I've been a fan of Alan Moore's work since the 80's. It was so much fun being a young teenager and reading Miracleman, Swamp Thing, Watchmen etc. as they came out new each month.
I stopped reading comics around the age of 20 (this is not a slight on the industry; I just became engrossed in other things at that stage of my life) but would occasionally check out Love and Rockets or something like that because the medium is still so great - and untapped still, in many ways.
I have recently re-introduced myself to comics and have enjoyed a lot of great work that has been produced over the past 20 years or so. I have read the first two volumes of 'League' and must say that this third volume is not only the best one - but one of the best comic-reading experiences I've ever had.
It's different. It's new - it invites the reader to explore a story from several different angles/mediums and thus enjoy a story in a new way. And really, it's a celebration of fantasy, science fiction and anything in literature that has pushed the envelope, from a thematic or story-telling perspective. The final poem at the end is a declaration of this celebration, and I defy you to not read it and smile.
Alan Moore, Kevin O'Neill and Ben Dimagmaliw (who is the wonderful colorist and deserves his share in credits for this book) have continued on with the adventures of Mina, Quartermain and company in comic book fashion. They also include "picture books" (The Life of Orlando, which is a highlight and is intended as a reference to be used throughout the novel), a 'new' play by Shakespeare (Alan knocks it out of the park here, lots of fun), Beatnik style writing ala Ginsberg and Kerouac, and a merry-making ending that is in 3-D (this is the League in the Fabulous Fifties, after all!) and features an inspired and heartfelt poem at the end. In fact, I would say the ending is as heartfelt as anything I've ever read from Moore - and all you fans out there know that 'heartfelt' is a word not often used to describe his writing.
This is a story to read in several sittings, like a long novel. It's to be savored .. you can go back, look at something hinted at earlier, etc. Like Watchmen, there are a number of 'easter eggs' throughout this work, as well as all kinds of clues .. and allusions abound. It's a graphic novel for folks who love reading! Especially if you love reading classic Science Fiction and Fantasy.
I applaud Alan Moore for making this and hopes he keeps stretching the medium and possibilities even farther. Alan - if you're reading this - good job! Keep going! Maybe you and Kevin can hook up with Steve Bissette and make a comic book equivalent of Trout Mask Replica. Not that your work on Swamp Thing wasn't absolute brilliance ..! I'm just saying, if any team could redefine what's possible in the comics medium, the way Beefheart played in his own sandbox with American music, it's you guys.
For those still reading this review, I apologize for the meandering. I just finished the book and am pretty enthusiastic. I'll likely edit this later. It's worth buying the hardcover if you like to be challenged and want to experience something different. |
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier Books In Print, Audio Books.