Though it may show some images parents may not be alright with, reading it was a positive experience for me. It brought certain philosophical notions into play, contains a great deal of symbolism, and delves into the harsh reality of our world, figuratively shown in a world parallel to ours. Though the characters are morally ambiguous, it was a refreshing change to see that even heroes are human. It is much more realistic, believe it or not, than other widely accepted hero stories, which rely entirely upon our willing suspension of disbelief to thrive. Watchmen is a great Graphic Novel to start with, if you are reading your first one, but whether or not it is appropriate depends on the maturity of the reader, though i would generally say that 15 and up is a good age, and 14 would be iffy. Though there was a significant amount of drinking, smoking and sexual references and acts, based on the general plotline and the ideologies shown in the novel, it wasn't completely out of line. Whether or not the messages in the book are positive is open to interpretation, but the book as a whole questions morality and human nature in general, which I found intriguing when I read it at 15.
Tools for this page
Watchmen
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Retired heroes fight to save themselves in gritty classic.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–18
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Watchmen
Parents need to know that this landmark graphic novel is meant for mature readers and contains lots of violent imagery, profane language, and events of vigilante justice. That aside, Moore and Gibbons work together to create a genre-shaping graphic novel that's as engrossing visually as it is in plot.
Read our full review by Grace Le
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the many ethical issues raised by the actions and circumstances of the characters. What is a nihilist, and how might being one affect The Comedian's actions? How does the story's alternate history differ from what happened in reality? Is it ever OK to take the law into your own hands?
Our Members Say
See all 32 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
Perfect First Graphic Novel for Mature Readers
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
Awesome book for adults, keep it away from the kids
LOVED it when I read it for a college class. That's what it's appropriate for. College students. Heck, I'm iffy about my 17 year old brother reading it. Definitively not for young teens, and iffy for older teens. The rape scene is more intense than the review seemed to indicate, and the violence is massive. Also, the "heroes" are deliberately morally ambiguous. No character in the story is a great role model, and the message is a morally ambiguous one. Lots of depth, and a great read for all the adults out there, but not for the kids.
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Great adult book!
This book is truly an adult classic. I liked it alot and I think all ages would like it but it is only appropiate for adults.
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Good
shows a guys genital area read some of it.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
so awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
best comic book ever
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 67% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 67% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 67% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 67% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
Have you read it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
blahblah blahb ... recommends:
Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1)
for kids age 11
See more from blahblah bla ...
Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1)
for kids age 11
See more from blahblah bla ...
