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.