Amazing If you've never read anything by Alan Moore, this may just seem like a vulgar comic book to you. However, Alan Moore's goal was simply to retell the stories of classic writer's (with their intrinsic social commentary) in a modern medium.
A Modern Illustrated Classic In the 1960s I loved the "Classics Illustrated" series of comics. The stories were based, as the title implies, on classic novels. Perhaps my favorite was "Master of the World," based on the novel of the same name by Jules Verne. The science fiction theme and the characters created a wonderful world that appeared as though it could be real, rather than the complete fantasy of Superman or Marvel's venerable lineup of mutants and superheroes.
"The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" is reminiscent of those great Classics Illustrated comics, but with a much more adult edge. Early in the book we find Alan Quatermain addicted to opium and apparently well down the road to an oblivious death. We soon find Hawley Griffin, the "Invisible Man," creating multiple pregnancies attributed to either demons or saints. Clearly this story is far different from the comics I read as a youth. But what a story this is. While told with a distinctly adult edge, the story is an epic tale of some of the best literary characters of the Victorian era fighting against a villain intent on (what else?) conquering the world.
In the course of the travails of the dubiously phrased good guys a number of deaths occur, and the significantly less than pure predilections of our heroes form a dark base to a story that is nominally of good versus evil, but turns out to be more of evil versus not-as-evil.
The real marvel of the story is the style in which it was written. I have read many of the classics that form a basis for this graphic novel, and the style herein emulates that style in a disconcertingly exceptional way. There were points where I wondered how Alan Moore was able to capture the style of 100 years ago in a newly created novel. If there were gross inconsistencies with that style, I was unable to find them. Those unfamiliar with classic literature may find the style a bit difficult to read, but once you get into it you find that it challenges your mental abilities and makes you think about events and writing in a different way.
There have been few graphic novels for which I would provide more than a mild recommendation to another reader. In the case of this novel, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys graphic novels and classic literature, particularly adventure classics. If you enjoyed the "Classics Illustrated" series of books that date quite far into the past, you will find some similarities. However, be warned that this is clearly an adult story.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
