I’m sure many who read this have already capped off the summer by seeing the record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight.”

While you sat through the previews in anticipation, your interest may have been peeked by a trailer for the new page-to-screen graphic novel adaptation “Watchmen.” You may not have recognized any of the superheroes as the old standbys, but that’s because “Watchmen” isn’t your average “comic book” film.

“Watchmen” started its life as graphic novel “V for Vendetta” written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. It was published in 1986 under DC Comics, and arrived just in time to save the failing comic book industry. The graphic novel, set in 1985, tells the gritty tale of an alternate universe in which costumed crime-fighting has been outlawed by the government, run by Richard Nixon, who is serving his fifth term as president. The story approaches the then worn-out comic book genre with a fresh look at what it would be like if superheroes truly existed.

The film, set to be released on March 5, 2009, is directed by Zack Snyder (“300”) and stars a cast that is virtually nameless in mainstream Hollywood. Snyder fought with production studios to keep the storyline practically untouched by editors so as not to upset fans of the graphic novel.

Expectations for “Watchmen” are high, with some saying it’s going to revolutionize the comic book/film genre, just as the graphic novel did for the comic book industry.

There’s plenty of time before the film’s release, so you may want to grab a copy of the graphic novel. With 12 issues and a total of well over 350 pages, you may need all the time you can get to soak up the deeply captivating storyline and animation.

So for those who love comics, “Watchmen” may quickly become your favorite. For those who don’t, you will still have trouble putting it down.

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