This review explores how ‘Watchmen’ by Alan Moore & illustrated by Dave Gibbons is considered a classic of the graphic novel. The drawings are not only beautiful, but they are also highly conceptual and inform the story in a manner that is engaging for children whilst at the same time almost poetic.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of the novel is that, in exploring both deep themes, the work is incredibly accessible in general. A bit predictable for graphic novel nubies but subtle and complex enough to be enjoyed by the more experienced Graphic novel enthusiast. It is a balanced work because it serves the needs of a large number of people making it, therefore, a unique work.

It is astonishing, to say the least that the depiction and the evolution of the characters in Watchmen are superb. Every developed character is created with care and each one feels tangible and real to the reader, by the end of the story.

About the most outstanding characters in my opinion:

- Rorschach is the most charming character, in my opinion. His lamented childhood is worked through in excruciating detail to give concrete reasons why he never showers and why he believes what he is doing is right. His passion for justice coupled with his willingness to do it even though he endangers his life makes him unique and entertaining.

- The Comedian can be viewed as a multi-fold reflection of society. That is why despite the major character’s cheating and other suspicious actions readers may sometimes tend to fully comprehend him. The principal character breaks the stereotype of the hero and the villain which makes me appreciate the writing style of Alan Moore even more.

- Superman is far from the only character type that Dr. Manhattan represents. He is not evil but rather a creature who views mankind from an almost divine angle of vision therefore he deserves to be pitied. His views about human beings, about the things that we, as a species, are capable of – our intelligence, our foolishness – give us a solid philosophical base to build upon.

- One of the most intelligent characters in the novel, known as Ozymandias, is a man of great timing and planning. His grand plans and the ethics embedded in his plans spark an intellectual consideration about one’s ability to go to an extent to benefit the larger community or humanity.

The essence of the Watchmen can be described as a philosophy in general and the practical problems of the models of sacrifice in particular. It raises burning ethical, and legal queries and probes at the concepts of heroism in a tainted world.

Thus, I can conclude that Watchmen is not only an incredible piece of a graphic novel but also a valuable work that should be considered a literary piece as it provides a profound analysis of characters and their experiences. Hundreds of tight connections between illustrations and the text, combined with its thought-provoking, powerful story, make it a valuable read to anyone interested in the genre, philosophy, or a well-told story.