3) Rorschach
Watchmen is the definitive take on anti-superheroes, as part of what it does is explore the less wholesome reasons why people would become costumed crime-fighters. Doctor Manhattan was caught in a tragic scientific accident and then used as a propaganda tool. For Nite Owl, it’s a juvenile fantasy/mid-life crisis. And the Comedian just wanted an excuse to butcher people.
Rorschach – as brilliantly played by Jackie Earle Haley in Zack Snyder’s 2009 film – is the most compelling of Watchmen’s anti-heroes, though, as he is such a fascinating psychological case. He is absolutely committed to cleaning up his city, but due to an increasing revulsion at the criminal classes he becomes a zero-tolerance vigilante.
His costumed alter ego also completely overtakes his own personality to the extent that he sees his mask as his real face. Make no mistake, this guy is nuts, but he is the only one of the Watchmen to stick to their values.