One of the most popular graphic novels of all time -- and one of the most groundbreaking -- "Watchmen" has finally made it to the screen, directed by "300's" Zack Snyder. TheWrap explains why this film seems so important, and looks at why other comics-to-screen have passed or failed.

 

Also, a box-office preview: 'Watchmen' will win a competition-challenged weekend, but can it match the hype?

 

[1]A Primer for Non-Geeks
[2]

What you need to know about Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ graphic novel -- and why it is to comic-book geeks what “Schindler’s List” is to Jews.

By Bill Cunningham

 

 

 

 

 

 

[3]How Other Comic Books Have Fared [3]

"Watchmen's" road to the big screen has been lined with naysayers. But it's not the first time. TheWrap looks at the the top-grossing superhero movies of all time -- did they make it because of the source material or in spite of it?

By Liz Miller 

 

 

 

[4]Will It Be a Hit or a Miss? [4]

TheWrap's box-office preview: Unless Tyler Perry pulls off a miracle, "Watchmen" will surely win the weekend. But will it bring in enough non-graphic-novel fans to be a bona fide hit?

By Lauren Horwitch