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.

"I know you're a mass murderer, but can't we be friends?", 24 Aug 2008
Alan Moore provides the reader with plenty motivation for us to hate the Joker in this short story; so much in fact that it make's Commisioner Gordon's response largely unbelievable, and Batman's 'let's be friends, I can help you' reaction somehow cowardly. The villain is elevated to such a level of cruelty and malice that Batman's idealistic moral outlook has no counter. The result is Batman comes off as a wimp.

The artwork by Boland is wonderful, but probably the worst story I've read of Moore's.

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.

"I know you're a mass murderer, but can't we be friends?", 24 Aug 2008
Alan Moore provides the reader with plenty motivation for us to hate the Joker in this short story; so much in fact that it make's Commisioner Gordon's response largely unbelievable, and Batman's 'let's be friends, I can help you' reaction somehow cowardly. The villain is elevated to such a level of cruelty and malice that Batman's idealistic moral outlook has no counter. The result is Batman comes off as a wimp.

The artwork by Boland is wonderful, but probably the worst story I've read of Moore's.

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.

"I know you're a mass murderer, but can't we be friends?", 24 Aug 2008
Alan Moore provides the reader with plenty motivation for us to hate the Joker in this short story; so much in fact that it make's Commisioner Gordon's response largely unbelievable, and Batman's 'let's be friends, I can help you' reaction somehow cowardly. The villain is elevated to such a level of cruelty and malice that Batman's idealistic moral outlook has no counter. The result is Batman comes off as a wimp.

The artwork by Boland is wonderful, but probably the worst story I've read of Moore's.

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.

V for Vendetta is, like its author's later Watchmen, a landmark in comic-book writing. Alan Moore has led the field in intelligent, politically astute (if slightly paranoid), complex adult comic-book writing since the early 1980s. He began V back in 1981 and it constituted one of his first attempts (along with the criminally neglected but equally superb Miracleman) at writing an ongoing series. It is 1998 (which was the future back then!) and a Fascist government has taken over the UK. The only blot on its particular landscape is a lone terrorist who is systematically killing all the government personnel associated with a now destroyed secret concentration camp. Codename V is out for vengeance ... and an awful lot more. V feels slightly dated like all past premonitions do. The original series was black and white and that added to the grittiness of the feel while the colouring here in the graphic novel sometimes blurs David Lloyd's fine drawing. But these are small concerns. Skilfully plotted, V is an essential read for all those who love comics and the freedom, as a medium, they allow a writer as skilled as Moore. The graphic novel contains all the V series plus two additional stories concerning V that were originally considered "interludes". This edition also contains an essay from Moore dating from 1983 explaining the creation process. For any comic fan it's a must-have. --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.

"I know you're a mass murderer, but can't we be friends?", 24 Aug 2008
Alan Moore provides the reader with plenty motivation for us to hate the Joker in this short story; so much in fact that it make's Commisioner Gordon's response largely unbelievable, and Batman's 'let's be friends, I can help you' reaction somehow cowardly. The villain is elevated to such a level of cruelty and malice that Batman's idealistic moral outlook has no counter. The result is Batman comes off as a wimp.

The artwork by Boland is wonderful, but probably the worst story I've read of Moore's.

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 read, 21 Nov 2008
I watched the film before reading the book and I loved it, I thought the entire thing was brilliant and loved V (Hugo Weaving was fantastic) and I was always intending to read the book. A work colleague told me that the book is a lot different from the film (as is usually the case) so not too long ago I brought the book and had finished it two days later.

Alan Moore has written an amazing piece. The entire idea of England becoming one of the only countries that survived a massive war and the political party that took over are fascist and its basically a Big Brother moment where they watching everything you do. Evey unlike in the film is just a sixteen year old girl who doest have enough money to live so she becomes a prostitute. Unlike in the film Evey is a lot less self reliant and is happy to live out her life in V's shadow gallery but it shows a great deal about her growing up from the scared little girl into what she becomes later.

The book was a great read and didn't disappoint giving you a disturbing outlook to a dark future and I love David Lloyd's little note dedicating the book to people who don't switch off the news and choose not to live in blissful ignorance.

Infinitely preferable to the film, 19 Aug 2008
Great. This deserves the hype but not the butchering it received on film at the hands of the Wachowksi brothers. This is really about Thatcher's Britain and nuclear winters and the social control of 'deviant' minorities and the power of dissent. So it has something to say about today. But don't read it as a proxy for political critique. It is a joy for many a reason, of which its anarchist politics is one, but our present predicaments require something less wedded to Cold War models. V for Vendetta is of its time, by which I mean also that it is a classic.

Good work, but totally spoiled..., 14 Aug 2008
A potentially excellent work of graphic fiction, but totally spoiled by the worst attempt at phonetically transcribing a Scottish accent I've ever read--when you read it out loud it sounds it a bit like Russ Abbott's "See You Jimmy" character. Embarrassing and unnecessary when there are so many great Scottish comic book writers who could have assisted.

