Grant Morrison Challenges Peter Thiel's Watchmen Viewpoint

Grant Morrison Challenges Peter Thiel's Watchmen Viewpoint

Recently, billionaire and conservative thinker Peter Thiel shared his interpretation of Watchmen, perceiving the graphic novel as a Christian allegory reflecting apocalyptic themes. In his view, Alan Moore's characters serve as modern-day watchmen, embodying the 'Antichrist' in a world on the brink of collapse.

Thiel's Interpretation

Thiel argues that Moore’s superheroes represent a duality: they guard the world while simultaneously being agents of its potential downfall. He cites biblical references to bolster his point, suggesting that Moore’s narrative revolves around an impending disaster where 'the watchmen' fail in their duties. According to Thiel, the conclusion lies in the question, "Who watches the watchmen?"—implying an ongoing moral decay as these figures become ineffective in a nuclear age.

Morrison's Rebuttal

Comic book writer Grant Morrison swiftly countered Thiel's outlook during a recent Reddit AMA. Morrison articulated that while Thiel's reading presents a perspective, it misses the critical role of readers. "We, the readers, watch the watchmen and make our judgments accordingly... the conclusion of the book is left in our hands," he stated.

Morrison points out that Thiel’s interpretation seems disconnected from the reality many face, positioning the billionaire elite as the true 'Antichrists' of contemporary society. He suggests that Thiel's alienation fosters a misguided interpretation of Watchmen's themes.

Ongoing Rivalry with Alan Moore

In the light-hearted spirit of their long-standing rivalry, Morrison even humorously declared that Donald Trump is currently 'winning' the ongoing 'wizard war' between him and Alan Moore.

Morrison's comments reflect a deeper discourse surrounding the nature of storytelling and its interpretation, emphasizing the importance of reader engagement in shaping narratives.

For fans eagerly awaiting more from Morrison, the Batman/Deadpool crossover written by him will be available on November 19, 2025.

Source: Bleeding Cool