The document provides an analysis of the first chapter of the graphic novel "Watchmen". It examines the positioning and use of color in images of the character Dr. Manhattan. It also analyzes the symbolism of the blood-soaked badge of The Comedian character. The document then discusses themes of disguises and provides character analyses of The Comedian, Rorschach, and Edward Blake. Finally, it compares and contrasts the world of Watchmen with real American society.

1. Watchmen the Novel
Objective: In close examination of an opening chapter, identify themes and characters, as this is
where the main ones are often introduced. Make some predictions on the basis of what has appeared
in this chapter.
1. Examine the positioning of figures and objects in the frames
These three images are part of a strip in the first chapter of the watchmen; these images are of one of
the main characters in the novel, “Doctor Manhattan”. The term “marginalised” means that something
is more insignificant than the other objects in the frame, in this strip of images the items that are more
marginalised than others are the items in the background in the first image such as kitchen
appliances. The items within the design in this strip are the main specifics in each image which is
“Doctor Manhattan” and his superhero uniform which is shaded in purple. These two features (Doctor
Manhattan and his uniform) relate to the overall meaning of confusion of characters and judgement of
characters. The blue shading of Doctor Manhattan represents inspiration, calming, truth and
moderation whereas the colour purple can represent magic, mystery and good judgement. All these
factors together have a form of relation to the novel such as the calming blue and the blue truth
represents more of Doctor Manhattans role in the novel and the purple uniform more signifies the
novel with its element of magic, mystery and judgment. There is one obvious symbol in the frame and
that is of Doctor Manhattan and his appearance which is symbolic in the up most of the novel and he
is featured in all three of these images on this strip. The symbolic Doctor Manhattan is positioned in
the middle of each frame to show the importance of this character, this positioning is common
throughout the entire novel. These images are designed where the main symbolic character is
focused in the centre of the images and also the character is wearing the iconic uniform and
positioning.
2. Examine the use of colour in this chapter
The use of colour in an item can establish a lot about that particular product, such as the first chapter
in the Watchmen Novel, “At Midnight, and All the Agents”. The most notable of the earliest symbolism
in this chapter is the “Comedian’s” badge which can be seen soaked in blood on the front of the first
issue. The motif can be seen on the first page of this first issue, just the same as the last page of the
last issue. This badge was worn by the “Comedian” who “Rorschach” claimed “understood. Treated it
like a joke, but he understood”, when referring to society and the way in which people were. The
motif, with its smiling face soaked in blood, has always served as the joke not able to be seen. The
colours that are featured in this particular image are red, purple and yellow. Each of those colours has
meanings to them which could be the meaning of their use in this image. The colour red can

2. represent multiple meanings such as action, courage and confidence which is what I believe
summarised the “Comedian” and therefore his blood being shed over the image means that his blood
is what is being represented. The colour purple can represent magic, mystery and good judgement,
this could mean that the entire novel represents some sort of magic and there is a strong element of
mystery solving throughout the novel and towards the end the audience see who out of the characters
had the best judgement and it also tests the audience of their good judgement. The colour yellow is
represented with clarity, wisdom and happiness, this could mean that during the novel the characters
and audience discover clarity in the duration and wisdom and understanding of the knowledge. The
happiness that yellow can represent can be misguided so it leaves the audience confused and
mislead so that there is more interest into the novel. All the colours together represent all these
meaning and emotions that are to come during the Watchmen Novel.
This is the front image to the first chapter in the
Watchmen series and is the image to be
assessed in this particular question.
3. Brainstorm ideas concerning the use of colour in the first chapter
- Mysterious
- Magic
- Blood
- Drama
- Loss
- Anger
- Punishment
- Misguided
- Distrusting
4. Theme of “Disguises”
- To protect themselves from danger
- To protect others from danger
- To be a secret
- To create confusion
A disguise is a choice when the item has decided to disguise itself for means of creating a mystery
and confusion for someone; this is where it is more of a game than a serious case. A disguise is
imperative when the person is forced or commanded so this could be for self protection or for the
protection of someone else.
Examples of Disguises:
- Face masks
- Fancy dress outfits
- Mascaraed masks
- Hats
- Large clothing

3. In real life people use disguises just as fictional characters do. Some fictional scenarios are not too
dissimilar from situations that occur in real life and therefore being realistic people will need or want to
disguise them from a situation. People can disguise themselves in forms such as clothing and masks
but a person could also disguise themselves with their personality such as changing a smile so that
the person can disguise hidden emotions such as sadness and perhaps anger.
5. Characterisation in Literature
The Comedian:
- Light hearted
- Relaxed
- Stubborn
- Rude
Rorschach:
- Mysterious
- Raging
- Furious
- Unforgiving
Edward Blake:
- Calm
- Majestic
- Collected
- Reasonable
The Comedian
The character of the comedian represents multiple characteristic emotions such as rudeness; this is
shown at the opening scenes of this novel where he appears to be stubborn about a particular
comment or accusation made on the television in front of him. The comedian also appears to be
relaxed when it comes to his appearance as his clothes are dirty and his face unshaven which gives
off a relaxed vibe from the character. The character also appears to be somewhat light hearted in
some situations which clarify to the audience that this character is the comedian. This character is
somewhat rounded from past experiences in life and this character has learnt from himself during the
novel.
Rorschach
The character “Rorschach” represents some characteristic emotions such as mystery; the element of
mystery comes from the mask that covers this characters face which is never removed throughout the
first chapter of this series. This character also presents a lot of rage and fury towards other characters
and towards the existence of society, this is shown through his constant language of profanities and
his general tone and body language towards other characters where this character is generally tense
and short tempered. This character is also rounded where he learns from himself and achieves goals
and understanding throughout the novel.
Edward Blake
The character “Edward Blake” represents a sense of calmness, collectiveness and reasonable traits.
These elements are all of what can be called a plain character amongst the other major characters in
this novel. These qualities are bland and unattractive as far as shown in the first chapter but there
could be more characteristics that are hidden and disguised for this opening. This character is more
flat than rounded although throughout the novel as there is no major change to this character as far
as the first chapter is concerned.

4. 6. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between “the world of watchmen”
and “the real American society”
Features The world of Watchmen The real American Society
Events - Jail breaking - Jail breaking
- Protesting - Protesting
- Rioting - Rioting
- Life rescuing
Moral Values - To rescue a life no matter who or - To respect one another.
what life it is.
- To respect one another.
- To listen and consider other
people’s opinions.
Ethical Values - Respect each ethical member of - Respect members of an
the society. ethical background.
Gender Stereotyping - Respect each other even as - Respect each other as
different genders. different genders.
Western Values - Individualism - Happiness
- Rights - Capitalism
- Happiness
- Capitalism