The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen [ペーパーバック]

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.

Enjoy!

This "book" is an ambitious, epic, jumbled compendium of genius. Only the twisted, brilliant mind of Alan Moore could create a masterpiece like this. What is it about- what is the plot? I don't really know. I do know that it's a series of many plots, from the many classic stories that inform Alan Moore's work. There is no better read writer in comics than Alan Moore- nowhere can you read of so many myths, fables and stories in the same volume. Some of it reaches the greatest heights, while other parts of it are a jumbled mess, especially the part that lampoons "On The Road" by Kerouac. Tell me a book that includes erotic tales, pornographic cartoons, Shakespearean plays, the story of Orlando in comic form, a parody of "On The Road" and spy genre. Oh, and several pages of mind-blowing 3-D comics.

This hardcover book is one of the only books that even plays with the very physical thing that is a book. Each part of the book is actually printed on different stock of paper, and different sizes at times. The 3-D portion is amazingly entertaining. (Full Disclosure: I'm so sick of 3D movies I vow to never see another one again- yet this 3D comic really pops off the page).

What is it all about? Ultimately, it's a celebration of the glory that is storytelling, the creative mind. Readers of "Fables" will recognize the story is actually about... stories! Moore finally lays out his theme of joyous, rampant, mad creativity when the wizard at the end says:

"Rejoice! Imagination's quenchless pyre burns on, a beacon to eternity, it's triumphs culture's proudest pinnacles when great wars are ingloriously forgot. Here is our narrative made paradise, brief tales made glorious continuity. Here champions and lovers are made safe from bowdlerizer's quill, or fad, or fact. Here are brave banners of romance unfurled...to blaze forever in a blazing world!"

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.