Watchmen: Chapter II - "Absent Friends" continues the intricate, multi-layered storytelling introduced in the first chapter. This chapter dives deeper into the complex world of the Watchmen by focusing on the aftermath of The Comedian's murder and introduces the backstories and relationships between several key characters. Here's a breakdown of key elements:
Summary:
The chapter centers around the funeral of Edward Morgan Blake, aka The Comedian. Through the lens of different characters, we learn more about his dark past, and their complicated relationships with him.
1. Rorschach’s Investigation:
Rorschach continues to investigate The Comedian's death, convinced it’s part of a larger conspiracy. He revisits old memories and questions former members of the Watchmen to uncover the truth behind Blake’s murder.
2. Flashbacks - The Comedian's Impact:
A series of flashbacks reveal Blake’s interactions with other members of the Watchmen:
- Dr. Manhattan recalls a moment in Vietnam where The Comedian executed a pregnant woman, showing Blake’s ruthlessness and Manhattan’s detached apathy.
- Dan Dreiberg (Nite Owl) remembers a time when the Watchmen broke up an anti-Vietnam War protest, and how The Comedian showed a sadistic enjoyment in quelling the protest with violence.
- Laurie Juspeczyk (Silk Spectre) has a flashback of her mother, Sally Jupiter (the original Silk Spectre), revealing a disturbing history with Blake when he assaulted Sally decades ago.
3. The Comedian’s Cynicism:
Throughout the flashbacks, we see that Blake embodied a nihilistic and cynical view of the world. He often saw life as a cruel joke, and he took pleasure in chaos and violence, earning him the name “The Comedian” in a bitterly ironic sense.
4. Foreshadowing the Bigger Plot:
As the chapter progresses, Rorschach begins to piece together a theory that Blake’s murder is not an isolated event but rather part of a larger conspiracy targeting former heroes. This plotline lays the groundwork for the overarching mystery of the Watchmen series.
Themes:
- Morality and Ambiguity: Blake’s character reflects the moral complexities of being a superhero. Though ostensibly a “hero,” his actions are often brutal and disturbing, challenging the traditional definitions of heroism.
- The Role of Power: Dr. Manhattan’s flashback highlights his increasing detachment from humanity, symbolizing the dehumanizing effects of immense power.
- Legacy and the Past: Much of the chapter deals with how the past continues to haunt the characters. The flashbacks reveal not only the personal scars left by Blake but also how these individuals are shaped by their previous experiences as vigilantes.
Absent Friends is a crucial chapter that deepens the reader’s understanding of the key players, their motivations, and the dark world they inhabit. The way the story is told through multiple perspectives adds depth and complexity to both the narrative and the characters, continuing Watchmen’s exploration of moral ambiguity, power, and the nature of heroism.