During the rapid expansion of cable and satellite television in the 1980s, HBO was one of the new services’ biggest selling points, thanks to a lineup which featured uncut recent theatrical movies, concerts, stand-up comedy specials and even the occasional Broadway show and not the same old sitcoms and dramas. These days, HBO is still one of the pay TV’s top draws.
There are so many ways Damon Lindelof’s audacious riff on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ graphic novel could go wrong that every episode of Watchmen feels like a gamble. But so far it has unfolded with the confidence and visions to support its provocations.
What Is Watchmen?
Watchmen was a 12-issue limited series comic released in 1986 and 1987 by DC Comics. It was written by Alan Moore and drawn by Dave Gibbons. It’s considered one of the greatest comics ever, and in 2005, Time included it as part of its 100 best English-language novels published since 1923. It was the only comic to make the list.
Fans’ Reactions
To be a bit cliche about it, Watchmen is the Citizen Kane of comics. There were numerous attempts to adapt the comic into both a TV show and film. All failed until 2009’s Watchmen directed by Zack Snyder. It’s considered a faithful adaptation, but fans of the book took issue with parts of the film.
Should There Be A New Release?
HBO’s new Watchmen series debuted Oct. 20 to positive reviews and many, many questions. It’s understandable if you’re a bit puzzled because the original 1986 comic still has some fans trying to figure everything out. It doesn’t help that showrunner Damon Lindelof is known for shows such as Lost and The Leftovers,which skew toward the mysterious side.
What’s Special About Watchmen
Remnants of previous Lindelof’s shows like Lost and The Leftovers are present in its puzzle-box revelations and obsession with lingering societal trauma; but Watchmen has its own agenda, updating the books 80’s- specific interest in the Cold War and nuclear annihilation to present day issues of racism and white supremacy. Yet for such a heavy show, Watchmen doesn’t skimp on the pulpy pleasures of an adult-oriented comic, with plenty of kick-ass action sequences and a sound track that mixes a Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross score with choice songs from multiple eras.