GRAPHIC NOVELS

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Omnibus Edition

Kevin O'Neill (illus.). Vertigo. Sept. 2013. 416p. ISBN 9781401240837. pap. $29.99. F
COPY ISBN
OrangeReviewStarThis paperback reprint edition comprises the first two volumes of writer Moore (From Hell) and illustrator O'Neill's (Marshal Law) classic metafictional adventure series finds the League firing on all cylinders, delivering entertainment as well as stories and ideas which are both clever and substantial enough to justify the basic conceit: characters from public-domain literature (e.g. Allan Quatermain, Captain Nemo, Mina Murray, Jekyll & Hyde, the Invisible Man & more) brought together Justice League-style to fight outsized dastardly doings such as world domination by air (Volume 1) and a Martian invasion (Volume 2). Fans of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells may be shocked by the dark tone and the blunt graphic portrayals of sex and violence. Others will see the consistency of Moore's MO: sequential art which acknowledges the exhilarating qualities of the work of his predecessors without ignoring the unsavory aspects. No new extras here, but the cover galleries and additional artwork and prose included remain delectable.
VERDICT Essential for all but the most easily-offended readers of graphic novels or popular fiction. Violent, sexual, and drug-related content; suitable for teens & up.
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