Watchmen

:For the Canadian band, see The Watchmen.

Background

In the alternative mid-1980s reality of Watchmen, Richard Nixon enjoys unprecedented popularity (Watergate never occurred) serving a third and fourth term as President after leading the United States of America to victory in the Vietnam War. This victory, and many other differences between this world and the actual one, stem from the existence of Doctor Manhattan, an American superhero with vast powers over matter and energy.

Related Topics:
1980s - Richard Nixon - Watergate - Third and fourth term - United States of America - Vietnam War - Doctor Manhattan

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In this world, there were superhero comics in the late 1930s, including Superman. These actually inspired one of the main characters to become a costumed crimefighter (Nite Owl I), but have since disappeared, replaced by pirate-themed comics, perhaps occurring because the existence of real costumed crimefighters made the notion of fictionalised ones seem needless. Doctor Manhattan, alone in possessing paranormal powers, was the first of a "new era" of more sophisticated superheroes who lasted from the 1960s until their outlawing by the 1977 "Keene Act", introduced in response to police strikes and civilian unrest over the superheroes' unaccountability in acting above the law.

Related Topics:
1930s - Nite Owl I - Doctor Manhattan - 1960s - 1977

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The Keene Act requires all "costumed adventurers" to register with the government. Most of the Watchmen characters retired, some revealing their superhero identities to cash in on the media attention. Others, such as The Comedian and Doctor Manhattan, continued to work under government supervision and control. Rorschach, however, operated outside of the law as a vigilante.

Related Topics:
The Comedian - Doctor Manhattan - Rorschach - Vigilante

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The story opens with the investigation of the murder of businessman Edward Blake, soon revealed to be the civilian identity of The Comedian.

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