The origins of Watchmen
Alan Moore's initial outline for Watchmen was already more than Dave Gibbons 'could have imagined', but it went on to become one of the greatest graphic novels of all time. Here we present preliminary designs and early sketches which chart the development of their alternate reality
-
The Comedian, whose murder launches the story, started out with a military-style uniform, but evolved into a fearsome leather-clad figure, complete with leather mask
Photograph: PR
-
The Comedian's evolution continued towards the form seen here (left). Early designs for Rorschach (far right) included a full-body suit, which was quickly discarded. Dr Manhattan (second from right) was originally imagined as changing colour with energy level from blue to red or white hot
Photograph: PR
-
This early character sketch for Rorschach shows how he rapidly found his iconic form
Photograph: PR
-
Rorschach's face changes every time he appears, so Gibbons used a selection of ink blobs made by hand to ensure variety and randomness
Photograph: PR
-
-
This preliminary group shot was coloured as a guide for colourist John Higgins
Photograph: PR
-
Some early cover designs, such as this sketch of the cover for the final instalment, survived through the development of all 12 issues
Photograph: PR
-
Nite Owl took his name from a character Dave Gibbons created when he was about 14, though Alan Moore insisted on the "American" spelling
Photograph: PR
-
An early pencil sketch of Dr Manhattan, the only character with genuine super-powers
Photograph: PR
-
-
Early sketches for Dr Manhattan featured the most minimal of costume designs. Eventually the costume was dispensed with completely
Photograph: PR
-
Pencil sketches (left) and final colours (right) for issue one, page 20 featuring Dr Manhattan
Photograph: PR
-
Panels from the second chapter of the story, Absent Friends
Photograph: PR
-
The first edition of Watchmen in France was cheaply produced and full of mistakes in translation. This is the cover for the third French edition
Photograph: PR
-
