The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Vol. III): Century (Top Shelf) Review

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Vol. III): Century

Top Shelf

Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill

Oct 24, 2014 Issue #51 - September/October 2014 - alt-J By Jeremy Nisen

Collecting three volumes that concerned Ms. Murray and Co. (1910, 1969, 2009), Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill demonstrate their mastery of comics storytelling in this sprawling, Easter-egg filled amalgamation of lit and pop culture. Half the fun is playing “Where’s Waldo”; the other half is in the increasingly dark escapades of the dwindling League. Highlights include the rise of a new Nemo, lots of screen time for Orlando (who may have replaced Mina as the star of this series), the ultimate fate of a long-time member, and a grotesque take on a kid-lit phenomenon.

Moore and O’Neill put a lot of work into this, and the reader almost necessarily needs to work just as hard to fully extract not just story, but meaning and commentary. Whereas the very first League stories were standalone, it is almost entirely necessary to have read the prior volumes to get the most out of what’s going on here. One’s reading is certainly enhanced by seeking out various online annotations. Small price; the series continues to merit discussion and debate, and, even with a cursory surface reading, is wholly interesting and enjoyable. (www.topshelfcomix.com)

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