Simple statement with a whole lot of truth to it.

Some simply think that Watchmen is a simple superhero story when it's so much more. There's Alan Moore's continuous argument against the ideal of utopia. You have a world more than happy to leave the fate of the world to a few and yet turn on those when things become inconvenient. You have people accepting finality. There's themes of constant change. The list goes on.

And all that without touching on the deep interpersonal relationships of the characters and how their fates are revealed in many instances outside of the narrative itself. And who doesn't love the Black Freighter?

I didn't

Too bad, fumanstan. I thought that was one of the best parts of the book.

I think, for many, the purpose of the Black Freighter interludes are not immediately apparent. They're extremely thematically important, and tangentially important to the plot as well. I'm very glad Snyder will be releasing those segments on DVD.

You know what? My fears aside, I'm just gonna buck up and go see this film when it's released. It may just surprise me.

Ya know, I kind of feel like purchasing the graphic novel. I've actually never read a graphic novel before!

Intellectuals don't read comic books. Don't bother!

Someone's been over at the Dark Knight thread.

Me, I happily admit that I love all forms of comicbooks (wether they feature long underwear or more "traditional" clothing).

As a kid, I always though graphic novel just meant "big damn comicbook". It wasn't 'til years later that I realized it was a term for people trying to make it seem more important than it is. Kinda like how kids refuse to admit that anime is just a bunch of cartoons that just happen to be made in Japan.

I bet you'll be glad that you did.

Actually, it depends on the comic book you read, right?

In "Watchmen" related discussion, this, "Dark Knight Returns" and "Maus" continue to be the standard-bearer for great graphic novels. I'm half-tempted to give it a miss in the theaters and catch the 4 or 5 hour long Ultimate DVD they've basically already announced. I say half-tempted because every time I see a preview I think to myself "I may take off work to see this opening day."

Well guys I just got the graphic novel should I read before or after the film?

During.

Ok that would mean breakin-down the film and trying to watch it at same time ((my head would pop like in scanners!)).

Read it first.

Fox, Warners 'close' to 'Watchmen' settlement
Companies met Monday to discuss possible deal
By Borys Kit
Jan 12, 2009, 10:03 PM ET

Warner Bros. and Fox are "close" to reaching a settlement regarding the "Watchmen" lawsuit, according to those familiar with the dealmaking.

A federal judge has ruled that Fox has distribution rights to the film, which is scheduled to be released by Warners on March 6. Talks between the two sides got serious during the weekend, and the parties met behind closed doors Monday in Los Angeles federal court to discuss details.

Neither Fox nor Warners would comment on the discussions, which continued for about 30 minutes in the chambers of Judge Gary Feess. Warners has not pressed its earlier request to move up the Jan. 20 injunction hearing, suggesting a settlement is near.

Also, the weekend saw a small but meaningful rollout of a "Watchmen" TV campaign, with spots airing on multiple networks, including on Fox's season premiere of "24."

Sounds like there about to wrap this up soon!

I've seen the increased ads for the movie, and thought that it might signal a pending settlement agreement.

I'm going to have to go with "both".

I read it only once, just a few weeks ago. I'll read it again prior to the movie, and most likely again afterward.

Bandoman, who is that in your avatar? It's so hypnotic...I can't stop watching it.

I have no idea, but I love the look on her face.

I've read the first 3 volumes of the graphic novel. Hopefully I can make time to read the rest before the movie comes out.

I think you are probably right about Fox waiting, but Warner still retains the movie they made, right? They just can't release it. Fox would need to make their own film if they chose to. If those werent the benefits you referred to, then what benefits do they get other than some publicity?

I just started rereading the graphic novel. I haven't read it since the original floppies came out. I was going to wait until after seeing the movie, but I couldn't recognize any of the scenes in the trailer and got nervious.

Fox probably knew that they could either block the movie, or force Warner to settle and give them a chunk of the profits, and that the later was the most predictable outcome.