Battle in time and space – review of the comic book “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”, vol. 1

The collective edition of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore was first published on the Polish market in 2003. Can it still be of interest to new readers after almost twenty years?

 

The fight with the mysterious doctor

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen tells the adventures of unusual heroes, because the teams include characters taken from famous literary works, i.e. Captain Nemo, Doctor Jekyll, The Invisible Man, Allan Quatermain and Wilhelmina Murray. Alan Moorethe opening pages focus on the birth of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Mina travels around the world recruiting more members to finally take on the task commissioned by Campion Bond. They must recover the cavorite (anti-gravity material) that the mysterious Doctor has stolen. This comic makes an amazing impression due to the numerous references to other works! In addition to the protagonists, this work also features Auguste Dupin straight from the prose of Edgar Allan Poe or iconic heroes created by Arthur Conan Doyle. The plot, although absurd at times, keeps a high level. There’s plenty of action, unexpected twists, and high stakes. If you look closely at the comic, you can see some shortcomings, for example, how does England’s enemy, Captain Nemo, agreed to work for British Intelligence? Nor do I have the slightest idea why Mr. Edward Hyde, filled with animal rage and hatred, did not tear his comrades apart. However, when you do not ask such questions, reading will pass very pleasantly. Especially since the characters are a bunch of fascinating individualists. I was especially impressed by Wilhelmina Murray, who is an excellent leader. It exudes strength and firmness. The invisible man, on the other hand, resembles an immature, malicious teenager with his behavior. I also like the verbal skirmishes between the individual members of the group. It is a pity that the texts spoken in a foreign language did not receive a translation in the form of a footnote. So when Miss Murray meets Muslims, we have no idea

Dr Jekyll or Mr Edward Hyde?

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen also amazes with its rich content. In addition to the 150-page comic book, there are also various extras on twenty pages. Among other things, a short story called Allan and the Torn Veil . It’s a perfect complement, because we find out what the previously infamous traveler struggled with and why he was found in an opium den. It is a pity that Alan Moore at the beginning of the chapters unnecessarily recalls what happened before. In addition to an intriguing story, there are covers at the end, an interesting coloring book, as well as trivia about such an invention as the Łajnoped.

The graphic design has its own unique charm. The fight scenes are extremely brutal. Mr. Hyde literally tears his opponents apart and Captain Nemo pierces them with his harpoon launcher! The character designs are also impressive. I paid particular attention to the wild, almost grotesque Mr. Hyde, and also to Miss Murray with a terribly small waist.

Is it worth joining the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen?

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is an amazing adventure that stays in your memory for longer. An unusual team of heroes, an absurd, crazy mission, and numerous references to the works of various authors. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also an intriguing story in the volume! After reading the comic, I immediately reached for the next part, because I was convinced that the continuation of the adventures of such an amazing team must be at least outstanding.