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.

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.

This is a great book, but... in my opinion the movie was better, and the game was awesome.

This comic works on many levels. It has a good story that charges to a violent climax (although when I first read the ending I thought the actual disaster a bit silly, and I preferred the movie's conclusion). It is a good polemic on personal responsibility and freedom. For me, it really captured the deep paranoia that we all felt during the Cold War of the 80's; when we listened to sappy new wave pop songs blithely ignoring the thousands of ICBMs that Moscow had aimed at our noggins.

lol

When Watchmen began it's serialization in 1985, we didn't know that the author was going to bring superheroes up to age. This is a VERY adult tale of war, sex, politics, powers, mystery and betrayal. Think of last year's hit movie "Dark Knight" and then turn the moral ambiguity up a few more notches. A better term for it would be "Film Noir with powers", rather than Super-Hero. As a blind friend remarked half way through the series "These people aren't very heroic. I don't want to hear anymore." In an alternative future 1985 where Nixon is in his 5th term, thanks to a superpowered superman without a conscience, someone is killing off the former superhero group, one at a time. Why? By the time the story ends, you won't remember, but you'll feel like you've been through the wringer. They all will. Let me say it again: This is NOT for kids... only the very mature reader and ADULTS. The on-camera murders, rape and warfare prove it. Enjoy, but this is one story that will be with you forever.... or at least until the nuclear clock runs out!

I'm all in favor of thoughtful, non-Polyanna-ish works of creative fiction. But this one was far too dark for me. I would never think of exposing my kids to the nihilism in this, let alone the severe violence and sexuality.

This story takes a lot of maturity to read and understand. I was 16 when it first came out, and I missed a great deal of the story and symbolism in it. I do not recommend anyone under the age of 15 reading this, and then with adults nearby to answer questions. Alan Moore is a phenomenal writer, so much so that even grown adults miss the themes in his books. Don't expect a teen to understand it all. If you think your teen is mature enough to get past the violence and see the storylines and meanings, then read it together.

so good so good (worth saying twice)

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.

shows a guys genital area read some of it.

best comic book ever

I read this when I was fourteen and was kind of shocked by the content. The violence is gratuitous. The blood is sometimes over the top, as in one scene where a minor villain's throat is slit and blood commences to pour all over Rorschach in a manner reminiscent of a fire hose. Some scenes can be sort of traumatizing, like when The Comedian murders a pregnant woman by shooting her at close range. The book also has some sex scenes in it. Several buttocks are seen as well as a few breasts. In an early scene, Rorschach walks by a stand selling porn magazines and women have their breasts exposed. Dr. Manhattan's blue genitals are also seen several times. The book's plot is very mature and will probably be over the head of some viewers. All sex and gore aside, it's a very good book that depicts the bleaker side of life very well. I enjoyed it very much and you probably will too.

The characters are incredibly interesting. Nite-Owl II is a nerd, Rorschach is a psycho, Silk Spectre II is a depressive, The Comedian is a nihilist, Ozymandias is an insane genius, an Dr. Manhattan has lost touch with humans. Alan Moore does very well with all of these characters, and it's a great story.

great, great , great

great novel a little bit bad but at least kids are reading.

First off let me make this clear. THIS IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE SUPERHERO BOOK. THIS IS COMPLEX!!!!!!!!!! First of Dr. Manhatton is naked (back and front(yes you do see his penis, but not in extreem detail, but if you don't pay much attention to it, it's not that bad)). They curse, not to much, and it blends in, it dosen't stick out much. There are sex scenes, but for women you only see breasts and up. This is extremely violent with LOTS of blood and gore. The point of the book is "Violence comes with a consiquence." Be careful before you let your teen read this.

What would America be like if superheroes were included into the fabric of everyday society? Well, Watchmen attempts to answer this question in this dark and gritty graphic novel. Firstly, what I liked. The character development was astounding, and you could clearly feel the emotions of every character. The plot and location is perfect, and the dark view of imperfect superheroes is intriguing. Now for the bad. The story telling is sometimes heavy-handed, and you may get confused even on the lightest plot points. I think that the violence, sex, and confusing story line may overwhelm some children, and that you should only let your children read this if you feel that they are mature enough to understand the situation

Alan More can make a awesome book. Just imagine super heroes in the 1980s. I'm not gonna spoil anything but you just have to read it. But be warned, there is graphic scenes of violence and sex. NOT FOR THE YOUNG!!! Yellow for 13, green for 15+.

Alan Moore has created some genius characters here, and a plot worth dying for. It's wonderful in all respects.

first of all this is the greastest book ever written and definetly the most safisticated ever. this not for any kids due to the fact that there is some nudit and brief sex scenes and the violence bloody graphic and brutal. when they through the comedian out the window there is close up of blood splatters. there is an excepyionally brutal scene in a flash back all the violence is this way and the language is raw and constant

This has to be one of the greatest novels of all time. I won't bore you with plot details, just read the book. Every character is filled with depth and emotion and it's so amazingly detailed. Don't dismiss it, because it's a comic book. Because it's so much more. I just hope Zach Snyder can do it justice. Can't wait for the movie!!!

If you love comics, are over 13, and can handle graphic violence, I can only say three words to you: Read. Watchmen. Now. In an alternate-reality 1985, the US is close to starting a nuclear war with the Soviet Union, and the Doomsday Clock is set at five minutes to midnight. Freelance superhero vigilantes are now outlawed, and most are in retirement or in a governmental job, or work outside the law. When one of the ex-superheroes in a governmental job gets murdered (his name is Edward Blake/The Comedian), a vigilante named Rorschach figures out that the government is purposefully trying to murder superheroes, and warns four of his retired friends about the plot. The five heroes band together and become vigilantes. Of course, expect some violence. There's a plentiful amount of blood. Also, there is quite a bit of swearing (it's not excessive, though, and there are no f-bombs). One of the heroes doesn't wear any clothing, and so is nude throughout the comic (his genitalia are shown, though it looks unrealistic; think Bart Simpson in The Simpsons Movie). But the most offensive thing in Watchmen is a surprising attempted rape between The Comedian and the first Silk Spectre. It's not explicit either, but it's easy to figure out. Despite the dark atmosphere and mature themes, I cannot recommend Watchmen highly enough. Five stars - and deserving all of them.

This is a masterpiece for graphic novels and fiction in general. There are some very mature themes but I'm 14 and handled them all maturely. If you're a mature teen, read this.

After seeing an ad for the upcoming Watchmen movie before The Dark Knight, I was curious and picked up the graphic novel.... AMAZING! Every time you read it you see more layers, more coincidences, more details, more to think about. However, I think that anyone younger than 14 should not read this - there's lots of violence and some sex. And don't shy away from this because "only geeks read graphic novels" - initially I was reluctant to read this because of that, but I guarantee that you will be glad you tried it. It's a great book. One of the greatest of this century.

This is a brilliant piece of work! When I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It is beautifully drawn and the story is well executed. Although it is amazing it is not recommended for younger readers. I am 14 but my parents have taught me a lot and I can handle things that are a little stronger. I recommend this for ages 14+