Comic Analysis: Watchmen

Doctor Manhattan is one of the many characters in the comic universe of Watchmen. Watchmen, written by Alan Moore & Illustrated by Dave Gibbons is one of the quintessential graphic novels that helped develop the format. In this three panel strip, Doctor Manhattan is introspectively musing to himself about the life he leads.

Doctor Manhattan who is often debated between whether he is a superhero (man) or a God, often challenges specific moral questions on what is right for humanity. Watchmen focuses on the post WW2/Vietnam War world and war is one of the most contentious topics discussed within the graphic novel.

In the first panel, Manhattan is recollecting the bombings of Hiroshima in Japan and thinking whether or not his powers helped lead to such a thing happening. In the second panel, he begins blaming himself- as if he had some sort of impact on what happened to people in WW2. In the third panel, he asks the question "who makes the world?" which is not only questioning a larger (almost religious question) but also questions himself.

Throughout the graphic novel, Doctor Manhattan confronts moral dilemmas and often struggles to come to a definitive answer on many of the topics. These musings serve as a commentary on our current society. Different political factions and religious ideologies are seen throughout Watchmen making it an intricate read. These three panels highlight some of the contentious ideals held by author Alan Moore and are reflected by a character who truly cannot be defined-- much like society.