle, or a detailed breakdown of Cutaways then try the web but this is a nicely produced introduction for young'uns, or a trip down memory lane for their grandads. For me in the middle it is the answer to many gift-giving problems.

Maybe not for the Connoisseur but a Beautiful Book, 02 Oct 2008
This book feels like and looks a quality product.

It's a classic coffee table book which you can pick up and put down and enjoy over and over again.

I'm not an Eagle expert and I bought this for my dad and I know he will be delighted with it. I am holding off on giving it to him so I can carry on flicking through it a bit longer.

The colour reproduction is beautiful and really brings out the detail of the artists' work. There are a few problems with the guttering but this does not detract too much.

It would have been nice to have the dates on all work but the drawings are so amazing that I didn't think about the date they were drawn until someone else mentioned it in their review and think it is only the Eagle Connoisseur who will be bothered by this.



A shoddy cheapskate production job, 01 Oct 2008
A shoddy, cheapskate production which is an insult to the reader, the reprinted material and the Eagle artists who created it. The scans are muddy - much poorer in quality than those used years ago by Denis Gifford - and no gutter has been introduced, so that half an inch of each double page spread disappears into the binding. The material isn't dated, themed or indexed - even the page numbering peters out towards the end. The book has all the hallmarks of a couldn't care less publisher and a technically incompetant compiler. If it wasn't a requested gift I would have sent my copy back - it's really that bad.

well drawn and scripted just a little insubstantial., 02 Nov 2008
Set between the firefly TV series and the serenity movie this introduces dust devils, browncoat terrorists. If you have no idea what I am talking about watch firefly. Anyway because it is set between two established stories there is a limit to what the writers can do witht the characters. As a result the story isn't that strong, but the characters are excellenty written and it is a joy to read. roll on volume 3.

Watchmen forever!, 17 Nov 2008
I have always been a graphic novel buff ever since buying Hitman & Preacher in my late teens. And now in my early 30's I came across an old box containing my old graphic novels, I felt that I struck gold! I loved the V for Vendetta movie and decided to purchase the V for Vendetta graphic novel and found it gripping, intense and incredible (not that I'm a non-conformist!). Thus leading me to Watchmen. What can I say, WOW! This is my second read of Watchmen within a month. It's definately better reading it again & again! It is imperative to read Watchmen before the movie. So, what are you waiting for.....go & buy it!!!!!

!!!!!!GREAT!!!!!!!!, 15 Nov 2008
I didn't really know what to expect from this book.I bought V for Vendeta {by the same author Alan Moore} because of it's positive feedback but after reading it for a couple of hous I knew that I would be giving it negative.So as you can imagine I was a little bit wary of buying Watchmen but boy am I glad I did.Right away from the fdirst page I was hooked by its compelling story and often had to fight with myself to put it down.The characters are ingaging (Rosoach especially) and are all totaly different.The art (Dave Gibbons) is amsing and fits so well with Moores story tellig.I could go on for hours about all the good things this book has to over but basiclliy !!!JUST BY IT!!!!!

Surprisingly great, 30 Oct 2008
Recently, I have reached a part in my life in which I have gone back to reading comics. This is not a comic.

This is one of the finist pieces of literature I have ever read.

Alan Moore is is a very good writer, getting across the themes of this book, and has defined how good books should be written in the graphic novel form.

A very good book. NOT A COMIC.

The Most Depressing Story Ever Told, 24 Oct 2008
Alan Moore is a genius of the very worst kind. He produces work which you have to read, because frankly it's brilliant, but which you really don't want to, because fundamentally it's horrible.

Well, except Voice Of The Fire. Even an endorsement by Neil Gaiman couldn't put a shine on that.

Watchmen, however, is fantastic. I don't want to give it five stars, but it pries them from my begrudging hands. I have never come across a work of art so good which left me feeling so bleak and hopeless. If you're questioning your faith in humanity, or feeling at all bummed about the world, you might want to wait a bit before picking this up.

Don't say I didn't warn you. I did. This is me, warning you.

Still a good vintage, 22 Oct 2008
I hadn't read this since it was first out, and boy it has still got what it takes to be a classic.

