An Inch thick, this book is a long but good read from 1987. It has a great story with lots of twists and mysteries. It puts a series of super heroes in their own world in a very realistic setting that is very politically driven taking place during the Cold War in the 1980's referencing actual current events like the Vietnam war.

I recommend this read to anyone who likes a good mystery story. If you only like X-men with big super powers this is not your comic, though there is good action often.

Art 10/10
Story 10/10
Action 8/10
Cool Factor 9.5/10

Stark Raving Sane's Journal. January, 2011:

"Finished reading graphic novel today. Heard good things about it, thought to try reading it. Movie made too, a few years ago, but never watched it. Not much for graphic novels.

"Surprised me, though. Not typical comic book, or even typical novel, filled with loosely-connected and meaningless blood and thunder. No, this more psychological, more emotional than most novels I've read.

"Much more.

"Novel about forcibly retired vigilante superheroes in dystopian 1985 New York, and world is on verge of nuclear World War III. Was full of deeply intricate symbolic meaning, literary and historical allusions, and intelligent visual metaphors and references. Plot incredibly complex, contrasted by numerous parallel story-lines, but all made sense at end. Upon looking over pages again briefly, I notice small visual hints alongside relevant ironic dialogue, revelations in plain sight, but so discreet they avoid notice.

"Must remember to be more observant in future. Pay special attention to news-vendors especially.

"Characters fully developed, well-rounded and believable. Most drowning in inner turmoil. Primary protagonist especially was psychologically fascinating, more so than the others. Led to complex questions about nature of sanity versus insanity and preconceived societal/cultural expectations of heroes, among others, and shattered them. Won't go into detail here. But he is possibly greatest graphic novel hero ever created. Certainly the most interesting.

"Believe entry paints appealing picture. Recommend novel to others who are intrigued by concepts of psychoanalysis or literary symbolism. Is well worth the time, and thoroughly enjoyable.

"And try to remember: nothing is ever hopeless as long as there is life. SRS"

This was chosen as a book club selection and I was excited to try reading a graphic novel. What I have discovered, is that graphic novels are not for me. I kept forgetting to look at the pictures and only read the words and subsequently got lost many times. The plot itself is actually interesting but I had to watch the movie to get back on track and figure out what the heck was happening.

I can definitely respect that this is a great book...just not the type of book that I enjoy.

Better then the movie by far, amazing read and look into our culture. Each character is a comment on what society is. Every single detail provides something more to the ploy. The split screen stories and subplot all weave together PERFECTLY.