Contrariwise: Literary Tattoos Over 600 tattoos from books, poetry, music, and other sources.

10May/0911

Rorschach

watchmen

This image is from the comic Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. It is the signature/calling card of the vigilante Rorschach.  It was submitted by ElleVee:

Yes, I love the comic. Yes, I love the character of Rorschach. But I got this tattoo more for what it (and Rorschach) stood for. Not the character's opinions or quirks, (I'm not a homophobic/anti-woman hobo vigilante, to my knowledge, although I do eat sugar cubes) but for his ideals. He never compromised. He believed in something, and he fought for it, and never wavered in his belief, and was willing to do whatever it took to maintain those beliefs. Even when it would have been easier to give in and roll over, like everyone else, he stood fast, because it was right, and because sometimes that's what you have to do. He never doubted himself, and he made his own morals. Then he stood by them, without fear or regret. And as someone who has, throughout their life, been wracked with self-doubt, anxiety, and the tendency to bend to others' wills, I feel that this is something to remember. Not to be inflexible, but to be true to yourself and the things that are important to you, regardless of what others might say or think. Be who you are, without compromise or apology. Hold fast to your ideals (not politics or opinions, but ideals), and aspire for a better world.

Also, my friend pointed out the humor that the character of Rorschach would have enormous problems with my tattoo because, A) He doesn't seem like a tattoo kind of guy, and B) It's on a GIRL OH NOES. I too find this funny.

4Mar/092

Who Watches the Watchmen?

watchmen

You'll have to click on this one to view the full size.

This tattoo was submitted by w m r and reads "quis custodiet ipsos custodes". From Wikipedia:

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? is a Latin phrase from the Roman poet Juvenal, which literally translates to "Who will guard the guards themselves," and is variously translated in colloquial English as "Who watches the watchmen?"

The Watchmen movie is coming out tomorrow; have you read the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons yet?