WATCHMEN: Chapter 7; "Why, Mr. Dreiberg, you're dashing!"

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! Dedicated to watchdom @ LJ 

CONTENT: 

01 Introduction 

02 Visual Examination 

03 Plot and Narrative 

04 Characterization 

05 Dialogue 

06 Quote Reference 

07 Fan Reaction 

08 Closing 

SONGS USED: 

"Fukisusabu Kaze no Naka de" for Introduction 

"HT" and "Ningyo Hime" for music while reviewing 

"Rebirthing" by Skillet between breaks and for Closing

• This chapter runs 32:02 including instrumental tracks. It's hardly festive but the mood is just right. I considered this a nice break from the mindfuck and the morbidity of the previous chapters.
• The Visual Examination was an easy-breezy one. There aren't a lot of layers in this chapter and it was surprisingly humane and relatable. Gibbons maintained the nine-grid panel layout but made use of expanding ones in a few pages. I also like the change from dull to vibrant colors as the scenes escalated. The prevailing metaphor is intact.
• I combined Plot and Narrative because this chapter is sort of a personal one while still a part of the major plot. The story revolved around Dan and Laurie's flaws and magnificence as people who eventually form a deeper bond. Moore knows the right temperature for romance. Nothing cheesy about the interactions at all. The prose is humanistic and meaningful.
• Oh, I think Dan and Laurie may not be as complex but they are very much relevant. They have problems and insecurities a great majority of readers undergo in their own lives. That's why the Characterization spoke to me. It was unexpectedly sweet in all the right places.
• Dan and Laurie's conversations made up the Dialogue aspect. I enjoyed getting to know them as they get to know each other; especially their masked vigilante personas.
• Quote Reference amused me to no end.
• I shared the views fandom has for Dan and Laurie, individually and as a couple in the Fan Reaction segment, as well as my opinions for their movie counterparts.
• I chose a pretty hard rock song but the lyrics are just so them :p

This chapter is one of my favorites. It's such an amazing feat for Moore and Gibbons to include a chapter so full of hope and optimism when Watchmen is an ugly world of moral ambiguity and potential nuclear disasters. Dan and Laurie re-define themselves in this chapter and are therefore more able to embrace who they are when they wear their costumes. In a way, being behind the mask actually unveils them as human beings. It's wonderfully bittersweet and their character dynamics are a perfect fit.

WATCHMEN: Chapter 6; "A face to look at in the mirror"

Dedicated to Mei Dollesin

CONTENT: 

01 Introduction 

02 Visual Examination 

03 Characterization 

04 A Scrutiny of the Narrative 

05 Quote Reference 

06 Fan Reaction 

07 Closing 

SONGS USED: 

"Ningyo Hime" for Introduction & Fan Reaction 

"Jigoku Nagashi" and "Ake ni Somaru" for music while reviewing 

"Shackled" by Vertical Horizon between breaks & for Closing 

*audio clips courtesy of Watchmen Motion Comics 

• This chapter review runs 37:15 including instrumental tracks. Just like in the fourth chapter, this one is a personal look at the character of Rorschach. The standard format is indicated above.
• I abused the Motion Comics audio clips :p
• There was nothing special about the visual look of this chapter, except that it feels claustrophobic. There is darkness in the panels that are contrasted by brightly-lit oranges, reds and yellows. Gibbons and Higgins' choice of color palette in this chapter is certainly interesting.
• I've always had a degree of dislike for Rorschach which developed into a fondness at this point. In this segment, I discussed the difference between Walter Kovacs and Rorschach, as well as what they represented. I also deconstructed his psyche while examining the psychiatrist Malcolm Long and his role in understanding Rorschach both as a concept and as a vigilante. I also contrasted Rorschach with Dr. Manhattan. There are fascinating differences.
• The narrative has overwhelmed me with its power and strength. While Dr. Manhattan's chapter made me sad, Rorschach's stirred dormant righteous anger that I believe is in all of us. His perception of the world might be morbid but it was real and it pulls you in because we all are born in darkness and this seems to attract us to his character (and what he stands for) even more.
• Yes, everyone loves Rorschach, right, fandom?
• I chose the perfect song for Rorschach, I think.

Holy shit. This is the most depressing chapter so far. The painful thing is Rorschach's distorted perception of how the world works actually makes sense. And that's what hurts us.

WATCHMEN: Chapter 5; "Everything balances..."

