Reviews of graphic novels and comic book collections every Tuesday and Thursday.


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The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vols. 1 & 2 by Alan Moore
A question I've been asked about this blog is "Wow, how can you afford to buy all those graphic novels?" The answer is "I can't." I get a few dollars from Amazon when someone buys something from them after coming through this blog and I usually spend that money on graphic novels. But for the most part, I depend on the excellent resources of my local library, the Columbus Metropolitan Library system. They have an outstanding collection (found in the 741 section using the Dewey Decimal system) and are continually adding to it. The downside is that I often have to wait weeks or months until a) the library gets the book and b) I make it to the top of the waiting list. Maybe someday this blog will be popular enough that publishers will send me their new books prior to the release date. Until then, you may get slightly dated reviews.

Such is the case with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Although I read Volume 1 (2000, America's Best Comics, Amazon listing) a few years ago, I figured I'd give it another read before diving in to Volume 2 (2003, America's Best Comics, Amazon listing). Everyone is probably aware of Alan Moore's Victorian super team, but as a quick recap: when England faces times of crisis, the British Intelligence gathers adventures to protect it. As the nineteenth century draws to a close, a danger approaches and Mina Murray (who may have had dealings with vampires, Allan Quatermain, Dr. Jekyll, the Invisible Man, and Captain Nemo are brought together to defeat it. (Notice that Dorian Grey and Tom Sawyer are not on this list.)

The first volume introduces the characters and sends them to obtain a stolen cavorite, an anti-gravity material that could be used against the British Empire. In the second volume, the League is asked to help defend against invading Martians (a la The War of the Worlds).

Moore's books, unlike the movie, is quite intelligent. While the adventurous plot seems a bit simple, Moore adds twists, surprises and rewards a close reader with in-jokes and literary history. On top of which Kevin O'Neill's art is brilliant. The backgrounds are so detailed that they require as close of a reading as Moore's text. Unfortunately, by the end of book two, Moore leaves little room for the team to get back together. After a betrayal by one member and the death of another, things look grim. Fortunately, as long as there are characters in the public domain, there is the potential for another League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vols. 1 & 2 4.5 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:28 AM