The Watchmen, by Alan Moore

Set in an alternative 1980s, Watchmen is the story of a band of retired superheros drawn back together by the murder of one of their own. Outlawed by the U.S. government, they race to solve the mystery of who killed The Comedian. Set against the background of a world on the edge of nuclear war, Richard Nixon still running for office, and rampant crime, this graphic novel (originally a comic book series) is a provocative look at the culture of superheros and their motivations.

Originally published by Alan Moore in 1986-1987, and then later republished as a graphic novel, the book is considered one of the classics of the genre. I read the book many years ago, and absolutely loved it! The movie adaptation that's out now does a good job telling the story, though in my opinion the heavyhanded use of flashbacks slows it down. ~ Reviewed by Robbie:-)