When DC Comics published the Watchmen series in 1986, it made quite an impact on its readers. It wasn’t the type of comic that you’d like your mother to catch you reading, which was no doubt part of its popularity.

Not only did it feature adult themes and social and political issues, but it was also seen as being something that you couldn’t level at many comics – cerebral. So much so that it was quickly described as being a graphic novel; which was also a canny marketing term to get it into the hands of not just the geeks and nerds of this world.

Since then Hollywood have wanted to make a film version of it, with the likes of Terry Gilliam, Darren Aronofsky and Paul Greengrass attached to the project over the years. It finally fell into the very capable hands of Zack Snyder, who has managed to impress greatly with his first two major film offerings: his Dawn of the Dead remake and 300. Obviously a fan of the comics – sorry graphic novels – his love for the concept is displayed in every single frame of the film.

Stop laughing, I don't look anything like Batman -I'm Nite Owl. So twit twoo on that, sister.

For those who may not be familiar with the Watchmen world, the story begins in 1985, with the murder of The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan); a member of a band of now retired superheroes known as the Watchmen. When fellow member Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) begins to investigate who did it, he uncovers what he suspects to be a plot to murder every member of the Watchmen team.

He shares his findings with the remaining Watchmen, serving as a warning to one and all; but as they get closer to the truth, they soon realise that there are far greater and darker consequences at the heart of matter.

Firstly, it should be mentioned that if you haven’t read Watchmen, it won’t spoil your enjoyment of this film. What might though, is if you expect this to be akin to a regular Spider/Super/Battyman flick. Tonally, this film is worlds apart from those particular costume parties. Especially as this is essentially a grown up film about a bunch of grown up superheroes surrounded by grown up problems.

One of the main themes that hovers over the heads of all the characters, is the threat of nuclear war. In this parallel universe, America’s relationship with Russia has strained to the point of breaking point. The threatening atmosphere is, understandably, casting clouds of futility and hopelessness amongst the general population.

It doesn’t help that the government had passed a law in the seventies, bowing to public pressure, banning superheroes. Most of the Watchmen have hung up their costumes – with the exception of Dr Manhattan (Billy Crudup), who, since his accident in a military base working on secret scientific experiments, is a naked blue figure with superduperhuman powers. Of course there’s nothing like the funeral of a superfriend to bring you out of retirement.

The most obvious difference between this bunch of superheroes and others is the fact that all of them are flawed in one way or another. There’s an underlying ambiguity regarding their moral compass a lot of the time, and the multi-directions they appear to point to. It’s also difficult to root for any of them, but then at the same time, you’re not exactly encouraged to either.

Another obvious difference between this and your average summer blockbuster is the lack of action. It isn’t exactly brimming with stunts and ka-pow moments. Instead, it lets its compelling story drive you through its alternate universe, which is strangely rewarding enough. And as it takes you there, you can’t help but marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery. Snyder has borrowed the subdued colour palette from the strip and abused it in a satisfying fashion on the big screen. The world the Watchmen live in has the same kind of visual impact as that of watching Bladerunner for the very first time. It’s drenched in atmosphere and dripping in character. It’s difficult not to feel a slight sense of awe with every corner that is turned.

It’s also refreshing to watch a superhero yarn that isn’t bogged down for half of the time in the characters' back stories. What’s important here is the fact this bunch of crime fighters are in a bit of pickle, and they’re desperately trying to work out how to get out of it.

And one last thing that it doesn’t conform to is the need to have a villain. There is no obvious villain figure at all throughout; as mentioned before, many of the heroes are morally flawed, making many of their actions questionable. The main threat in the film comes from the unknown, and it really doesn’t need any more than that.

Aficionados of the strip may find the odd thing or two to grumble about, but that’s what fans do. But if you’re simply a fan of spectacle and absorbing storylines, the world of the Watchmen is definitely worth watching.