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Absolute Watchmen Hardcover edition? Absolutely.
I just finished reading this from the library. The HUGEness of it and recolorization of it completely made me be in awe of it. I've read it before, but it was in a low-quality scans and on the computer, which left me with kind of a mixed reaction to the story. Besides, it had been hyped to death as the greatest graphic novel ever so I went into it with all of the hype gnawing at me in annoyance. That made the story rather anti-climatic and somewhat boring, except for the Rorschach and Dr. Manhattan moments in the story. The rest was pretty forgettable to the first go 'round.
I just happened to see it at the library and decided to pick it up and give it another chance. It was so much more rewarding to have it in my hands and to be able to move my eyes over the glossy pages. The story was a lot better the second time around and I noticed a lot of little things in the background that foreshadowed the story that I hadn't noticed before. I enjoyed most of the characters this go 'round that Alan Moore brought to life. There's still a few characters that I could do without, but perhaps, I'll grow to enjoy them when I decide to read it yet again sometime in the future.
The story revolves around a group of people who were once masked non-powered heroes. Most retired to do other things after an anti-vigilante law was created. However, a few continue to work. Dr. Manhattan and The Comedian continue to work for the government, allowing them to be exempt from the law. Rorschach continues to work as a fugitive of the law, killing any criminal he sees fit. The Comedian is murdered, which kick-starts the story off as Rorschach begins to investigate who was behind it, which leads us down a path through who old masked-acquaintances and former masked-villains.
Dr. Manhattan, who is the only actual "super" hero in the team gained his super powers through the usual radiation way, which caused his molecular structure to dissipate for a long time before he was able to reconstruct himself. People are quite unnerved by him, considering he is so powerful and odd-looking (bald, blue, and bare-naked) and alien-like now. He can reshape objects, transport, and reconstruct anything. He also has the ability to see into the future, but does not attempt to change the way things happen. Instead, he plays through the scene as he would if he had no knowledge. When asked why he acts like a puppet if he can change history, he states that we're all puppets playing our roles. The only difference between him and others is that he can see the strings. His mentality became more alien-like after the accident. He doesn't seem to value or be interested in human life. To him, the glass could be half-full or half-empty. It makes no difference to him either way. This look on life has caused strain on all of his relationships. The government keeps him around as a bargaining chip to keep other countries in line.
Ultimately, the story is about flaws who even affect the people we dub heroes.
I HAVE to buy this version someday when I have the funds to spare. Unfortunately, it's 50-100 bucks on amazon, ebay, and such places. Someday, my precious. Someday. Until then, there's always the library to return to.
Still, is it the greatest graphic novel in existence? Possibly, considering there isn't a lot of contenders in the field. Definitely a great noir-esque "super" hero graphic novel, but don't be surprised if you don't particularly enjoy it the first time. Also, fluoride is linked to causing homosexuality.
Absolute version verses regular trade paperback size.
Somebody buy it for my birthday!