WATCHMEN: Chapter 10; "Live on the edge by the fingernails"

Deepest of apologies for the very long absence again after my hiatus. I cannot update that much on a bi-weekly basis but please enjoy this latest episode!

CONTENT:
01 Introduction 
02 Visual Examination 
03 Plot Pacing and Development
04 Characterization 
05 Dialogue 
06 Quote Reference 
07 Closing 
SONGS USED: 
"Black of Hair" for intro
"You Win or You Die" for music while reviewing 
"All Along the Watchtower" by Bob Dylan for breaks 
*audio clip courtesy of Watchmen Motion Comics

• The chapter runs 33:57 including instrumental tracks. Introduction is another pep talk. I announce updates about my college life. I will no longer make promises on when my next episode will be posted because my schedule is an asshole and sometimes free time is just not my best friend.
• A special treat for the Visual Examination. Gibbons is masterful again with his exceptional art metaphors which I discussed in length. The imagery for this chapter is fascinating. I don't understand how Moore and Gibbons see the world in this way and I am envious that they do--yet honored that they share this gift with the rest of us mere readers.
• Plot Pacing and Development is brief because I usually give myself and the listeners earaches by this segment. I don't want this to be another mouthful so I am abstaining from making this segment long. But with Watchmen, it's a real challenge.
• Some delicious amount of bromance in Characterization. Rorschach and Nite Owl are adorable! ♥ I am so interested in their partnership and history. I also appreciate more Veidt face-time. The dude is crazy handsome in purple and gold. And a cat lover at that.
• The Dialogue aspect is strangely beguiling. A lot of deduction exchanges between Nite Owl and Rorschach. Also, the memorable line "Egyptian decor is coloring logic" appears in this chapter :p
• Quote Reference is finally another song lyric. An excellent way to tie-up everything.
• Bob Dylan serenading my ears. The song is just as layered as his other songs.

The chapter feels like an opening to a can of worms. The climactic angle is exciting and the stories are neatly bundled together as Gibbons and Moore continue to reinforce their signature multi-layered art and prose on them. This was a wickedly enjoyable chapter.

WATCHMEN: Chapter 9; "We can see the strings"

Finally! I'm back. I apologize for the very long delay. Enjoy this episode. Only 3 more chapters to go!~

CONTENT: 
01 Introduction
02 Visual Examination
03 Plot/Scrutiny of the Narrative
04 Characterization
05 Dialogue
06 Quote Reference
07 Closing

SONGS USED: 

"Alone" and "For Real" for music while reviewing

"Everybody's changing" by Keane between breaks and for Intro/Closing

*audio clip from Watchmen Motion Comics

• The chapter runs 35:45 including instrumental tracks. Introduction starts with me expressing my gratitude that I was still able to review the graphic novel even with a hell schedule. I also explained that I plan to continue reviewing other comic books and perhaps branch-out to novels as well, perhaps A Song of Ice and Fire. I also shared my views on the upcoming Before Watchmen comics and that I will be reviewing them as well (yay!)
• Panel sequences in this chapter have the same technique used by the fourth and sixth chapters as discussed in the Visual Examination. Gibbons also uses a central metaphor to complement its thematic storyline. Scenes are spliced in order to narrate past and present events cohesively. It works quite fantastically.
• Plot / A Scrutiny of the Narrative is Laurie-centered. It focuses strongly on her memories with a few revelations about other characters here and there. While the reminiscing is going on, the present focus on Dr. Manhattan's scientific philosophizing provides a great contrast to Laurie's sentimentality.  
• Incredible dynamics between Laurie and Dr. Manhattan in Characterization. There is so much tension between them and yet despite their age gap and intellectual differences, it actually makes sense to me as a reader that they were once romantically entangled. 
• The Dialogue aspect makes me laugh. It reads a little preachy and yet it does stimulate readers' logic and comprehension.
• Quote Reference is intensely humane. This is a very uplifting chapter that is as touching as the seventh chapter. Alan Moore's literary grasp keeps evolving before the readers' eyes. He just knows how to balance the light and dark sides of Watchmen. He defintely knows how to keep pulling in the readers further into the stories of these characters they are already emotionally invested in.
• Personal song choice once more. Keane's song about growth, change, letting go and personal redemption just fits Laurie's discovery about her paternity and Dr. Manhattan's grand epiphany about the miracles in humanity.

I cannot stress how much the ending prose made me teary-eyed. What makes Watchmen truly one of the greatest literature ever written is in the strength of Moore's creative understanding about human nature. This chapter gives readers hope and it's a hope that dangles on a string.

WATCHMEN: Chapter 8; "Your past has a long reach"

Happy New Year!~ I will be taking a hiatus. My next chapter review will be on March. 

CONTENT:
01 Introduction
02 Visual Examination
03 Plot Pacing and Development
04 Characterization
05 Dialogue
06 Quote Reference
07 Closing
SONGS USED:
"L's Theme A" for Introduction
"L Theme's B" for music while reviewing
"Let it Die" by Foo Fighters between breaks and for Closing 
*audio clip from Watchmen Motion Comics

• The chapter runs 36:16 including instrumental tracks. I'm all sneezy and shit while recording this. My Introduction pretty much says that. I also announced my hiatus. Hard to breathe and talk but I managed to pull through anyway :p I'm awesome that way.
• Long-angled shots for the panel sequences in this chapter as discussed in Visual Examination. Gibbons is doing a variation with his grid layout. Some splicing is also ever-present, combining scenes happening simultaneously. It has a movie-feel to them. Everything has a dynamic vibe.
• Plot pacing and development is more brisk with the action and suspense. Like in film, it's cut-to-cut scenes in every page. The effect is something to be desired. Readers pick up the pacing easily but are still able to enjoy the twists and turns as well.
• Nothing new in regards to Characterization, except for the appearance of retired heroes Hollis and Sally reminiscing; as well as that tiny insight on Nite Owl's partnership with Rorschach in the old days. Everything is a nostalgic visit in this chapter. And the fact that Walter Kovacs is a badass. 
• Nothing so memorable about the Dialogue aspect, except the tragic prose Tales of the Black Freighter always convey. They're particularly jarring in this chapter.
• Quote Reference on Halloween, thematic and it bleeds in the final pages so heartbreakingly. I'm sneezy and a little teary-eyed at the same time.
• Personal song choice once more. Foo says it all.

The imagery for this chapter overall is chilling. The action has escalated and the plot has evolved into something more sinister than I originally anticipated. You have learned to care so much about these characters, even the sideline ones. Everyone is caught up with things they're running away from and things they are forced to face. Moore's storytelling here has a gripping quality that made me want to read the next chapter immediately. Too bad for hiatus. Need to take care of my health now. Laters.