The V-effekt of V for Vendetta , 27 Jul 2008
Alan Moore and David Lloyd's aesthetic seems almost Brechtian. With a sci-fi motif it distances the reader from the universal political issues being addressed; amusingly, V for Vendetta could be said to use Brecht's V-effekt. There is a strong dialectic that runs throughout, a sense of determinism layered symbolism. All V's Larkhill targets personify aspects of the state. Science is embodied by Delia Surridge, military and media by Lewis Prothero and religion by Anthony Lilliman. Each takes an attitude of opposition; so Lilliman is the unrepentant leader of an institution of salvation, whilst Surridge seeks repentance from the opposed standpoint of a scientist. Prothero, by representing the military become media, is in himself a synthesis between the power of rhetoric and that of violence, which ultimately spawns a new antithesis resulting in V - anarchy personified.

The secret police are represented by Peter Creedy and the figurehead by Adam Susan; Creedy seeks power as an end in itself, whilst Susan is a deranged idealist who believes in his superiority to the extent that he becomes solipsistic, disconnected from humanity and infatuated with the super computer `fate'. With all of this madness Moore knows how to offer grounding and realism; investigator Eric Finch and orphan Evey Hammond take on the roles of the everyman and everywoman respectively. They offer the audience characters to follow, to empathize with. They are a thread of sanity weaved through this excellent narrative.

Moore's story is also full of intertextual allusion; from Shakespeare to Goethe and from Crowley to Fawkes, this is intelligent writing. The dialogue (replete with convincing phonetic spellings, character ticks and vernacular language) flows beautifully and the absence of thought bubbles or sound bubbles lends this book both a maturity and minimalism. Lloyd is given room by this minimalism to show of his artistic capabilities, which are not at all lacking; this is a gritty, dystopic kind of realism that takes you to the action. Each panel demands your attention.

Overall V for Vendetta is faultless; I love the film as well, but the original is on a different level. This is a comic book that shows you how far the medium can be pushed when it is backed by enough raw creative talent.

Wicked, 22 Jun 2008
I love this graphic novel, I read it a long time before I saw the film, and I still think the novel is better! If you have never read a comic/ graphic novel before, I highly recommend this one.

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.

"I know you're a mass murderer, but can't we be friends?", 24 Aug 2008
Alan Moore provides the reader with plenty motivation for us to hate the Joker in this short story; so much in fact that it make's Commisioner Gordon's response largely unbelievable, and Batman's 'let's be friends, I can help you' reaction somehow cowardly. The villain is elevated to such a level of cruelty and malice that Batman's idealistic moral outlook has no counter. The result is Batman comes off as a wimp.

The artwork by Boland is wonderful, but probably the worst story I've read of Moore's.

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 read, 21 Nov 2008
I watched the film before reading the book and I loved it, I thought the entire thing was brilliant and loved V (Hugo Weaving was fantastic) and I was always intending to read the book. A work colleague told me that the book is a lot different from the film (as is usually the case) so not too long ago I brought the book and had finished it two days later.

Alan Moore has written an amazing piece. The entire idea of England becoming one of the only countries that survived a massive war and the political party that took over are fascist and its basically a Big Brother moment where they watching everything you do. Evey unlike in the film is just a sixteen year old girl who doest have enough money to live so she becomes a prostitute. Unlike in the film Evey is a lot less self reliant and is happy to live out her life in V's shadow gallery but it shows a great deal about her growing up from the scared little girl into what she becomes later.

The book was a great read and didn't disappoint giving you a disturbing outlook to a dark future and I love David Lloyd's little note dedicating the book to people who don't switch off the news and choose not to live in blissful ignorance.

Infinitely preferable to the film, 19 Aug 2008
Great. This deserves the hype but not the butchering it received on film at the hands of the Wachowksi brothers. This is really about Thatcher's Britain and nuclear winters and the social control of 'deviant' minorities and the power of dissent. So it has something to say about today. But don't read it as a proxy for political critique. It is a joy for many a reason, of which its anarchist politics is one, but our present predicaments require something less wedded to Cold War models. V for Vendetta is of its time, by which I mean also that it is a classic.

Good work, but totally spoiled..., 14 Aug 2008
A potentially excellent work of graphic fiction, but totally spoiled by the worst attempt at phonetically transcribing a Scottish accent I've ever read--when you read it out loud it sounds it a bit like Russ Abbott's "See You Jimmy" character. Embarrassing and unnecessary when there are so many great Scottish comic book writers who could have assisted.

The V-effekt of V for Vendetta , 27 Jul 2008
Alan Moore and David Lloyd's aesthetic seems almost Brechtian. With a sci-fi motif it distances the reader from the universal political issues being addressed; amusingly, V for Vendetta could be said to use Brecht's V-effekt. There is a strong dialectic that runs throughout, a sense of determinism layered symbolism. All V's Larkhill targets personify aspects of the state. Science is embodied by Delia Surridge, military and media by Lewis Prothero and religion by Anthony Lilliman. Each takes an attitude of opposition; so Lilliman is the unrepentant leader of an institution of salvation, whilst Surridge seeks repentance from the opposed standpoint of a scientist. Prothero, by representing the military become media, is in himself a synthesis between the power of rhetoric and that of violence, which ultimately spawns a new antithesis resulting in V - anarchy personified.