CONTENT: 

01 Introduction 

02 Visual Examination 

03 Plot Pacing and Development 

04 Characterization 

05 Dialogue 

06 Quote Reference 

07 Closing 

SONGS USED: 

"Wonders of the World" for Introduction 

"Mist" for music while reviewing 

"Paradise Circus" by Massive Attack between breaks and for Closing 
*audio clip courtesy of Watchmen Motion Comics

• The chapter review runs 40:34 including instrumental tracks.
• Introduction disclosed some personal information. My updates have been quite slow lately due to RL demands. I'm struggling but I will finish Watchmen :)
• This chapter provided me with a very wide scope for Visual Examination. Everything from the previous three chapters appeared here and it's the most excruciating experience for me as I read through but it was also wonderfully masochistic. Gibbons proved his incredible grasp for this story knows no limits. Writer and artist have become one.
• And of course, I found Plot Pacing and Development to be tedious and insufferable but I maintained humor and ended up enjoying it anyway. Moore is painstakingly diverse with his storylines and the suspense he creates makes me shiver.
• With the exception of doc, everyone is here. The two contrasting POVs with the TBF narratives make this chapter officially a mindfuck. I've noticed very disturbing elements at this point. Characterization alongside their scenes and settings are almost symmetrical with it and that screws with my head so much.
• I had no idea that the language in the Dialogue aspect can consume you. Every spoken phrase has layers and they're complimented by Gibbon's visual mileage. 
• And the Quote Reference had a vice grip because William Blake's infamous poem resonates and echoes through your mind. Recite the lines yourself. 
• My personal song choice hopefully escalates the horror and beauty of this chapter.

It's simply a looking-glass chapter. There is a near-perfect symmetry in the panels. If you have a copy of the GN yourself, browse through this chapter and examine the panels. Go ahead. Some scenes are either in pairs or are parallel to each other. Everything is deliberate. Its execution is immaculate. This chapter certainly lives up to its title. Moore and Gibbons must be proud. Thanks for the mindfuck, guys.

WATCHMEN: Chapter 4; "Perhaps nothing is made."

Dedicated to Paula Montenegro 

CONTENT: 

01 Quote from Watchmen Motion Comics 

02 Introduction 

03 Visual Examination 

04 Characterization 

05 A Scrutiny of the Narrative 

06 Quote Reference 

07 Fan Reaction to Dr. Manhattan 

08 Closing 

SONGS USED: 

"Light's Theme" for Opening and while reviewing 

"Time Lapse Lifeline" by Maria Taylor between breaks and for Closing 

*audio clip courtesy of Watchmen Motion Comics

• The chapter review runs 40:42 including instrumental tracks. This one has a different standard format because it's a personal chapter focused with a single character.
• An audio clip from the Motion Comics to take listeners deeper into the review. 
• Introduction plus disclaimer. I feel very passionately about doing this review right.
• I think it's still appropriate to do a Visual Examination. I focused more on the symbols used as oppose to mere color schemes and sequencing. I took note of the timeline shown and how Dr. Manhattan experiences all points of time simultaneously.
• Jon Osterman in-focus in Characterization especially his transformation into Dr. Manhattan. I discussed his eventual detachment from his humanity. I also included Moore's notes from the Absolute Watchmen edition in regards with Dr. Manhattan's conception.
• This segment A Scrutiny of the Narrative was more about the writing itself. I described the mastery of symbolic language Moore made use of.
• Albert Einstein as a Quote Reference and my, what an insight it is!
• Brief discussion on Fan Reaction; what the fandom thinks about the Doc.
• I ended with another personal song choice.

This was a spell-binding chapter that changed the way I see and appreciate things. Dr. Manhattan's disconnection pierces through and the level of complexity was even heightened through Moore's prose and Gibbon's precise symbols about time and brevity. There are so many quotable statements in this chapter. I am impressed with the way Moore understands Jon Osterman's character and was therefore able to make readers sympathize with him while being captivated by the sheer delicacy of this chapter.

WATCHMEN: Chapter 3; "We gotta look out for each other"

CONTENT: 

01 Introduction
02 Visual Examination 

03 Plot Placing and Development 

04 Characterization 

05 Dialogue 

06 Quote Reference 

07 Closing 

SONGS USED: 

"L's Theme B" for Opening, 

Intro remarks and breaks 

"L's Theme A" while reviewing 

"Illuminated" by Hurts for Closing

• This chapter review runs 49:24 including instrumental tracks.
• Introduction is shortened which included opening remarks. I announced myself in :p
• I included a segment for feedback because of two fanmails I received (but it won't be constant, I believe). I read and answered them in this segment. Thank you for the insights and suggestions, dearest listeners. Keep those fanmail coming.
• We carry on with Visual Examination and here I discussed the "splicing" method employed by Gibbons in the panel layout and sequencing of events. This is also where Tales of the Black Freighter comes in and it added more weight to the visual impact of the story.
• Same splicing can also be seen in the way Moore wrote the prose of this chapter as noticeable in the Plot Pacing and Development portion. Lots of panels overlap, particularly ones that include the TBF narratives. The POV isn't Rorschach anymore and it's quite a refreshing take because Moore has expanded the scope of perspectives, introducing sideline characters that will compose the ensemble as the story evolves.
• There is a trinity involved (or a possible love triangle?) among Dr. Manhattan, Dan and Laurie as I've mentioned in the Characterization aspect. The chapter seemed to focus on their relationships and interactions. I appreciate the sideline characters as well. Moore did a fantastic job with them.
• Dialogue sounded very sophisticated here. Lots of jargon but it doesn't compromise the integrity of the prose itself. There's more breadth at this point.
• A Bible quote for a Quote Reference and boy did I have fun interpreting this one!
• No song lyrics this time so I selected a song that captures the mood of this chapter.

