The first blockbuster of 2009 Watchmen, a movie 20 years in the making, finally arrives in cinemas this Friday. Based on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's dark, multi-layered comic series, it centres on a group of retired heroes in Cold War America reuniting to investigate the death of former colleague The Comedian. Click below to watch character profiles, and see director Zack Snyder and Gibbons discuss the film adaptation, in our 'Watching The Watchmen' videos.

Doctor Manhattan & Silk Spectre

Nite Owl & Rorschach

The Comedian & Ozymandias

Director Zack Snyder & Illustrator Dave Gibbons