Evil Must Be Punished

The graphic novel's protagonists are all costumed heroes. They're vigilantes who patrol the streets and prevent crime without any special commission from the State. Rorschach's final comment sums up the major theme of the novel. Evil must be punished. The novel's primary plotline focuses on the origin of the costumed hero from 1939 continuing through 1977 until 1985. The original costumed hero, Hooded Justice, appeared in New York City to fight against crime - his example was quickly followed by several other costumed heroes. The original group of costumed heroes, the Minutemen, banded together to enjoy the synergistic capabilities of a group in fighting evil. As the original generation of costumed heroes retired or were killed, they were replaced by a second generation of costumed heroes.

Although the second generation did not form a group analogous to the Minutemen, they did continue the tradition of punishing evildoers. Although...