Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, Watchmen is the Godfather of graphic novels. Published in 1986, Watchmen remains one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels of all time. It's the only comic book to appear in Time magazine's 100 Best English-Language Novels list. Set in an alternative version of mid ‘80s America, Watchmen tells the story of a rag-tag, disbanded gang of superheroes who - apart from being heroic and fighting crime - are just like everyone else: messed up. Although most of the heroes are no longer in ‘the biz' the old gang are drawn back together following the murder of an old colleague, the discovery of which unearths a much more frightening conspiracy. Full of wit, pace and deeply involving, Watchmen is real work of art.

Go further: A film version of Watchmen is due to be released in 2009. Alan Moore also wrote the excellent V for Vendetta.

Buy Watchmen, £10.99
Buy V For Vendetta, £10.99

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