Starting the countdown is a smart and intelligent graphic novel from the late 1980s in which contemporary issues of the day were addressed by placing them in a superhero setting. 'Watchmen', written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, was one of the first publications to transition comics into the world of literature.

Zach Snyder, director of '300' and 2004 hit 'Dawn of the Dead', had the hefty job of faithfully translating the story (with a few tweaks) to the big screen and for many of those that had grown up with the graphic novel, he did a mighty fine job.