I will agree some points of the book have dated but then again hasn't dickens? its a book of its time, but should be read and remembered always

A beautifully drawn, but very dark, tale., 24 Oct 2008
This was my first introduction to more "adult orientated" graphic novels (as opposed to comics). I bought it on a whim after seeing the cover featured in a TV programme hyping the 1989 Tim Burton Batman movie, and it was a real eye-opener. The tone is certainly much darker than the image of Batman which I'd grown up with (ie Adam West in all his campness) and provides a fascinating origin for the Joker. He comes across as an ordinary man driven beyond his capacity for reason, instead of the stereotypical insane clown of lazier Batman stories. (In fact the entire story is based around his "one bad day is all it takes" philosophy...)
The story itself is short but all the more effective for it, with some beautifully - if chillingly - drawn characters. The Joker is especially well rendered, with several large and extremely detailed frames - which is hardly surprising given that much of the book focuses on him and his "past life".
All in all, "A Killing Joke" is a worthy complement to "Batman: Year One" and "Dark Knight Returns", as it gives the reader a solid - and believable - origin to Batman's most enigmatic adversary. Highly recommended.

Return of a classic, 24 Oct 2008
This was the first comic i ever bought,twenty or so years ago and it is still one of my favourites.The story is probably the best Joker tale and the art is un-paralled.This edition is if anything an improvement on the original having Brian Bolland's own colours which are a delight in themselves.This book might be the definitive version of this seminal graphic novel.

It was OK., 01 Sep 2008
I was really looking forward to this, having heard so much praise. I guess I missed something, but I was expecting a really deep, complex story, like so many reviews and articles had described, and didn't find anything of the sort. The artwork's flawless, but the story really did nothing for me, especially the Joker's back story, which seems to be the most raved about part. I felt no attachment to any characters, and having only recently read Watchmen for the first time, and being so blown away by that, I couldn't see how this was the same writer. I also found it shockingly short, which I don't expect from a graphic novel. As I said before though, awesome artwork. I still love that cover!

A Feast for the Eyes; A Drain On the Mind, 29 Aug 2008
Okay, let's keep this brief and informal lest I start taking myself far too seriously. After all, it is only a comic book to which I am referring regardless of how good or bad this particular one may be.
As an addition to the Batman Legend, 'The Killing Joke' is something of a let down, and not least due to the 1980's "think outside of the box" storyline. In my opinion it will warp your perception of the Caped Crusader and Smiles-McGee as it did mine with it's painting of the pair as something of an old married couple who may fight but deep down are the best of friends (and thankfully like an old married couple they are not sexually attracted to each other either). It has to be said though that The Joker's crimes depicted here are less master-criminal and more sick-bastard. Whilst inventive, they lack the subtlety and genius you'd expect from the character. It would be far too easy to confuse his antics with that of 'Lord Pumpkin' in his origin one-shot as the freaky carnival setting and deformed minions are not Joker-like in my mind. I'd also suggest that the "definitive origin story" for the Joker is an ideal that should have died long ago, way before the 80's ever hit, and it's inclusion here makes the Joker seem weak and unjustified (in some senses) in his madness. Basically, as in the short version, Alan Moore's story is cleverly gimmicky at best with scripting that is just plain awful. Sorry to all the fans of the piece out there, but it reads more like a romance comic with Batman being the hysterical woman moreover Dark Knight.
What you will take away from reading this (and despite what I just said, you must buy and read this!) is that Brian Bolland is highly revered for a reason. The artwork is simply phenomenal, and the newly revamped colouring is stunning. You may never see a depiction of classic Batman or Joker looking this good anywhere else again. With the added bonus of Bolland's 'Innocent Man' (which he also wrote) sitting quietly at the back, this package must adorn your bookcase. I would recommend this to anyone.

A short story, short on story, 17 Aug 2008
This graphic novel has been given a massive amount of praise and to be honest, I'm not sure why. Perhaps because it's Alan Moore, perhaps because it is Batman vs Joker, perhaps because it has a Joker origin. I'm not sure.

I read it in one sitting, it's a very short and at £10 is a bit expensive. As it's so short there's not really a story. None at all. Batman turns up at the begining and the end, the middle is mainly flashbacks to the Joker origin. Which is campy and somewhat uninteresting.

The end is somewhat ambiguous following on the unexplored idea of should Batman kill the joker and why.

Really, the problem is not bad writing, just that it's too short and doesn't really explore the relationship at all.

There are better graphic novels, there are better batman novels. I wouldn't recommend this.


Manhattan perfect transfer, 01 Dec 2008
`Watching the Watchmen' is the hardback equivalent of all those extra features you get in a deluxe DVD movie package. Dave Gibbons delivers the text equivalent of the audio commentary and opens up his portfolio to offer us page after beautiful glossy page of early, revised or deleted scenes from key stages in the development of the greatest graphic novel of all time.

