Watchmen #5: Fearful Symmetry

Watchmen #5

by Alan Moore (Writer), Dave Gibbons (Artist), John Higgins (Colorist)

Book 5 of 12.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book

35 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Alan Moore is an English writer most famous for his influential work in comics, including the acclaimed graphic novels Watchmen, V for Vendetta and From Hell. He has also written a novel, Voice of the Fire, and performs "workings" (one-off performance art/spoken word pieces) with The Moon and Serpent Grand Egyptian Theatre of Marvels, some of which have been released on CD.

As a comics writer, Moore is notable for being one of the first writers to apply literary and formalist sensibilities to the mainstream of the medium. As well as including challenging subject matter and adult themes, he brings a wide range of influences to his work, from the literary–authors such as William S. Burroughs, Thomas Pynchon, Robert Anton Wilson and Iain Sinclair; New Wave science fiction writers such as Michael Moorcock; horror writers such as Clive Barker; to the cinematic–filmmakers such as Nicolas Roeg. Influences within comics include Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kirby and Bryan Talbot.

Reviews

[Rodrigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sigue la investigación de Rorschach del asesino de héroes retirados, pero él también sufre las consecuencias...

[Sandee is Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been loving this series so far, but this specific issue has done nothing for me. I'm not sure if it was just me or there really was not sustance with the events that happened here, save that last part where we finally see what Rorschach looks like.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh I love Rorschach.

[Alex Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw beans, raw eggs, raw shark.

[A. Raca · Rating 3 out of 5]

☀️

[Gabriela · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 5th volume is very dragged out and insipient. Not very much happens and what does happen is done in a rushed way that doesn't engage.

[Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow 👏

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watchmen #5 definitely has a slower pace to it.
I am not complaining, I was just startled after the tension-packed issues I had gotten used to.
The focus moves over to Rorschach, whose inner monologues are conducted with a peculiar syntax and sharp vocabulary, a clear reflection of the character's intellect and twisted mind. He is complex and unpredictable, it's so interesting to learn more about him.
So although this issue is more of a filler, do not fear, everything will be made up for with the reveal of the maked vigilante's face!!

[Rachel MacNaught · Rating 2 out of 5]

a rollercoaster of interest so far in this series, this volume took a nosedive after a huge climb.
i've decided i do not enjoy the plot (as it's so far outlined) of this story and instead look forward to the layers of darkness within the protagonists. i want more dwelling than movement, and i can't decide if the character study is supposed to be the main focus or if the plot is failing.

[Tessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I missed Rorschach.

[Jesus Velasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

En el Capítulo 5 de "Watchmen", titulado "Fearful Symmetry", la narrativa se entrelaza entre varios personajes y eventos significativos. Rorschach intenta obtener información de Moloch, quien, al no saber nada, termina muerto en un aparente complot que involucra a la policía. Mientras tanto, detectives investigan un trágico homicidio-suicidio, reflejando la desesperanza en un mundo al borde de la guerra nuclear.

Adrian Veidt se enfrenta a un intento de asesinato, mostrando su habilidad y determinación, mientras que Rorschach, al final del capítulo, es capturado después de un explosivo enfrentamiento. La máscara de Rorschach se convierte en un símbolo crucial de su identidad; su grito por su "cara" al ser despojado de ella resalta su vulnerabilidad y la lucha interna entre su naturaleza como héroe y su humanidad.

La simetría en la estructura del capítulo, junto con las referencias a los poemas de William Blake, refuerza los temas de dualidad y conflicto moral, haciendo de este capítulo un punto culminante en la exploración de la naturaleza humana dentro de un contexto sombrío y complejo. La maestría de Moore y Gibbons se manifiesta no solo en la narrativa, sino también en el diseño visual, creando una experiencia rica y multidimensional.

[Carly Mice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unclear why everyone loves Rorschach so goddamn much. I found Dr Manhattan’s story much more interesting. Hard to read these two back to back cause wtf

[Jinx:The:Poet {the LiteraryWanderer & WordRoamer} · Rating 2 out of 5]

[REVIEW FOR THE SERIES...]

Watchmen (Vol. 1-12)

"Who watches the Watchmen?"

Watchmen was a very interesting read and I’m glad to have finally gotten around to it. While I really appreciated some aspected such as the gritty world and symbolic, satirical plot line, there were times when it really didn’t live up to the hype surrounding it, at least not in my opinion. When compared to V For Vendetta, one of Moore’s best in my opinion, it just didn’t cut it for me, nor strike me with anything really meaningful afterwards. This is going to be a really hard one to rate and review for me— but here it goes.

