In an alternate world history shaped by superheroes, once-celebrated "costumed adventurers" have been banned by a society disenchanted with vigilantism. now, in 1985, the murder of the comedian, a hero-turned-government operative, draws the attention of rorschach, the last of the outlawed vigilantes. rorschach’s investigation embroils his retired colleagues, nite owl, silk spectre, dr. manhattan and ozymandias, in conflict with their pasts, with each other and in a mystery that threatens their lives and a world on the brink of war.