It is a refreshingly frank and humble guide. Despite already enjoying huge critical success on a variety of other projects, Gibbons recalls how he and (Alan) Moore did not take DC's exclamations of approval for granted as they began to submit pages and receive the glowing feedback.

If you've ever wondered how your favourite comic strips go from concept to critical acclaim, this is the book for you.

One word of advice, this may have the weight and girth of a coffee table book, but you may want to read it wearing white gloves. It really is a thing of beauty - and such beauty should remain untainted!


Worth Watching the Watchmen, 07 Nov 2008
For Watchmen fans, Watching the Watchmen offers a gorgeous companion to the comics masterpiece, revealing excised pages, early versions of the script, original character designs, page thumbnails, sketches and much more.

Gibbons deliberately skirts around the controversy that ensued the publication of Watchmen, which ultimately led to Alan Moore refusing to work for DC Comics because of royalty and character ownership disputes. While not averse to scandal, the consummate artist prefers instead to celebrate the work and its ongoing success.

While I would have liked to have seen more of Alan Moore's script for this seminal work, the art samples are stunning and a testament to Gibbons artistic skills. This is a beautifully packaged, superbly designed celebration of the Watchmen which should encourage fans to revisit the original work and see its pages and storytelling in a whole new light.


An essential companion for my favourite graphic novel, 05 Nov 2008
I must have re-read Watchmen once a year since I first bought it and loved it, and thought there was nothing new I could now discover about it, but this book has changed my mind. I found it's a book to dip into, not read from start to finish in one big bite, but there's so much to see and pore over on every page, I didn't want to gulp it down anyway, lots of colours and textures and so much fine detail in every frame. Alan Moore gets loads of kudos, and deserves it 100%, but it's good for once to see Dave Gibbons get his time in the sun - a fantastic artist.

The Dark Knight Stuns!, 22 Oct 2008
Starting off with anarchy approaching Gotham, Batman as an older man finds himself pulled back into vigilante activities with a variety of mean, ugly threats to be dealt with.

The art & the writing in this are excellent & this is a really gripping read. This is recommended even if you aren't a big graphic novel fan, as the action pulls you in and the story is very compelling. A great read.

SUPERB!, 28 Sep 2008
Only Watchmen can be considered to be as good as Batman: The Dark Night Returns. However, where Watchmen had an absolute myriad of characters, The Dark Night Returns with its single protagonist is better able to create characters the reader can emphasise with.

The reader is introduced to an ageing Bruce Wayne who has come out of retirement to continue is vengeful fight against crime. This dark, disturbed and sad character is pitted against those he considered allies, new enemies that are stronger than him and an all too familiar nemesis. The story is wonderfully written, well paced with a few twists and turns that keep the story interesting and a surprise shock ending with a man in tights. The artwork is brilliant, quick loose drawings capturing the action and suspense of a dark brooding story in a way some comics are unable to achieve.

Batman: The Dark Night Returns is a must own and a must read. The story is brilliantly told and features a damaged, weary character that draws you in to his own one man war.


The Greatest...., 24 Jul 2008
In all types of history there are defining moments. A moment that is so extraordinary that you have to see it again to believe what you have just seen. It sometimes takes time for the dust to settle to appreciate such a moment.
This comic is one of those moments.
The Dark Knight Returns took a tired out superhero genre and re-injected it with the modern paced style we see today. A comic that in fact saved the superhero himself. The multi-layering of story lines in this epic tale is almost cinematic in its construction.
Maybe a little dated now, but at the time it re-defined everything in comics and the way superheroes where percieved. If you are a fan of Batman, this should be the cornerstone to your collection.

DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, 23 Jul 2008
If you are used to the slick, photo-realistic art of some modern Graphic Novels/Comics, then the look of this book may take some getting used to... but get passed that, and it's one of the best comics you'll ever read.

A very good read., 05 Jun 2008
If I had to choose one word to describe this, I would choose the word epic. Why? Because its an interesting look on how Bruce Wayne would handle himself in his later years with excellent action sequences and crisp dialogue. There's really only one thing bad about this, and that is the lack of Joker. Sure he's in it, but he's not really as important to the plot as he should have been. And he's camper than ever. But aside from that, buy it. It should tickle your fetish.