P.s. If haters wanna hate, please go hate elsewhere. ;)



"This Hugo Award-winning graphic novel chronicles the fall from grace of a group of super-heroes plagued by all-too-human failings. Along the way, the concept of the super-hero is dissected as the heroes are stalked by an unknown assassin.

One of the most influential graphic novels of all time and a perennial best-seller, Watchmen has been studied on college campuses across the nation and is considered a gateway title, leading readers to other graphic novels such as V for Vendetta, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and The Sandman series." -Book Blurb



Because I’m reviewing the entire series, and want to avoid an overly long review as well as story spoilers, in this review I’m just going to cover a few things, some things that stood out, things I liked, things I didn’t etc.



In the beginning of Watchmen the readers are introduced to this dark world, an alternate history, and are initiated into the story through the mysterious and grim character of Rorschach, whom I instantly liked albeit his strange attitude and growingly apparent fact that he was lacking some amount of sanity. He operates outside the law, as superhero’s are outlawed by the government. The mystery was compelling enough, the world is very dark and interesting.



As the story goes on we are introduced to other ex-heroes like Nite Owl II, (who seemed ironically a parody of Batman), and Ozymandias, as well as heroes contracted by the government such as Doctor Manhattan (the only actually superhuman in the series), The Comedian and Silk Spectre II. While the characters were interesting at times, most notably Doctor Manhhattan and Rorschack, many of the others felt dull to me, like bland caricatures.



One aspect I disliked was the weird, and seemingly pointless romance between Silk Spectre II and Nite Owl II. It felt creepy and out of place, boring me and ultimately jarring me from the otherwise interesting plot. Why was it necessary to bog the plot down with their awkward affair, (including facts about his erectile dysfunction)? What was perhaps meant to flesh out the side characters, just ended up feeling like a lot of filler material. Bleh. It slowed the overall momentum for me.



Another irritant was the issue concerning the backstory of Silk Spectre I and The Comedian, and the flippant way her sexual assault/rape was dealt with. It felt only a cheap tactic used to give the readers a twist later on, which was obvious to me miles away, and ultimately felt an easy way to manipulate the reader and story. It did not have that effect on me. The matter was not handled very tastefully, in my opinion. Silk Spectre I’s response— or lack thereof—to the crime against her made the writing and overall story have a very misogynistic undertone, which continuously reared its head throughout the following issues.



That continuous feeling was highlighted and accentuated by the apparent uselessness of most of the female characters, who rarely if ever, contribute to the story in any meaningful way. Not to mention the fact that so few women were present at all, the story tiresome by their lack of contribution. One obvious exception being Silk Spectre II’s pleading with Doctor Manhattan on Earth’s behalf later on, even then he probably would have come to the decision on his own, given how his mind worked. So perhaps I’m reading between the lines here, but that’s how it struck me. It didn’t sit well, and I’m overly used to comics using women in the usual ways, to titillate as eye candy and fan service, serving no real purpose. I guess I expected more, too much, from something hailed as an innovative masterpiece.

Moving on.



There were things I did really like, though the story was bogged down with politics, propaganda and misogyny. I really like the satirical take of the golden age superhero story, the way the story makes you think about things in a different light, albeit a very pessimistic—dare I say—nihilistic light. I like the jaded hero perspective. The art was very fitting and did a good job setting the overall tone, even though it wasn’t as pleasing on the eye. It conveyed the general vibe of the plot really well.



I loved the fact that the series read more like a mystery noir novel that a traditional action comic book. I really enjoyed the characterizations of Rorschach and Doctor Manhattan the most. I LOVED Doctor Manhattan’s backstory. It was so epic and philosophical; those chapters really made me think. While Rorschach’s background was very sad, it was also a bit underwhelming, considering how much I loved his character. He made an excellent anti-hero.



Overall, I really enjoyed it, but could not say I loved it by any means. I appreciate what it means to the world and legacy of comic books and graphic novels, I think it changed the industry in many ways, not all for the better, but in many ways it was good. I liked how original it was. I like the philosophical mindset it gets you in. Some of the characters were so memorable, but the bad somewhat equals the good for me. There was a lot of filler material that felt tedious to read through, dragging the story out. As much as I enjoyed it, I also felt annoyed by it. I felt it was lacking in some pivotal areas, where it could have done more. Many of the characters were so unlikeable and dull, like cardboard cutouts. Seeing how much depth Rorschach and Doctor Manhattan had, I think all of the characters had that potential as well.



So I guess I’m in a love-hate thing with Watchmen, no matter which way I slice it, I can’t seem to pick a definite stance. I was pretty disappointed with the ending. I would recommend reading it, to appreciate the leaps Watchmen gave the genre of graphic novels, and for the interesting plot and setting, but in my opinion V for Vendetta was better in most regards.

