Real Name: Walter Joseph Kovacs | Universe: Indie | Rating: 80 OVR (Unyielding Noir Vigilante)
"Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon."
Writer/Artist: Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons | Format: Hardcover Graphic Novel
When the Comedian is murdered in New York, the outlawed vigilante Rorschach launches a private investigation that uncovers a conspiracy to end the Cold War.
Why Start Here: The only graphic novel on Time's 100 Greatest Novels list; the undisputed crown jewel of comic literature.
Writer/Artist: Brian Azzarello & Lee Bermejo | Format: Trade Paperback
Set in 1977 during the New York City blackout, Rorschach takes on a ruthless drug cartel kingpin named Rawhead.
Why Start Here: Gritty, noir crime thriller with breathtaking, hyper-realistic art by Lee Bermejo.
Writer/Artist: Geoff Johns & Gary Frank | Format: Hardcover Graphic Novel
A new Rorschach crosses the multiverse barrier into the DC Universe to find Doctor Manhattan and save their dying world.
Why Start Here: Fascinating ideological clash pairing Watchmen characters against Batman and Superman.
Documented Weakness: Complete moral rigidity and refusal to compromise makes him uncompromising and vulnerable to overwhelming cosmic power.
Citation: Watchmen #5 (1986)
Ambushed inside an apartment, he ignited an aerosol spray can with cooking matches to create a flamethrower, blinding and disarming armed tactical police.