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Set in an alternative Victorian England, a team of unique individuals is assembled to aid Her Majesty’s Empire when its capital is in a time of impending peril.
I was first introduced to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 2003, when the film adaptation was released. Though I did not think much of the movie itself, I did enjoy the idea of different literary characters banding together to be the Victorian version of the Avengers or the Justice League. So, nine years later, I decided to buy the graphic novel after finding it in a bookstore.
The graphic novel and the movie are very different. I prefer the roster of the graphic novel, as well as the team dynamics where Mina is the leader instead of Quatermain. Even the characterization of each member was better in the graphic novel, though I did not like how Mina needed to be saved twice at the beginning of the story (on the plus side, her independent spirit, headstrong personality, and capable leadership make up for it). Every member of the League has a deep flaw or issue which he (or she) must grapple with, giving the characters depth.
As a self-proclaimed literature nerd, I was very amused by all the well-placed literary references and allusions. I also liked how Kevin O’Neill didn't try to make the images glamorous as other period pieces. It is only fitting since the story itself is gritty as opposed to glamorous.
The plot, too, was better than the one used in the movie, though I agree with Allan Moore’s statement that some plots are really only fit to be in comic form. This might be one of them, unless an extremely clever artistic teams can find a way to make this one work onscreen.
Well, on to the next book!
Until always,
Lemonjuicesodapop
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