WatchmenWatchmen
Score Classic
What it's about
In an alternate 1985 America where costumed heroes exist, Nixon is still president and nuclear war with the Soviets looms, a retired masked vigilante called the Comedian is murdered. Rorschach, an outlaw vigilante with a fierce, black-and-white moral code, investigates and uncovers a conspiracy reaching his former teammates, including Dr. Manhattan, the one true superhuman, who is drifting away from humanity.
Why it's worth reading
It's the graphic novel that changed comics forever, a dark, brilliantly constructed story about power and who watches the watchers, and the only graphic novel on TIME's list of the 100 best novels.
You'll love it if you liked
Good to know
It's a graphic novel by Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons, dense with detail that rewards rereading. It includes sexual violence and gore.
By the numbers
- Readers96 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics59 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller36 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
Why it made the list
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Quick answers
Is Watchmen worth reading?
Yes. It's the graphic novel that changed comics forever, a dark, brilliantly constructed story about power and who watches the watchers, and the only graphic novel on TIME's list of the 100 best novels. It ranks #174 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 84.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Watchmen about?
In an alternate 1985 America where costumed heroes exist, Nixon is still president and nuclear war with the Soviets looms, a retired masked vigilante called the Comedian is murdered. Rorschach, an outlaw vigilante with a fierce, black-and-white moral code, investigates and uncovers a conspiracy reaching his former teammates, including Dr. Manhattan, the one true superhuman, who is drifting away from humanity.
How long does it take to read Watchmen?
About 11 hours (448 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Watchmen?
If you liked it, try 1984 by George Orwell, Dune by Frank Herbert or The Stand by Stephen King.