Discovering the Literary Relevancy of Watchmen: A Review of the Graphic Novel's Philosophical Themes
Publication Date
Spring 4-18-2012
School
School of Communication
Major
Communication Studies: Journalism
Primary Subject Area
Literature, American; Education, Reading; Fine Arts; Philosophy
Keywords
Comic book, graphic novel, Watchmen, Alan Moore, superhero
Disciplines
Ethics and Political Philosophy | Fiction | Fine Arts
Recommended Citation
Flynn, Tyler, "Discovering the Literary Relevancy of Watchmen: A Review of the Graphic Novel's Philosophical Themes" (2012). Senior Honors Theses. 275.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/275
Abstract
The American comic book, specifically those of the superhero genre, is a medium that has been associated with stagnant, morally upright characters and formulaic plots. However, author Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons changed said stigma with their groundbreaking series Watchmen. An analysis of the work’s storyline, as well as some of the main characters, will reveal the deep philosophical and psychological underpinnings of the graphic novel, and, more importantly, its literary merit. A Christian interpretation of the work will also be presented.
