What to Read After Watchmen > Genres > Non Fiction
Non Fiction Works
Alan Moore: Comics as Performance, Fiction as Scalpel by Annalisa Di Liddo
Di Liddo examines a broad sample of Moore's works from a critical perspective, including all of his major graphic novels as well as lesser-read series. She treats his works within the formal literary tradition, describing significant genres and allusions made, Moore's ideological and political leanings, particularly in relation to England under Margaret Thatcher, and themes of sex and gender in Lost Girls. Sure to be of interest to readers familiar with the Moore canon.
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Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
From renown comics artist and theorist Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics illuminates the history of comics and means of interpretation by visually demonstrating each point. Drawn as a comic itself, McCloud inserts himself into the panels to lead readers though this fun and informative lesson on the sequential art medium.
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Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test edited by Mark D. White
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series, this collection of short essays examines Watchmen in relation to various philosophical theories. Nietzsche's Superman, metaphysics and Dr. Manhattan, vigilantism and Kant's retributivism, and gender all receive treatment. Stylistically light, Watchmen and Philosophy poses challenging questions and prompts the reader to think critically about the source text.
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Watchmen as Literature: A Critical Study of the Graphic Novel by Sara J. Van Ness
A fascinating analysis of Watchmen not only through traditional literary lenses such as structuralism and deconstructionism, but also with consideration of technique specific to graphic novels such as the effect page layout and composition. Van Ness additionally addresses the critical and fan support of Watchmen as a graphic novel and of the reception of Zack Snyder's film adaptation. This work will be greatly appreciated by Watchmen fans and literature students new to, or learning to appreciate the graphic storytelling medium.
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