My Watchmen Weekend

So I apologize for not having written more, but I was in San Diego this last week at... who would've guessed, Comic Con. It was quite an experience, I shall say (Will's life was made when he met Tori Amos). I wasn't able to get into Zack Snyder's presentation on Watchmen, which was unfortunate because I heard him speak about it last year and it sounded like he was making a distinct effort to preserve the comic experience. We'll see how he does (apparently the movie is already 3 hours, and they're doing the pirate sub plot animated, to be released on dvd, then later a special edition cut back in, which would be interesting).

I did meet the costumer of the film, who explained that he had to alter some of the costuming based on demands from the special fx, action choreographers, etc. I think most are okay versions, though Ozymandias I still question a bit. The costumer explained that for the scenes, having that metal thing around his neck didn't work out, which is why they altered that.

Alright, I'm rambling. Its just that this movie if done right, will give people way more than they bargained for. Most people think its just a super hero film, and it really isn't.

Lastly, look! I got to see the owl ship from the film. That's right, its rocking.

Dr. Manhattan

I agree with both of you that this book is difficult to discuss as you're reading it, but I was wondering if I'm totally out of line in thinking Dr. Manhattan is obnoxious. I thought he was pretty cool until I read Chapter IV. As I was reading that chapter I asked Paul about what he thought (he's a little bit ahead of me at the moment), and he agreed with me.

People who don't accept responsibility for their actions and always act the victim of their circumstances really bother me. Sure his dad didn't want him to be a watchmaker. Sure he didn't choose to become Dr. Manhattan, both in body and name. But it seems to me a childish and wimpy thing to do to blame everything that's ever happened to you on other people. The fact that he's the most powerful being alive due to accidental circumstances explains some of it. But Dr. Manhattan was like that before he ever became Dr. Manhattan. On page 5 of Chapter IV he says, "That happens to me a lot. Other people seem to make all my moves for me." Am I the only one that finds this sentiment repulsive? Claiming you have no control over your actions makes you seem more like an animal than a human being. Anyway, I'm interested to see where Dr. Manhattan's story goes. As of now, though, I don't like him very much as a person.

Aside from that, I thought Chapter IV was very cool from a literary standpoint. It was intriguing how the skewed timeline and juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated events told a different story altogether. I understand how this was such a groundbreaking novel. I'm really enjoying it. :)

Stuff from EW!

I just learned it's going to be a movie! So exciting. I'm liking it very much so far, but I need to read fast! I don't want to take it to Ecuador with me because I'm afraid it will get hurt. Maybe I'll just have to risk it - it would be such a great and engrossing plane book.

Here's a cool article I found. I'm sure Peter's already read it, though! Too bad we can't all dress up and go to the premier.

The Trailer is up

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/watchmen/trailer

I'm dying to know your thoughts, Peter. Though I imagine you're at a movie theater at the moment, and you'll see it on the big screen tonight.

I'm only about a third of the way through the book, but it was way cool to see some of the scenes brought to life.

What do you think of it, Lisa?

I got bored...

What do you think? Tell me honestly.

First Impressions

I turned to the first page and thought, "So that's what the cover is!"

Other than that, I'm just 15 pages in, and I'm finding that reading a graphic novel is definitely an adjustment. It's hard to get used to! I'm sure it will get easier as I go. So far it's been difficult to get into a rhythm with the reading and looking at the illustrations. Also, I'm already fascinated with the character of Rorschache, and I'm anxious to delve into the story further.

The adventure continues!

For Your Consideration...

I considered several different books, but one refused to disappear from the back corners of my psyche, and it seems to have won out. My reasons for suggesting this book are many - the least being that it has received numerous awards including a listing as one of Time's best 100 novels, as well as a Hugo; the most being that I would like to discuss this book with other intellectuals (that is if I might group myself into such an elitist setup, or if I'm not invited to the party I'd like to think I would be jumping up and down at the window straining for a glance in...); but average reasons scatter into categories such as the two of you (I'm venturing a guess here) probably haven't read it.

Okay, so I have read this title, but only once a while ago, and I would voraciously welcome a chance to re-read it, and as I mentioned, rabidly discuss it with others (something I sadly lacked on the first go). So without further ado, I humbly propose the next book of Hack 'n Slash Monthly be Watchmen by Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons.

Its an odd book club choice. But really, who cares? Its fascinating, unusual, pertinent and also kind of disturbing. Let me add that while it is a graphic novel, it is not exactly a light read (in my experience Moore rarely relies on the images alone to get you through). It also seems apropos as the film version (which Moore has adamantly rejected as he does all films based on his works) comes out next year. Tell me your thoughts on this.

On a final parting note...

I'm just curious, as I was thinking about it, what everyone's favorite essay of Ex Libris was. Oh, and why, too. I mean, you gotta have the why.

Personally, while there were many entertaining ones, I think I most enjoyed "Nothing New Under the Sun," purely for the clever detailing of each word/phrase/paragraphs unoriginal history. I also think it took a great deal of work to write.