Parents' Guide to

Watchmen

By Grace Le, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Retired heroes fight to save themselves in gritty classic.

Book Alan Moore Science Fiction 1995
Watchmen Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all
age 15+

Based on 17 parent reviews

Geekman468
Geekman468 Adult
September 27, 2020
age 17+

Amazing book but filled with dark content kids wouldn’t understand.

So recently from my childhood (aka 15/16) I read the watchmen graphic novel with the different cover or the one with the smashed window and I remembered how amazing this book was! I was thinking about letting my nine year old son read but i didn’t after I read it again. There is tons of violence, a near rape scene, the comedian shot a pregnant woman he had sex with in the head, it talks about sexual predators and children, a street that had boobs littering the street and a strip club. Swearing wise not too bad heard b*tch, sh*t and crap alot. Drugs barely any other than in Molochs appartment he has a bag of crack. The things that parents need to look out for are Violence and sex plus nudity. CMSM has for once actually underrated the sexual content. Overall, great book for older teens!

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Tv daddy
Tv daddy Adult
April 6, 2019
age 15+

Amazing masterpiece! But not really for kids

Watchmen is a amazing comic! It has pretty intense violence. You see people getting shot, getting stabbed, somebody’s head gets cutt off and a dog his head is split in two. It also has some sex scenes. A man and a woman take eachothers clothes off and then they have sex. You see bare butts, breasts and the character dr. Manhattan always walks around naked (you can see his penis). A man tries to rape a woman. The woman is dressing (she is in her bra) and then the man comes and punches the woman in her face. He is about to rape her but then somebody comes and punches the man. Watchmen also has cursing: bitch, whore, asshole, dick, damnit, goddamnit. I find that the comic is fine for kids 15+

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 17 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When even superheroes need saving, you know you've got a major problem. In WATCHMEN's alternate history, America is on the brink of social combustion. By passing the Keene Act, the government banned vigilante justice, forcing America's greatest superheroes into retirement. Years later, the murder of The Comedian draws old colleagues back into action, but the circumstances behind his death may run far deeper than mere personal vendetta.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (17):
Kids say (45):

With its sophisticated plot, complex characterizations, and spot-on rendering of the human condition, Watchmen is the quintessential graphic novel. Dave Gibbons' expressive, brooding illustrations complement, not carry, the literary merit of its writing. Poetic in verse and saturated with psychological realism, Watchmen is the only graphic novel thus far to make Time's "100 Best Novels" list, an accomplishment that's well earned.

On the flip side, parents may have a hard time stomaching the story's graphic violence and crass dialogue. Watchmen has come a long way from the cartoonish "POW" and "KABLAMO" of its comic book predecessors. Keep in mind that this graphic novel is meant for mature audiences and is chock full of adult themes and complex issues. That said, Watchmen is a gripping read for any fan of the science fiction or mystery genre.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the many ethical issues raised by the actions and circumstances of the characters in Watchmen. 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?

Book Details

  • Author: Alan Moore
  • Illustrator: Dave Gibbons
  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: DC Comics
  • Publication date: April 1, 1995
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 15 - 17
  • Number of pages: 416
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate