I'm not a big comic book nerd, (more of a games and book nerd) but I had been hearing alot about "The Watchmen" with the movie coming out, and Time had it as one of it's 100 great american novels of the past century so I figured "what the hell I'll give it a shot". I've just finished chapter 3 and so far I have to say it's pretty freakin' cool. Not at all what I would expect from a comic book...er...."graphic novel". Rorschach is an interesting and complex character, the story isn't just a"villain has a scheme, super powers unite!" sort of fair, the writing is excellent and the pacing is well done, and occasionally I get to a panel that I just stare at the picture for a while because it's interesting. I'm also surprised at how little action there is thus far. It's mostly just characters talking, or thinking, or writing. The world presents the sort of vigilantism of super heroes in a more realistic light, both in how the world reacts to them, to the psychology of people that would be willing to put on a stupid costume and fight thugs, and what that kind of lifestyle does to a person or group over time. I'm very impressed and look forward to getting home so I can read about what happens next. And now I'm looking forward to the movie as well. So anybody who likes reading in general go pick up "the watchmen" it's in one volume now (I'm guessing it wasn't originally), and is like 15-20 bucks at most book stores. It's really good.

The Watchmen is an awesome comic book, I can't wait for the movie to come out!

"Watchmen" has been available as a single volume for some time (at least 13 years), and is indeed awesome. If you want to go all crazy-like, there is also a deluxe hardcover edition entitled "Absolute Watchmen," which is oversized, has been entirely re-colored, and contains various bonus materials.

I really want this, but its so expensive here in the UK, like 20 squid!

Vagabond, you'd be surprised at how many graphic novels nowadays aren't simply super hero vs. super villain cliche shit. If you like Watchmen and want some more offbeat stories, start reading Y: The Last Man, Fables, and Blankets. All great stuff.

The Watchme is pretty good. Moore did create a wonderful piece of art, but it's not my favorite ever.

The mood of the book is pretty bad. I know he was going for realism, but I think he went into nihilism.

@Onyxmeth - So true. Fables is awesome. My 2nd favorite book nowadays. It only loses to The Walking Dead.

I don't know how they came up with such great stories non-stop.

And Blankets was pretty good too. Very emotional.

Blankets is my second favorite graphic novel ever. It totally took me by surprise, because I managed to read it before the hype started on te book's quality. My fav is Superman: Red Son. Have you ever read that?

I have read Red Son. And I would put into my top 3 Superman stories.

My favorite Superman story was one issue of Action Comics called: "What's so funny, about Truth, Justice and the American Way".

It's a simple story but really shows what Superman represents, the ideal he embodies.

But I loved Luthor in Red Son. All takes is one phrase. Brain before Brawl. Always

PS - I didn't know know there was hype around Blankets. I discovered it by accident and loved it.

It's on like every best of graphic novels list nowadays, so it's word of mouth is propelling people to check it out. I always enjoy getting into something before it gets skewered with hype and word of mouth because I feel like I can go in with a clear head and simply enjoy it or not.

Barnes n Nobles is the best friend of the broke graphic novel lover. I spent many so many days chilling at the cafe and finishing a huge story.

Well since I am brazilian, all I had was the ones that were published here. But, nowadays they are so expensive that all I can do is the internets.

Now, go read The Walking Dead. Seriously. It's amazing. You can pick up trade paperbacks or Omnibus (with the first 24 issues). It's up to issue 54 so far and going strong.

If you want, I can recommend others. Or you can recommend me something