[VOLUMN RATING: 2 STARS]

[OFFICIAL RATING: 3.5 STARS]

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Waiting for a flash of enlightenment in all this blood and thunder."

Perspective shift from Dr. Manhattan to Rorschach. Stop. Supers dying everywhere. Stop. Da DUM! Exclamation point. Jaws. Stop. What is this Treasure Island business, and who exactly is Rorschach? Question mark. GWAR stands for Gay Women Against Rape. Stop. Really. Stop.

Full review HERE.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rorschach gets a note from Monoch that he will tell him everything. Rorschach finds Monoch shot in the head, and it turned out that Rorschach was set up and the police got him surrounded. Rorschach tries to escape by setting the police men on fire and set the stairs on fire and tries to make an break for it by jumping out of the window. But it was no use, the police outside of the building got him, took off his mask, and sent him to jail.

[ana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can confidently say that I did not understand a thing but pages 8-12. So yay

[Index Purga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watchmen 5 of 12, Collector's Edition
pág. 0:
créditos #5
pág. 1:
FEARFUL SYMMETRY
Pág. 29:
TREASURY ISLAND TREASURY OF COMICS Chapter five
Pág. 33:
créditos editoriales

[Michael Sorbello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in an alternate history where costumed heroes have helped shape society since the beginning of time, the controversial yet prolific costumed hero Edward Blake (more commonly known by his alias The Comedian) is found dead and the perpetrator is nowhere to be found. Unable to solve such a bizarre murder by conventional means, the masked vigilante Rorschach who once served as a costumed hero alongside Comedian and four others takes matters into his own bloodstained hands to track down a mysterious assassin that's taking out costumed heroes one by one. Conspiracies abound, political tensions are through the roof, the threat of WWIII is lurking just around the corner and the gritty and depressive atmosphere of a rotting New York City during the 1980's sets the scene for a grim dissection and criticism of classic superhero archetypes.

Watchmen redefines the term superhero. With the exception of Dr. Manhattan, none of them have any notable powers. The Comedian is merely a grotesque reflection of American society and all its shameless faults, as well as how misguided patriotism can be used to justify mindless violence and prejudice. Rorschach is a vigilante who throws around the words good and evil to justify his brute force and questionable methods of solving problems. Silk Spectre is a normal woman struggling between following her own path in life and forever remaining trapped in the shadow of her mother's legacy. Nite Owl almost feels like a comedic parody of Batman, poking fun at the fact that he's an awkward old nerd that loves owl-themed gadgets and dressing up in what is essentially a big Halloween costume. Dr. Manhattan is the embodiment of how power, knowledge, wealth and limitless freedom to do anything imaginable can alienate and dehumanize a person from the rest of the world. All of the superheroes are extremely flawed everyday people with everyday issues and imperfections who hide behind masked personas to cope with the questionable acts they're performing and the faulty morals behind them.

The heroes of this tale defy the image of flawless paragons of justice that can do no wrong. They are just as capable of being selfish, abusing their powers and doing evil things out of spite and unchecked negative emotions as everyone else. This critiques the very idea of putting idols on a pedestal in the first place. This can be compared to the famous actors, pop stars and politicians of today. It's easy for people to treat the words and actions of their idols like the words of God himself, forgetting that they're ordinary people with many imperfections just like everyone else. Again, most of the Watchmen have selfish reasons for hiding behind their costumed personas, because they feel powerless, guilty and ordinary without them. What does it say about who you are when you can't even show yourself in public without hiding behind a carefully crafted disguise? Why wear a mask if you're in the right and have nothing to hide?

All of this deception and abuse of authority is where the popular slogan (Who watches the Watchmen?) comes from. The people in power are constantly watching and judging the actions of the average person, but who are watching and judging the actions of the people in power? The people in power punish us for our wrongdoings but who punishes the people in power for theirs? Dismantling the infallible images that figures of authority try to maintain, dissecting issues of confused morals and identities hiding behind literal and figurative masks, tearing the veil from the one-dimensional definition of superheroes, all of these things are masterfully challenged in the shape of a dark psychological crime-thriller with many timeless themes that go harsh on politics and society.

Our heroes and leaders are never the flawless, perfect beings we romanticize them to be.

***

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[Simbasible Comics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fearful Symmetry is the fifth issue in the twelve-issue series Watchmen, written by Alan Moore and drawn by Dave Gibbons.

This is the weakest issue released up to this point, which is not to say that it’s bad because it’s still very good, but it just wasn’t up to par with the previous chapters in the story. First off, the idea to frame the entire plot with the story within a story in the form of this imagined pirate comic book did not fully work.

