Who watches the Watchmen? If one is a fan of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' groundbreaking comic book, the answer should be an unambiguous “we all do.” The original Watchmen series is perhaps one of the most revered graphic works in the canon of world literature and art, yet it has been brought to screen only partly – until now. Say hello to Watchmen Chapters 1 & 2, an animated two-movie adaptation that can only mean one thing: the graphic novel brought to life in ways that we never thought possible.
Till date, a straight adaptation of Watchmen has not been achieved with nearly as much fidelity. The 2009 Watchmen film by Zack Snyder replicated numerous comic panels but mutated the plot in the third act. The HBO series created by Damon Lindelof in 2019 was great, albeit not exactly an adaptation of the comic as it was more of a sequel. However, with Watchmen Chapters 1 & 2, fans are only a step away from getting the complete story right down to every illustration flawlessly executed in animation.
With the trailer out, fans can now feast their eyes on a look that borrows heavily from Dave Gibbons' art designs, particularly the rather unorthodox choice in colours. Characters' action sequences are depicted effectively including the Comedian's death scene, Jon Osterman turning into Doctor Manhattan, and the chilling image of Nite Owl and Silk Spectre II seen having sex against the backdrop of a nuclear explosion. In particular, the 2D and 3D textures combine seamlessly within the animation, which makes the design look contemporary and at the same time realistic.
The most exciting aspect? This adaptation therefore seeks to deliver the climax of this comic in all the details and twists as depicted in the original work. This means that the audience will start seeing the massive fake mutant squid causing devastation in New York – an action sequence that Snyder's film lacked.
Several rumors have surfaced regarding the airing schedule, with reports from the Annecy animation festival revealing that Chapter 1 is targeting an August 13th 2024 and Chapter 2 the following year. This timeline allows fans to watch HBO series multiple times and be drawn into the diverse and complicated universe of Watchmen.
In a world filled with superhero stories, Watchmen stands out for its gritty realism, complex characters, and philosophical depth. The upcoming animated movies are set to honor this legacy, offering both die-hard fans and newcomers a chance to experience the complete tale in all its glory. So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness the Watchmen as never before.
