In preparation for the Spring 2009 release of the motion picture, DC Comics has released a weekly ‘motion comic’ project to drum up support. Using the original artwork from the 12 part mini-series combined with music and voice acting, the motion comic attempts to introduce a new audience to one of the most celebrated comic books of the 20th Century.
For those in the know, the ‘motion comic’ format is actually no different than that used by Grantray-Lawrence Animation back in 1966. A simple process of taking comic book art and slightly animating specific parts to give the vague feel of animation, this is a very primitive type of cartoon (an an easy way to get around hiring an animation team).
The more modern ‘motion comic’ has even less animation than the Grantray-Lawrence toons, however. In the end, the motion comics look more respectable… but frankly I prefer the 66 cartoons (because I’m crazy).
Even so, the Watchmen motion comic is a worthy experiment that will surely generate good word of mouth for the average guy who can’t be bothered to read a book.
While the voice over work is decent, one excited comic fan has incorporated the spooky tones of Watchmen author Alan Moore himself into the ‘Rorschach’s Journal’ narration… and it’s free!
The entire Watchmen motion comic can be purchased as a $19.99 season download via iTunes.
Recommended:
Watchmen
Watching the Watchmen: The Definitive Companion to the Ultimate Graphic Novel
Watchmen: The Official Film Companion (Hardcover Edition)
Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)
Watchmen: The Art of the Film
