I’m not embarrassed to admit that I’m a Watchmen super-fan. And though I’ve already expressed some trepidation about the upcoming film right here in this column, I have to admit, I am absurdly excited about going to see this movie. What got me most excited though, is the reactions of those who were treated to a sneak peek of the movie earlier this month. Once I got over my murderous rage at the fact that I wasn’t invited, I eagerly read everyone’s impressions, and my excitement level shot up a few bazillion notches.

We’ve all seen the trailer by now, and so we all know just how awesome it looks. But a trailer is one thing, an entire film is another. Thankfully, from the sounds of things, the movie is remaining truly faithful to its source material. Even the scene with Dr. Manhattan on Mars, probably my favorite moment in the book, is done justice.

“From the odd, single sound effect when Manhattan arrives on Mars to the palpable chemistry between John Osterman and fellow physicist Janey Slater to the horror of the accident itself and the almost-human guilt that Manhattan feels at the way he may or may not have caused cancer in all of his friends and lovers in last few decades… it’s all there. It’s all right,” Ain’t It Cool News wrote.

And if that wasn’t enough, director Kevin Smith exclaimed that the film was “f***ing astounding!” Now that’s quite the endorsement. He goes on to explain that, “Remember that feeling of watching Sin City on the big screen and being blown away by what a faithful translation of the source material it was, in terms of both content and visuals? Triple that, and you’ll come close to watching Watchmen. Even Alan Moore might be surprised at how close the movie is to the book. March can,t come soon enough.

Now obviously I’ll be reserving judgement until I actually see the film. I’ve been burned before by a number of comic book adaptations, so there is always the possibility that Allan Moore is right, and that it will end up being a disaster. But man, I sure hope not. I can’t remember a film that had me as excited as this one does, and I’m not sure I could handle the disappointment of a bad Watchmen movie.

March 6, 2009 can’t come soon enough.

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Andrew Webster is a freelance writer based in Toronto who covers comics, movies, videogames, and anything else that will rot out your brain. Check out his personal site to read more of his incoherent ramblings.

It’s that time of the year, a stressful period full of crowded stores, long lines, and jam-packed parking lots. So, in an attempt to alleviate some of the Holiday induced stress you may be experiencing, we here at Shox have put together a handy dandy gift guide for the comic book geek on your list. Whether it’s comics, games, or movies, we have you covered.

Books

Watching the Watchmen
With the upcoming release of the Watchmen film, it’s pretty safe to say that Watchmen fever is at an all-time high. So what do you get the consummate Watchmen fan who’s already read the graphic novel dozens of times? Well how about this companion piece by the original artist Dave Gibbons, which features never before scene pages, sketches, and character designs from the classic book.

Serenity Vol. 2: Better Days
It’s pretty safe to say that Joss Whedon’s sci-fi western Firefly was short lived, but thankfully the characters are continuing on. It may not be TV or film, but this graphic novel gives more insight into the 9 inhabitants of starship Serenity as they take on a brand new adventure.

Teen Titans: Year One
For those of you who like your heroes a little smaller, the latest refresh of the Teen Titans franchise comes out this month. Featuring the likes of Robin, Wonder Girl, and Red Devil, this paperback goes back to the beginning to tell the origin story of the tiny hero group.

Movies

The Dark Knight
Ok, this one is really a no-brainer. The biggest film of the year, The Dark Knight also happens to be without a doubt the best comic book movie ever made. It’s almost certain that the geek on your list has already seen it, but it’s just as certain that they have plans to watch it over and over. And don’t cheap out, get the special edition.

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
A wonderful visual spectacle, in the sequel to Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro moves the franchise towards the mythological side of things. This allowed him to create some truly incredible and imaginative creatures for HB and the rest of the BPRD to battle. The best part though, is that the movie introduces Johann Krauss, a containment suit filled with the ectoplasmic spirit of a deceased psychic.

Wall-E
If that person on your shopping list has any interest in animation, be sure to pick up Wall-E. Quite possibly Pixar’s best film to date–and that is saying something–the film is one part adorable love story, and one part scathing social commentary. It’s beautiful, entertaining, and has a message, putting it amongst the best films of the year.

Games

Fallout 3
Have you ever wanted to explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland? Well, this is your chance! In Fallout 3 players venture throughout a devastated Washington, D.C., a lonely place filled with mutated monsters and all kinds of strange people. The choices you make throughout the game affect the story, allowing you to be either a do-gooder, an evil jerk, or someone in-between. It’s available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Persona 4
For the Japanophile on your list, Persona 4 mixes a very cool anime aesthetic with a hardcore Japanese role-playing game. Throw in some dating sim elements, a countryside setting, and an intriguing murder-mystery plot, and you have one of the most interesting games of the year. Pick it up for the PlayStation 2.

Zombies!!!
If the person you’re buying for prefers games of the board variety compared to video, be sure to check out Zombies!!! This board game takes the best parts of B-movie zombie films, and combines them with a 2-6 player strategy game. In order to win, players either have to kill a specified number of undead ghouls or reach the heli-pad before the horde takes over.

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Andrew Webster is a freelance writer based in Toronto who covers comics, movies, videogames, and anything else that will rot out your brain. Check out his personal site to read more of his incoherent ramblings.