This is a vexing chapter that hurt my eyes and made me glance back a few pages to comprehend the next. I was challenged and that's a good thing because it means Moore and Gibbon have stepped up their game (and shit's about to get real). I had to commend Moore for his POV character. He was more relatable than Rorschach. But I might miss the paranoid SOB so I hope to read him again soon.

WATCHMEN: Chapter 2: "I think it's freakin' hilarious!"

 

CONTENT:
01 Introduction
02 Visual Examination/Plot Placing & Development
03 Characterization/Dialogue
04 Quote Reference
05 Closing
 SONGS USED:
"Strangers" for Opening
"Wonders of the World" for Intro remarks
"The Force of Gravity" for breaks 
"Prologue" while reviewing
"The Comedians" by Elvis Costello and Roy Orbison for Closing

*audio clips courtesy of Watchmen Motion Comics 

• This chapter review runs 57:11 including instrumental tracks. I enjoyed myself way too much with this one since I considered this chapter to be an instant favorite.
• I started to combine segments at this point because I noticed symmetrical proportions between the visual element and plot of this chapter. While I'm reviewing the visual look, I'm also jumping through the plot at the same time. I'm not sure why; but it turned out coherent, not to worry. I think this is where the podcast got extended because I discussed every scene and my interpretations in great length. Quite exhaustive and will possibly induce an earache. I apologize in advance.
• Once again, I combined two segments and it still made sense. Characters have evolved very briskly by this chapter and their dialogue exchanges are so layered. I really enjoyed the development among these so-called superheroes and how their insecurities and motivations are gradually being unveiled but they still remain concealed. It's both irritating and exhilarating to read.
• What a beautiful choice of song. The poignancy does not escape me. It wraps up the chapter perfectly. I chose two versions of the song to play.

The chapter is so impressive that it can stand alone by itself. The prose is filled with metaphors that are so aligned with each other it's almost diabolically enchanting. Every aspect--from the visuals and narratives to the dialogue and characters--are executed with such precise ingenuity that any reader who isn't intrigued by or in love with the graphic novel itself at this point must be dead inside. Moore knows how to balance intellectual stimulation and emotional responses. Gibbons and Higgins bring these qualities out through an artwork so brutally enlightening in the canvas. I love everything about this chapter indeed.

WATCHMEN: Chapter 1; "No more laughs around these days"

CONTENT:
01 Introduction
02 Visual Examination
03 Plot Placing and Development
04 Characterization
05 Dialogue
06 Quote Reference
07 Closing 
SONGS USED:
"Strangers" for Opening
"Wonders of the World" for Intro remarks
"The Force of Gravity" for breaks 
"Prologue" while reviewing
"Desolation Row" by Bob Dylan for Closing
*audio clips courtesy of Watchmen Motion Comics

• This chapter review runs 30:37 including instrumental tracks.
• In the Introduction segment, I discussed how I divided the review into five categories as named above, as well as my general first impressions in browsing through the graphic novel.
• I talked needlessly about the color schemes, panel layout and symbols by Visual Examination. This is actually a discussion on the technical aspects of the GN as employed by Dave Gibbons and his colorist Mike Higgins. There will be more of this in the next chapters because Watchmen has a very peculiar art style and I enjoy exploring that.
• Plot cannot be taken for granted, obviously, and pacing and development are a critical stage in the first chapter. It determines how it will hook the reader and sustain that interest.
• My favorite category, of course, is the Characterization. Moore knows how to write his characters well and Watchmen is composed of archetypes that represent moral philosophies, from what I understand since this is a deconstruction story.
• Ah, what I love about Moore prose is the layered Dialogue he employs. So I consider this a noteworthy feature as well.
• I personally like it when series apply song lyrics to deliver a meaningful message and Moore definitely makes most of that in his ending phrases for the Quote Reference.
• I would include audio clips from the Motion Comics especially on important dialogue.

I'm still testing the ropes for this podcast. I make sure that while doing a recording, I have a draft script ready for each category so the podcast will be both rehearsed and spontaneous. I credit music appropriately, and most of the instrumental tracks are anime-sponsored :p I don't have an RSS for podcast yet because I haven't downloaded I-Tunes (and not really sure how to use it for now). Also, most free hosting sites are limited in MB downloads so for now, the mp3 files are linked to the podomatic site where I primarily uploaded the podcast reviews. It has a limit of 500 MB, however, so I may have to find a new way to utilize more space.