Watchmenis a complex seriesthat explores the facets of several costumed crime-fighters in a world much like the real one.
Why Rorschach is Seen as a Hero
“Not Even in the Face of Armageddon.
It’s understandable whysome readers view Rorschach as a hero.
After all, he’s the very first masked adventurer introduced inWatchmen #1.
He also informs his former teammates, warning them someone could be gunning for costumed crime-fighters.
…Rorschach is a damaged individual who has nothing to live for except for vigilantism.
Out of all the characters inWatchmen, readers see Rorschach doing the most traditional crime fighting.
Hes also seen stopping street crimes, such as an attempted assault.
Rorschach was even willing to die rather than go along with a lie rooted in genocide.
Yes, Rorschach does keep fighting the good fight long after the Keene Act outlawed his profession.
But hes not fighting out of some sense of altruism.
Rorschach fundamentally hates humanity and that hatred is one of the few things driving him.
He doesnt want to protect,Rorschach is largely looking for people to take his anger out on.
…other horrid writings that spell out Rorschach’s misogynistic, homophobic, and reactionary worldview.
Thanks to Rorschachs journal, fans get a good (if not uncomfortable look) into Walter Kovacs mind.
Almost every one of his thoughts paints the portrait of a disturbed, paranoid, and even delusional mind.
But the thing aboutWatchmenis that none of the superheroes presented in this story are particularly heroic.
Rorschachs black and white absolutism is always going to have an appeal to humanitys lizard brain thinking.
So why is it that Rorschach, out of all the heroes inWatchmen,is so well-regarded?
Likely for the same reason that other fans like anti-heroes like the Punisher.
Rorschachs black and white absolutism is always going to have an appeal to humanitys lizard brain thinking.
No, Rorschach isnt a hero in the way that most would agree a hero is supposed to be.
Does he have moments that resonate with readers?
ButWatchmensRorschach is far too warped and stifled to ever truly be considered a hero.