The secret police are represented by Peter Creedy and the figurehead by Adam Susan; Creedy seeks power as an end in itself, whilst Susan is a deranged idealist who believes in his superiority to the extent that he becomes solipsistic, disconnected from humanity and infatuated with the super computer `fate'. With all of this madness Moore knows how to offer grounding and realism; investigator Eric Finch and orphan Evey Hammond take on the roles of the everyman and everywoman respectively. They offer the audience characters to follow, to empathize with. They are a thread of sanity weaved through this excellent narrative.

Moore's story is also full of intertextual allusion; from Shakespeare to Goethe and from Crowley to Fawkes, this is intelligent writing. The dialogue (replete with convincing phonetic spellings, character ticks and vernacular language) flows beautifully and the absence of thought bubbles or sound bubbles lends this book both a maturity and minimalism. Lloyd is given room by this minimalism to show of his artistic capabilities, which are not at all lacking; this is a gritty, dystopic kind of realism that takes you to the action. Each panel demands your attention.

Overall V for Vendetta is faultless; I love the film as well, but the original is on a different level. This is a comic book that shows you how far the medium can be pushed when it is backed by enough raw creative talent.

Wicked, 22 Jun 2008
I love this graphic novel, I read it a long time before I saw the film, and I still think the novel is better! If you have never read a comic/ graphic novel before, I highly recommend this one.

Consistently Gripping and Involving , 25 Oct 2008
As with all the previous editions, this latest collection of the Charley's War strips is made up of wonderful, detailed and moving artwork carrying along great story-telling.

Through Charley we see the effects and impact of the Great War on an ordinary bloke. Although a fictitious character, Charley goes through what real men did thanks to through research by the author and artists. The politics and social comment might be over done, or it might just be an accurate reflection.

Charley's War is about as far removed from Batman and Superman comics as you can imagine, but is all the more powerful and memorable for it. As this is the 90th anniversary of the end of the Great War it is a good time to read (or even re-read) these stories.

Highly recommended for all ages and all levels of knowledge on the subject.

Proving that mainstream comics could be infused with past literary/cultural ideals and still be best sellers, the America's Best Comics imprint took the dilapidated superhero genre and created three vastly entertaining hybrids with Tom Strong, Promethea and Top Ten. Now, a stunning coup de grace is delivered with this masterful pairing of Victorian adventure fiction's greatest characters and the old war-horse of the super-group. With the stunning The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, it would be no exaggeration to say that Alan Moore has produced a near-perfect piece of adventure fiction that is clever, literate, rich with excitement and hard to put down.

It's 1898 and at the behest of M, the mysterious head of the secret Service, Campion Bond is dispatched to procure the services of Miss Mina Murray (nee Harker), adventurer Allan Quartermain, "Science-Pirate" Captain Nemo, Henry Jekyll (and his monstrous alter ego) and Hawley Griffin (aka The Invisible Man). Together, they must combat an insidious threat that will decide supremacy of the London skies, but their success may unleash a far greater threat. With no shortage of action, Moore and O' Neill sustain a high level of suspense, intrigue, mystery and terrific wit that all contribute to an indispensable read. O'Neill's art, so memorable in Marshal Law, produces a London filled with vivid, magnificent architecture and a malevolent atmosphere ripe with thrills and danger. An unmitigated triumph, the sequel cannot come soon enough, with such a glorious past showing what the future can hold for comics. Magnificent--pure and simple. --Danny Graydon

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.

"I know you're a mass murderer, but can't we be friends?", 24 Aug 2008
Alan Moore provides the reader with plenty motivation for us to hate the Joker in this short story; so much in fact that it make's Commisioner Gordon's response largely unbelievable, and Batman's 'let's be friends, I can help you' reaction somehow cowardly. The villain is elevated to such a level of cruelty and malice that Batman's idealistic moral outlook has no counter. The result is Batman comes off as a wimp.

The artwork by Boland is wonderful, but probably the worst story I've read of Moore's.

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 read, 21 Nov 2008
I watched the film before reading the book and I loved it, I thought the entire thing was brilliant and loved V (Hugo Weaving was fantastic) and I was always intending to read the book. A work colleague told me that the book is a lot different from the film (as is usually the case) so not too long ago I brought the book and had finished it two days later.

Alan Moore has written an amazing piece. The entire idea of England becoming one of the only countries that survived a massive war and the political party that took over are fascist and its basically a Big Brother moment where they watching everything you do. Evey unlike in the film is just a sixteen year old girl who doest have enough money to live so she becomes a prostitute. Unlike in the film Evey is a lot less self reliant and is happy to live out her life in V's shadow gallery but it shows a great deal about her growing up from the scared little girl into what she becomes later.

The book was a great read and didn't disappoint giving you a disturbing outlook to a dark future and I love David Lloyd's little note dedicating the book to people who don't switch off the news and choose not to live in blissful ignorance.

Infinitely preferable to the film, 19 Aug 2008
Great. This deserves the hype but not the butchering it received on film at the hands of the Wachowksi brothers. This is really about Thatcher's Britain and nuclear winters and