One of the most widely respected graphic novels in the world is coming to a theatre near you this spring. But, before you see the film, I suggest you read the book (the only graphic novel to make Time Magazine's "All Time 100 Novels" list of the greatest novels since 1923).
The Watchmen is the story of an alternative 1985 where the U.S. in on the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union and superheros have been banned from fighting crime. Former masked avengers are being murdered one by one forcing The Watchmen---a former superhero team---back into action.
The Watchmen is a story unlike any you've read before and it changed the face of graphic novels and superheroes forever. This is a dark novel filled with social commentary and political satire. The characters are gritty and realistic.
If you enjoyed V for Vendetta, the film or the superior graphic novel (also written by Alan Moore), then you will appreciate The Watchmen as well. Even if you never got into comic books as a kid, you should consider looking into graphic novels as a legitimate art form, and The Watchmen is a fantastic place to start.
You can find out more about the upcoming film here, at the official website:
http://watchmenmovie.warnerbros.com/
If you want some annotations on the books while you're reading to enhance the experience look here: http://www.capnwacky.com/rj/watchmen/chapter1.html
For more information about the graphic novel the wikipedia page is very extensive:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen
Last but not least, Alan Moore's fan page:
http://www.alanmoorefansite.com/
