People overuse the word masterpiece. However, in the world of graphic novels, Watchmen deserves that description. The story and art create an unforgettable reading experience and have permeated popular culture in the decades since its publication. It is a landmark of its genre. The proof of that is how Watchmen successfully translates to other mediums. For example, Watchmen: Chapter 2 compellingly adapts the second half of the graphic novel in a striking animation style.
Chapter 1 ended with the former superhero characters in precarious situations. Rorschach, voiced by Titus Welliver, has been framed for a murder so his investigation into the deaths of masked vigilantes is stalled. Adrian Veidt (Troy Baker), also known as Ozymandias, has been attacked. Dr. Manhattan (Michael Serveris) has exiled himself from the planet. Dan Dreiberg (Matthew Rhys), who used to be Nite Owl, wants to uncover the truth but he also has to deal with his feelings for another former costumed crimefighter, Laurie Juspeczyk (Katee Sackhoff). The alternate-1985 these characters inhabit is certainly not boring.
Besides an obvious respect for the source material, Watchmen: Chapter 2 makes the graphic novel come alive through excellent voice performances and aesthetic animation. It’s a worthwhile resolution to this 2-part adaptation.
“I’m not locked up in here with you, you’re locked up in here with me.”
The interaction between Dan and Laurie provides the heart of Watchmen, and this half of the story pays it off nicely. I thought the graphic novel spent a bit too much time focusing on Laurie and Dr. Manhattan’s relationship after they broke up. Dan and Laurie’s budding romance was much more appealing to me. Chapter 1 focused on the right thing and Chapter 2 continues that. Dan kept his interest in Laurie on the back burner in order to be there for her as a friend, but now she returns his attraction. The scenes between them, where they act on their feelings and when they decide to do hero work even though it’s been outlawed, show they are a great team.
At the same time, Rorschach is in prison. His sessions with a psychologist dramatize what his childhood was like and how he became Rorschach. It is dark stuff. His uncompromising and strict worldview makes sense after seeing his past but it is disturbing. Thankfully, a few scenes with Rorschach in prison, especially when Dan and Laurie come to bust him out, balance that out with a bit of humor. It is a welcome touch.
Another positive thing about this half of the adaptation is how fast-paced it is. A lot of things have to happen in Chapter 2 to develop the characters and set up the revelation of who the villain is and their plot. The writing does this at an exciting pace. This part is less faithful to the graphic novel than Chapter 1 but that turns out not to be a bad thing.
“The world is so crowded with these miracles that they become commonplace.”
I want to single out the visuals of this adaptation. The style of animation here really works for me. The strong outlines and color grading feel reminiscent of the comic but also like its own distinctive thing. I absolutely love seeing some of the memorable imagery from the graphic novel in motion, like Dr. Manhattan’s fortress on Mars. I’m still not completely sold on including the comic-within-the-comic. I wonder if it is too much like the source material to justify its inclusion. However, the editing connects it very well to the plot and character developments in this half of the story.
Besides all of this, the resolution is probably the most important part of the storytelling. The ending of Watchmen is so effective and influential that later works in this genre owe a lot to it. Is the villain here the first one to do bad things in the name of saving humanity from itself? Is this the first time the good guys had to compromise in order to stop things from getting worse? I feel like the answer to those questions is yes. These themes are one of the many things that make this story so adult. The superb source material lends Watchmen: Chapter 2 much of its heft, but the voice performances and animation add their strength as well.
4 stars out of 5
Watchmen: Chapter 2 is available on demand and on BluRay now.
