Watchmen

In a few weeks, the comic-book fiend we all know and (possibly) love is going to be deluged with even more of the pre-release hype for Zach Snyder’s March 2009 film adaptation of Watchmen, Alan Moore’s superhero-redefining 1986 graphic novel. At that point, this person may also be kicking themselves for never getting around to buying a book that they love, and just borrowing a copy years from that friend who had money for comics. Now your friend is really looking forward to the film but can’t quite remember the story. But what’s this? A smartly bound hardcover edition? With bonus material? Then you will be a true friend indeed, and for less money than if you’d bought them the $75 slipcased Absolute Edition.

—Chris Barsanti