Under the (hastily assembled) hood
On opening night, Watchmen will watch Watchmen—fans in costume, that is. Think beyond the obvious DIY Rorschach mask or (shudder) body-paint Dr. Manhattan.
These guys? Too easy.
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Ask the guy dressed as Omega Red who blocked your view of X2: X-Men United with his tentacles: Fanboys (and girls) don’t need any incentive to get all decked out for the debut of a big superhero movie. The much-hyped, Zack Snyder-directed and (unfortunately) critically ho-hummed Watchmen, 20 years and a whole lot of bad blood in the making, finally hits theaters this week. For the best cinematic experience, Decider recommends the Lagoon, the relatively still-shiny-new AMC Rosedale 14, or (assuming you don't mind a longish drive from the core cities) the IMAX theater at the Minnesota Zoo. At least on opening night, the truly obsessed will want to show up looking the part. (No, not Dr. Manhattan's part.) There's no official costume contest locally that we know of, but as with all things in the geek canon, the sense of superior fandom is consolation enough, in which case you'll definitely want to one-up all those scores of wannabe Rorschachs with something a little more creative. For those who want to participate, but are worried their time-intensive costume preparation will leave them but one in a sea of Silk Spectres, Decider offers the following costumes that are not only quick and cheap, but will totally prove you’ve read the book.
Richard M. NixonSupplies: Suit, tie, Nixon mask
One of the most frightening aspects of Watchmen is that Tricky Dick repealed the 22nd Amendment, installed himself as president-for-life, and possibly convinced the Comedian to take out John F. Kennedy, Bob Woodward, and Carl Bernstein. In that sense, you could argue he's the true villain of Watchmen. And it doesn't hurt that most costume shops in town have a rubber Nixon mask.
Big Figure
Supplies: Jumpsuit, cravat, cigar, a desire to walk around on your knees
Part of Rorschach's rogues gallery, Big Figure is the ying to Kingpin’s yang. While he shares the Marvel crime boss' taste in neckwear and tobacco products, he's much smaller and boasts a full head of hair. That makes him an easy character to imitate so long as you don't mind a night full of "Tall order, small world" cracks. Bonus points if you start a riot in the theater in order to off anyone dressed as Rorschach.
Supplies: Jumpsuit, cravat, cigar, a desire to walk around on your knees
Part of Rorschach's rogues gallery, Big Figure is the ying to Kingpin’s yang. While he shares the Marvel crime boss' taste in neckwear and tobacco products, he's much smaller and boasts a full head of hair. That makes him an easy character to imitate so long as you don't mind a night full of "Tall order, small world" cracks. Bonus points if you start a riot in the theater in order to off anyone dressed as Rorschach.
Dan Dreiberg
Supplies: Schlubby cardigan, too-tight dress shirt, askew tie, book on birds, an aura of impotence
Underneath the hood of midnight avenger Nite Owl lurks a timid middle-aged ornithological expert with a serious hard-on (metaphorically speaking, unfortunately) for Silk Spectre. While only the most ambitious would dare attempt to recreate the peaked rubber nightmare of his masked alter-ego, it's much easier to be soft, potbellied Dan Dreiberg, the closest thing Watchmen has to an unequivocal hero. (Spoiler: You even get the girl.)
Supplies: Schlubby cardigan, too-tight dress shirt, askew tie, book on birds, an aura of impotence
Underneath the hood of midnight avenger Nite Owl lurks a timid middle-aged ornithological expert with a serious hard-on (metaphorically speaking, unfortunately) for Silk Spectre. While only the most ambitious would dare attempt to recreate the peaked rubber nightmare of his masked alter-ego, it's much easier to be soft, potbellied Dan Dreiberg, the closest thing Watchmen has to an unequivocal hero. (Spoiler: You even get the girl.)
Silhouette
Supplies: Short black wig, slutty black clothes
One obvious source for beyond-the-obvious Watchmen costumes is the Minutemen, the Watchmen universe's 1940s-era original crimefighting team. Unfortunately, most of them (Hooded Justice, Dollar Bill) necessitate tights, cowled capes, or constricting lengths of rope, which aren't comfy things to wear during a nearly three-hour movie. The exception is Silhouette: Most ladies (and certain secure men) have some version of the slutty, cleavage-baring, black bustier somewhere in their closet. Pair it with a short black bob, some no-nonsense pants, and patriarchy-crushing stilettos and you're ready to be the world's first martyred lesbian superhero.
Supplies: Short black wig, slutty black clothes
One obvious source for beyond-the-obvious Watchmen costumes is the Minutemen, the Watchmen universe's 1940s-era original crimefighting team. Unfortunately, most of them (Hooded Justice, Dollar Bill) necessitate tights, cowled capes, or constricting lengths of rope, which aren't comfy things to wear during a nearly three-hour movie. The exception is Silhouette: Most ladies (and certain secure men) have some version of the slutty, cleavage-baring, black bustier somewhere in their closet. Pair it with a short black bob, some no-nonsense pants, and patriarchy-crushing stilettos and you're ready to be the world's first martyred lesbian superhero.
Joey
Supplies: Trench coat, flat cap, “Gay Women Against Rape” flier
One of the many minor characters fleshing out the background of the book, Joey scores her most memorable scenes by pestering newsstand owner Bernard to post a flier for an awareness group, which may or may not have given rise to GWAR. Bring along a copy of Hustler to leer at for added authenticity.
Supplies: Trench coat, flat cap, “Gay Women Against Rape” flier
One of the many minor characters fleshing out the background of the book, Joey scores her most memorable scenes by pestering newsstand owner Bernard to post a flier for an awareness group, which may or may not have given rise to GWAR. Bring along a copy of Hustler to leer at for added authenticity.
Symbolism
Supplies: Cardboard watch face, big red blanket
Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins loaded every frame of Watchmen with symbolism. Show you can read above an eighth-grade level by dressing up as the book's most obvious symbol: The clock ticking toward Armageddon and the rising tide of blood that covers it.
Supplies: Cardboard watch face, big red blanket
Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins loaded every frame of Watchmen with symbolism. Show you can read above an eighth-grade level by dressing up as the book's most obvious symbol: The clock ticking toward Armageddon and the rising tide of blood that covers it.
Dr. Manhattan's Blue Penis
Supplies: A T-shirt reading "Dr. Manhattan's Blue Penis"
Zack Snyder fought for and won the right to allow Dr. Manhattan to stroll around in all his naked, cerulean glory, and it seems like that's been all certain people can talk about. Put this shirt on, and, just like when they're watching the movie, people won't be able to tear their eyes away from you.
Supplies: A T-shirt reading "Dr. Manhattan's Blue Penis"
Zack Snyder fought for and won the right to allow Dr. Manhattan to stroll around in all his naked, cerulean glory, and it seems like that's been all certain people can talk about. Put this shirt on, and, just like when they're watching the movie, people won't be able to tear their eyes away from you.
