I don't have any novel analysis of this book – it's so good. My favorite chapters are the "origin story" ones, particularly for the Comedian, Rorschach, and Jon. Those three chapters are 10/10, and the motifs spanning the other plot-driven chapters are so well written for a comic book. I know Alan Moore resented the term "graphic novel" (soz) and it's certainly not a normal novel, but it exceeds expectations for both categories that it might claim membership within.

Ch2 is exquisite grimdark. Instant juxtaposition of absolute power of Dr. Manhattan w/his unwillingness to intervene. How deeply flawed all of the characters are: comedian as a parody of the state of the world, a joke that no one gets, and a vile broken man. Everyone in costumes during literal nazi Germany. Cashing in on personal fame and glory - no explanation of how any of them are actually super (except Jon) yet.

I like how, on earth, Jon gets a white outline and blue speech bubbles(maybe because of radioactive auro, maybe to accentuate his alienation). Then, when Laurie visit him, she gets a white outline (again perhaps bc of her physical air gap, or maybe because she's now the outsider).

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