Underwhelming. Acclaimed author Alan Moore continues the “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Black Dossier” trend of being more interested in navel-gazing than storytelling. The navel-gazing is intriguing, and features excellent art by Kevin O’Neill, who uses an almost-lithographic style that complements the period feel.
But while Moore has some interesting plot points to work with–the stirring of an occult conspiracy and the bloody ascendancy of Captain Nemo’s daughter to her pirate throne–he seems more interested in crafting bon mots for genderbending hero Orlando and dancehall tunes to match the action.
This installment of a larger story doesn’t feel self-contained, as advertised. Moore’s impressive creativity is lessened as he returns to the well of “Jack the Ripper,” with diminishing returns.
Yeah, for me, League has become more of a treasure hunt for old British literary references than any kind of actual story. Frankly I think Moore has been in his “I am a literary God and I’ll write whatever pleases me with no concern for how it will appeal to my audience” phase for a decade or two now.
I enjoyed the same approach in “Black Dossier,” but I viewed that as a departure/sourcebook. I had more expectations for a narrative in “1910.”
I agree on the “literary God” charge, although I am a big Tom Strong fan…which is still about a decade old. Wow.