SCREEN | Saving the 'Watchmen: Chapter II' in Animation

"Exposing this plot results in greater destruction."

Warner Bros. Animation / Paramount Pictures

DC's second part of its animated Watchmen retelling of the densely layered 1986 graphic novel's political themes continues its faithful adaptation. Watchmen: Chapter II furthers its use of superhero storytelling to deconstruct on the nature of humanity, conflict, and war.

Director Brandon Vietti and screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski translate the legendary material from author Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons with a deliberate pace and structure to the events as it balances fidelity to its source material with cinematic conventions. Actors Matthew Rhys, Katee Sackhoff, Titus Welliver, and Troy Baker return to voice our team of troubled superheroes with enough verve to their vocal performances.

Chapter II ably finishes off the latter half of the two-part animated superhero tale with enough interesting elements to make it another worthwhile adaptation. Splitting it up into two separate sub-ninety-minute halves with a starker focus on setting up the climatic third act reveal of the monstrous uniting force. Both chapters together make for a fine animated version of one of the most consequential comic books ever told.

Watchmen: Chapter II is available to stream on various digital platforms and through video on demand.


More | YVArcade / IGN