Talk about your unique settings! LoEG is an alternate fictional timeline, teaming up turn of the century characters such as Mina Murray (Dracula), Allan Quatermain (King Solomon's Mines), Captain Nemo (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, and Mycroft Holmes (brother of Sherlock Holmes). When a mysterious enemy threatens the British Empire, this rag-tag group of misfits is called together to defend it - whether they want to or not.
Perfect for fans of Victoriana and Steampunk, author Alan Moore does everything he can to capture the aura of period penny dreadfuls and mewspapers. From to font to the creator biographies, everything in this book is planned to reflect the spirit and aesthetic of the time. It is jam-packed with juicy mystery, scandalous humour, and mile-a-minute action chases and fights.
Led by the secretive Mina Murray, whose past and qualifications are complete unknowns to her teammates, the League must track down and reclaim a stolen chemical agent possessing the power of flight. Along for the ride is Allan Quatermain, a once famous adventurer, now brought low by a life of opium addiction. These two lie at the heart of the team, their quarrelsome relationship propelling their exploit forward. Other members include the scoundrel Griffin (the Invisible Man) who has been using his powers for lascivious crime, Captain Nemo commander of the submarine The Nautilus, Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde, the split personality who becomes a monster, and their boss and contact, Campion Bond. What could convince a group such as this to work together for the good of Great Britain? Money. Money and a chance at redemption.
I was especially impressed by the writing of the character Mina. She is portrayed as the ideal Victorian woman, a pillar of moral integrity and formal manners, but with brains and no how not usually associated with the "gentler sex". She is an enigma to her teammates, especially Quatermain, who is simultaneous infuriated and attracted to her. All they can find out about her is that in the previous year she ran into some "strange business" and came out of it divorced from her previous husband, Jonathan Harker. The only person who seems to know of Mina's past with Count Dracula is their contact with British Intelligence, Campion Bond, preported grandfather of James Bond. Mina is a strong, take action sort of person, with no patience or tolerance for nonsense. She comes into the role of leader naturally, and demands respect.
I truly loved this book. It was almost a guilty pleasure, really. The art was eccentric and gothy, filled with thin lines and twisted angles. The dialogue is fast, funny, and impeccable. The pacing is tight and quick, and for a book populated with pre-existing characters, it had no shortage of surprises. For lovers of classic literature, Mr. Moore went to great lengths to include nuggets of obscure goodness throughout. I will definitely be continuing on to the next volume.
A+
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