Fantastic Book - great present for any man, 03 Nov 2008
really loved this book, bought it for my dad who adored it and the trip down memory lane, infact a number of his friends were desperate to get their hands on a copy! woudl def recommend as an xmas gift, theyare sure to love it!!

Well Worth It, 02 Oct 2008
I bought this at Waterstone's so paid full whack. Maybe slightly over priced there but this is still a great gift.

If you like good drawing, or are interested in how things work then buy it.

If you want a history of Eagle, or a detailed breakdown of Cutaways then try the web but this is a nicely produced introduction for young'uns, or a trip down memory lane for their grandads. For me in the middle it is the answer to many gift-giving problems.

Maybe not for the Connoisseur but a Beautiful Book, 02 Oct 2008
This book feels like and looks a quality product.

It's a classic coffee table book which you can pick up and put down and enjoy over and over again.

I'm not an Eagle expert and I bought this for my dad and I know he will be delighted with it. I am holding off on giving it to him so I can carry on flicking through it a bit longer.

The colour reproduction is beautiful and really brings out the detail of the artists' work. There are a few problems with the guttering but this does not detract too much.

It would have been nice to have the dates on all work but the drawings are so amazing that I didn't think about the date they were drawn until someone else mentioned it in their review and think it is only the Eagle Connoisseur who will be bothered by this.



A shoddy cheapskate production job, 01 Oct 2008
A shoddy, cheapskate production which is an insult to the reader, the reprinted material and the Eagle artists who created it. The scans are muddy - much poorer in quality than those used years ago by Denis Gifford - and no gutter has been introduced, so that half an inch of each double page spread disappears into the binding. The material isn't dated, themed or indexed - even the page numbering peters out towards the end. The book has all the hallmarks of a couldn't care less publisher and a technically incompetant compiler. If it wasn't a requested gift I would have sent my copy back - it's really that bad.

well drawn and scripted just a little insubstantial., 02 Nov 2008
Set between the firefly TV series and the serenity movie this introduces dust devils, browncoat terrorists. If you have no idea what I am talking about watch firefly. Anyway because it is set between two established stories there is a limit to what the writers can do witht the characters. As a result the story isn't that strong, but the characters are excellenty written and it is a joy to read. roll on volume 3.


Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant!!, 23 Oct 2008
Once you open this book it is nearly impossible to stop. Even people who normally do not like books will love this one. It's a comic but not comical.. (unless your sense of humour is very very dark). It let's you experience the horrors of the holocaust more realistically than any other book or film I have seen about it.

I love this book and could not recommend it more highly. Enjoy.

Are you trying to avoid it?, 25 May 2008
I had known of this book for about a year when i finally decided to buy it. I was put off by the slightly dodgy artwork and the very serious nature of the plot which to me is not what comics are about. Anyway,I wanted to read it so i could come on hear and rant about how it is an over-rated waste of time but I cant. The art isnt perfect i agree but it has its charms and as you read the story you really do get into the simplistic nature of it,it works for this,it doesnt distract from the story which over stylised art would. The story is VERY well written and everything i read totally shocked and moved me.
The jist of my review is - if you are put off by the art but you liked schindlers list or have a fascination with hearing about the holocaust from a personal perspective then you have to read this book. It would get 5 stars from me if I genuinely felt that everyone would like the artwork but I know thats not gonna happen but everyone who isnt an anti-semite must read this story!

Masterpiece, 11 Apr 2008
Only graphic novel to date to win the Pulitzer Price.

That should be compelling enough to endear anyone to this masterwork.

The drawing isn't perhaps as expressive as that of Sacco, but the novelty in Maus not only comes from the controversial bestialization of the characters (Poles are pigs, Jews are mice, Germans are cats, etc) but also from the timeline jumps that mix the chilling tale of Vladek's survival of Auschwitz and the author's process of discovery and acceptance of his father's personality as he is retold the survivor's tale.

So while we are presented with the horror's faced by Vladek, the book also deals with the strained relationship between the author and his father, his father's second wife and the author's converted wife.

One can only praise Spiegelman's honesty at the less than perfect portray of the old age Vladek and his own insecurities.


Searing honesty, 31 Mar 2008
"Maus" is an amazing accomplishment and a rightly revered classic. What I admire most about its narrative is its honesty. If Spielberg ever adapted this book as a film, it would become a simplistic, black-and-white affair: one-dimensional Nazi aggressors stamping on one-dimensional Jewish victims. Instead, Spiegelman has opted to respect our intelligence and throw the doors wide open on thi