Before we do or say anything else, let’s enjoy and appreciate this trailer for Watchmen. The classic graphic novel is getting a faithful animated adaptation. That’s what Warner Bros. says anyway. Judging from this trailer it doesn’t look like their lying either. The trailer for the Watchmen looks incredibly faithful to the original. Which brings us to our point and the sad truth about adaptations. Here it is: We should never assume that just because someone adapted a popular original work, that person is incredibly talented. No. They already had a road map. They didn’t invent anything.

If you look at the trailer for Watchmen chapters 1 and 2, you’ll see it bears a striking similarity to Zack Snyders adaptation. Meaning: The Watchmen was already storyboarded and ready to film. Just show us the graphic novel in moving pictures. That’s basically what happened. It looks like that point will really be driven home with the release of the animated Watchmen.

We could make versions of the adaptation arguments again and again. I honestly don’t want to dump all over someone just trying make movies or TV. Just let the record show: It’s far easier to adapt something than to create something out of nothing.