Don’t get me wrong, the final literary supplement was intriguing as they insightfully and meticulously explained the history and contents of this made-up comic. It was so elaborate, in fact, that it felt very much real and not fictional, which is a testament to the power of this graphic novel’s writing. But how this pirate comic was incorporated inside the Watchmen story itself was structurally and tonally odd and ill-fitting, though the illustrations on those sections was pleasingly colorful, striking and different.

The first half of this issue, thus, was not my cup of tea, though it did continue the story in a solid, if far from engaging manner. Where the story significantly picked up momentum is in the second half where suddenly a major plot point happened, which was the attack and eventual capturing of Rorschach. He was absent for a long time and finally he was well utilized. How he fought like a wild animal was cool and so much fun while the eventual imprisonment is a major plot development that will have big repercussions in the future.

Overall, Fearful Symmetry ended on such a powerful note and it was strongly illustrated throughout, but the first half of this issue meandered with the story within the story framing device being too odd and ill-fitting.

[Evelyn Blackwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the story has dulled with age as a result of influencing so many other works; this is still such a tight and well constructed story that is impressive to behold. The colors are vibrant, the tale is nuanced and full of shock even now. I wasn't expecting children being murdered to be a plot point... nor did I expect Dan being shut down and friend zoned to be so unexpectedly amusing. (You just know Night Owl uses Incel forums).

And for once that Black Freighter story was more compelling than the main story. Or, at the very least, as compelling.
I just can't get over how much art they can cram into such tiny panels. It's damn impressive and allows each chapter to feel so much bigger than most comics.

[Shibin k · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay this issue is not as interesting as the others but it serve as an important roue to a different dimension, the only sane man, the narrator gets trapped!!

'Tales of the Black Freighter' in this issue shows us that a man is corrupted by circumstance and fights against innocents he blindly perceives to be his mortal enemies. In achieving victory against his supposed enemies he joins the ranks of his actual enemies. This is a key message from Watchmen, I think it epitomizes the phrase Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?(Who watches the watchmen?).

[Roshnara Mohamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rorschach has been framed for a murder and sent to jail, surrounded by the very same people he sent there himself. As if that wasn't enough, his escape attempt is foiled and he is de-masked and sent straight back.
This chapter gives us a peek at the complexity of Rorschach, his thought processes and inner monologues, and confronts us with the fact that yes, he's a vigilante who does good things, but is also a supremely unpleasant man.
Moore is really amping up the imperfect superhero here, and I'm so here for it!

[Jacob Helberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for this issue at all. I mean cool we get Rorschach at the end and we see his face (not sure I even like that aspect, kinda would prefer him to be anonymous), but that doesn't do it for me. I also understand that the Pirate comic is supposed to parallel the world that they're portraying but I didn't care for the constant double story of sorts. Idk, I'm still loving this book but this was just not my style and seemed pretty pointless. Judging from some other ratings, I'm not alone here.

[Javier Lárraga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lo más interesante de este número creo que fue adentrarnos en la rutina de Rorschach y como su mente transtornada percibe el mundo que lo rodea y tambien algo de la arrogancia que tiene al creerse juez y verdugo porque cree que hace lo correcto, por lo demás creo que este volumen flojea un poco a nivel narrativo y creo que lo de los piratas resulto muy de relleno a diferencia del 3er volumen donde la metáfora estaba mejor empleada.

[tlacoyo bandicoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

guau, por algo se llama así este capítulo
la simetría en los paneles y los colores son una cosa maravillosa, pero termina siendo aún mejor con lo simétrico en el guión, la dualidad entre resilencia y violencia, y la pelea de rorschach
siento que intento darle vueltas al asunto, pero así me dijeron que disfrutara watchmen, en serio me está encantando

[Gabriella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un altro capitolo di passaggio, questa volta sul personaggio più misterioso di tutti: Rorschach. Bello e preparato benissimo il colpo di scena finale! Ma devo dire che anche la storia del naufrago mi sta incuriosendo, anche perché continua a essere il controcanto di altri elementi che pian piano si aggiungono

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full review with The Watchmen #1-12.

This was a very slow addition to the story. It's not my favourite, but it still works and gives some good drama.

[Isra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cada vez se pone más interesante la situación, a cada paso que dan, un viejo enmascarado cae, en este caso le toca a Rorschach. Para qué si es tremendo tomo. Me quedé fascinado.

[adrianO C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Si no hubiese sido por los últimos instantes del Issue creo que hubiera puesto una estrella. Me pareció muy aburrido.

[Joseph Knecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many parallel stories.

All leading to one place of insight...

The man with musk are under attack by an unknown enemy.