This glossary offers quick definitions of terms used in discussing the Watchmen Universe and this wiki.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A[]
Allohistorical Allusion[]
Lampshade hanging or nod to the fourth wall used in alternate history fiction in which a different version of a major event or person from real history is mentioned in an alternate timeline.
Alpha Class Mask[]
A classification system used to categorize top masked vigilantes such as Rorschach and Nite Owl II.
Alter Ego[]
An alter ego (from Latin, "other I") is another self, a second personality or persona within a person. The term is commonly used in comic books and related media, for the alternate or secret identity of a superheroes and supervillains.
Classically, an alter ego is used by superheroes to conceal their identities in order to protect their friends and family from harm at the hands of their enemies, whereas supervillains usually have an alter ego to make sure they do not get arrested.
Alternate Continuity[]
An adaptation of a work that is treated as its own separate universe rather than part of the original's timeline. A work can have many alternate aontinuities. The reasons for doing so are the following:
- Same characters, but different setting and timeline.
- Experimentation outside of canon, creating a new, separate canon without needing to do a continuity reboot
In the case of Watchmen, there is currently four alternate continuities that exist.
Alternate History[]
A genre of speculative fiction set in a world where one or more historical events unfolded quite differently than they did in the real world. Often set some time after the event (called a "Point of Divergence"), such stories typically describe a present-day world vastly changed by the difference or follow another major historical event in light of the change.
Alternate Timeline[]
A specific event or point in time where a single timeline has split into two or more.
Anti-Hero Rock[]
A subgenre derived from rock, metal, and alternative music created in the late 1980s by Trent Reznor, serving as a response against the cliché trappings of hero rock, a deconstruction of masked vigilante culture, and political protest against Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
Asiatic Americas[]
The region comprising the State of Vietnam and the Commonwealths of Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Thailand.
B[]
Black Mask[]
A subgenre of hero cinema that emerged in the United States during the 1970s. They were responses or parodies of masked vigilantes featuring predominantly black characters. Notable examples include The Black Superman, Sister Night, Tarantula, and Batman.
(See Also: Black Mask)
Blue Sunday[]
An irradiated material originating from the soil of the Crater, the location where Doctor Manhattan caused Cartwithen Castle in Gwynedd, North Wales to disappear unexpectedly.
(See Also: Blue Sunday)
C[]
Costumed Adventurer[]
Costumed adventurer, also known as a costumed vigilante, masked vigilante, costumed hero or superhero, is used to describe an individual that fights crime using a theatrical persona, often without legal authority, and often in violent ways.
Practitioners employ masks, costumes and codenames and may also employ specially designed and custom-built weapons to aid themselves, as in the case of Nite Owl II, who designed much of this type of weaponry on his own. Those who engage in this type of crime fighting possess a general belief that existing law enforcement either require assistance, or is somehow inadequate or even unwilling, in investigating, locating and/or apprehending criminals.
After the passing of the Keene Act, the only costumed adventurers permitted to use their trade legally are those who worked full-time for the government, including the Comedian and the world's only genuine superhuman, Doctor Manhattan.
Costumed Vigilante[]
(See Also: Costumed Adventurer)
Cherenkov Radiation[]
Electromagnetic radiation emitted when a charged particle (such as an electron) passes through a dielectric medium at a speed greater than the phase velocity (speed of propagation of a wavefront in a medium) of light in that medium. Doctor Manhattan is known to emit this type of radiation. In the HBO series, it is referred to as Cherenkov-Glass radiation.
(See Also: Cherenkov Radiation)
D[]
E[]
Exocephalopodian[]
Another term used to describe exotic cephalopodian entities.
Exotic Cephalopodian Entities[]
Genetically engineered squid-like creatures manufactured by Adrian Veidt.
(See Also: Exotic Cephalopodian Entities)
Extra-Dimensional Anxiety[]
A mental and behavioral disorder that can develop because of exposure to a traumatic event involving the Dimensional Incursion Event or encounters with Exotic Cephalopodian Entities.
(See Also: Extra-Dimensional Anxiety)
Extrasensory Perception[]
ESP stands for Extrasensory Perception. The psychic powers of telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance. Forms and types of Extra-Sensory Perception:
- Precognition: The ability to see in the future.
- Clairvoyance: The ability to see in the future, in the past, and/or in the present in a way impossible to classic senses.
(See Also: Extrasensory Perception)
F[]
Free Vietnam[]
An independence movement created as a response against the United States' annexation of Vietnam following the war, and human rights violations against the Vietnamese people. Nations who’ve expressed support for the movement include the United Kingdom and China.
Futurology[]
The study of current trends in order to forecast future developments.
G[]
H[]
Hero Rock[]
Hero Rock is a subgenre derived from rock, metal, and alternative music characterized by the standard instruments of those genres often combined with references to masked vigilante culture. Most notable artists of this genre include Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Bomb the Bass, Spin Doctors, and Sons of Pale Horse.
I[]
Implicit-Association Tests[]
Tests that are used by psychologists to detect subconscious biases by measuring involuntary responses, much like "the pod" does (though not quite the same). The extent to which their results are accurate and meaningful is disputed, however.
J[]
K[]
L[]
Lithium[]
A soft, silvery-white alkali metallic element.
(See Also: Lithium)
M[]
M-Class[]
A technical categorization used to label products powered by lithium created by Doctor Manhattan.
Masked Vigilante[]
(See Also: Costumed Adventurer)
Manhattanology[]
A branch of physics dealing with the scientific study of Doctor Manhattan's powers and abilities.
Metafiction[]
Fiction within fiction; for example, Tales of the Black Freighter or American Hero Story.
Moth[]
An individual that uses wing-like flight suit technology similar to what Mothman used. Lewis' flight technology was successfully emulated by the pubic and evolved from the crude flight technology that he originally wore during his Minutemen days. It is notably used by photojournalists to capture photographs from high angles.
N[]
O[]
P[]
Point of Divergence[]
A specific event or point in time where a single timeline has split into two or more.
Q[]
R[]
Red Code Index[]
A content rating system that rates the suitability of TV broadcasts and movies in the United States.
(See Also: Red Code Index)
Retcon[]
A retcon (short for retroactive continuity) is a storyteller's tool that adds previously unknown material to a character or an event in a previous story. As with any tool, the quality of the finished product depends on the user's skill and intent.
S[]
Squidfalls[]
Global atmospheric occurrence of randomized downpours of fetal exotic cephalopodian entities manufactured by Adrian Veidt.
(See Also: Squidfalls)
Squidsploitation[]
A term to describe business tactics that were created to exploit society's fears of exotic cephalopodian entities through niche business markets from security to entertainment.
Superhuman[]
The term superhuman applies to a usually physical aptitude far beyond the range attainable by normal human beings. The term Enhanced refers to physical abilities that are not outside the theoretical limits of a normal human being but are not usually presented in an average human being for being, for example, impossible or too difficult to maintain in a practical way, so it can be considered a term for "light" superhuman abilities.
T[]
Tachyon[]
A particle that always travels faster than light.
(See Also: Tachyon)
Thermodynamic Miracle[]
An event so unlikely, it's effectively impossible, such as oxygen spontaneously becoming gold.
Transformation[]
To change in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose.
U[]
V[]
Veidtism[]
A term for the political ideologies, social emotions, political movements, and set of mechanisms for acquiring and maintaining control of power associated with Adrian Veidt and his fanbase.
W[]
Waxing[]
A slang term use to describe overdosing on Nostalgia pills.
Wertham Spectrum[]
A range of psychological and ideological classifications used to identify the behavioral patterns and motivations of costumed adventurers.
(See Also: Wertham Spectrum)