7 Comics by Alan Moore That Aren't Watchmen

Alan Moore revolutionized the comics world by venturing into territories previously unexplored. Kicking off his illustrious career in England through works like Warrior and 2000 A.D., he later moved to DC Comics, taking on Saga of the Swamp Thing. This groundbreaking series transformed comics forever, earning Moore the title as DC’s most gifted writer. This paved the way for Watchmen, a work that placed comics on par with the most intricate literary masterpieces. Often hailed as the greatest comic of all time, Watchmen solidified Moore’s reputation. Remarkably, Moore imbued every piece he created with the same level of careful craftsmanship, captivating narratives, and well-developed characters that made Watchmen an immediate classic.

Moore no longer participates in the comic world, yet his work has produced an impressive collection of some of the greatest comics ever penned. Every comic enthusiast, at least once, will be captivated by Watchmen, but simply reading that celebrated book is a mistake. The seven stories penned by Moore represent the zenith of his writing talent, and any dedicated fan of Moore’s should not miss out on them.

Jerusalem

We kick off our list of Alan Moore’s top stories with the intricate, enigmatic 1266-page novel “Jerusalem“. Set across three sections in Northampton where Alan Moore was raised, this book unfolds in the Boroughs and follows the Vernalls, a family with an unusual destiny, as they navigate their lives. Simultaneously, it delves into the history of the Boroughs and Northampton. This story is intricate without a straightforward conclusion – there’s no climactic moment that neatly ties up all loose ends. Instead, its charm lies in the journey, making readers feel instantly connected to the characters. Reading it feels like listening to Moore narrate with his unique Northampton accent adding depth to the narrative. The writing is rich and poetic, pulling readers in effortlessly. In “Jerusalem“, Moore pushes the boundaries of novel-writing, featuring a poem chapter, a chapter written from an insane character’s perspective using coded nonsense, and a chapter intended as a stage play. It’s a grand but challenging work, not for every reader. But for those it’s meant for, “Jerusalem” showcases the art of storytelling that highlights the power of people in a harsh world.

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’s entire narrative unfolds across various series, including “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 2,” “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier,” “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century,” “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Nemo Trilogy,” and “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Tempest.” Alan Moore, in collaboration with artist Kevin O’Neill, crafted this remarkable series, aiming to build a universe populated by characters from popular culture that they could legally use, along with some they definitely could have. This captivating epic traverses over a century of history, immersing readers in the era of the British Empire to unveil the League’s origins throughout the ages while transporting the characters into the 20th and 21st centuries. It’s an extraordinary piece, one that readers will meticulously study, seeking every reference hidden within O’Neill’s exquisite artwork. Among all, “The Nemo Trilogy” is arguably the most enchanting, a story of love, loss, and life that offers a fresh perspective on mortality.

V for Vendetta

The graphic novel “V for Vendetta,” penned by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd, is one of Moore’s most recognized works, with a film adaptation in 2006 being based on it. In this alternate 1997, Britain opted to host American nuclear missiles, resulting in a restricted nuclear conflict that the UK managed to endure. A repressive group known as Norsefire seized power in the nation, establishing a bleak future characterized by religion, racial superiority, and heteronormativity. One evening, a young woman named Evey steps out past curfew and encounters the fingermen, sinister police officers working for the enigmatic V. Evey becomes embroiled in a world of chaos and brutality as V carries out a secret vendetta against the government. “V for Vendetta” is a pioneering piece of anti-fascist literature, demonstrating how free societies can be manipulated by those who claim power and righteousness, and the heavy price they pay. This politically charged work from Moore remains just as relevant today as it was forty years ago.

“American Gothic”

Alan Moore’s work on Swamp Thing is generally outstanding, and it’s hard to leave it off this list. However, among all his stories, “American Gothic” stands out as the one that truly showcases what made Moore’s time on Swamp Thing so special. This story, which spans from issue #37 to #50, was collaboratively created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, John Totleben, Rick Veitch, Stan Woch, Ron Randall, and Tajtana Wood. In this tale, John Constantine enlists Swamp Thing’s help to prevent a powerful South American magic tribe from summoning the Great Darkness and destroying everything. This story delves into the dark aspects of America, taking readers from unsettling Americana to the depths of Hell itself, demonstrating Moore at his creative peak. The story is intricate, full of unexpected twists, and packed with layers of meaning that continually surprise the reader. It’s a truly remarkable piece of work.

WildC.A.T.s (Vol. 1) #21-34

Alan Moore’s tenure on the WildC.A.T.s comic series isn’t often highlighted, but it’s worth noting for its exceptional storytelling despite a relatively shallow premise. Unlike his groundbreaking works, it didn’t revolutionize comics as a whole, and some might argue that his other work, Supreme, surpasses it. However, Moore’s take on WildC.A.T.s showcases the potential of a skilled writer even with a limited foundation.

Collaborating with artists like Travis Charest, Jim Lee, and others, Moore reintroduced a new team to replace the original, which was believed dead but actually journeyed to the Kherubim homeworld after the events of Sword of Damocles. While the new team battled villains, the original explored the true nature of the Kherubim in an alien empire. As a looming threat manipulated both teams like pieces on a chessboard, a game orchestrated by a single, enigmatic player.

Moore delved deeper into these characters than any other writer, creating iconic figures such as Ladytron and TAO. It’s simply top-notch team comic book storytelling, displaying Moore’s ability to elevate a property that wasn’t particularly recognized for its depth. While not universally acclaimed, it’s remarkable in its own right and deserves far more recognition than it currently receives.

Miracleman

When discussing Alan Moore and deconstruction of superheroes, most people immediately think of his work on “Watchmen.” However, it’s argued that his most profound deconstruction actually began years prior to “Watchmen,” while Moore was still in the UK. This groundbreaking work is none other than “Marvelman” (also known as “Miracleman” in the US). Originally a British imitation of Captain Marvel, this story transformed the character and its narrative with depth and complexity.

Moore’s tenure on “Miracleman” offered readers an unprecedented epic, one that delved into the essence of what a superhero could be in a world akin to ours. It’s a dark, hopeful, and intricate tale, stripping away layers to uncover the core of heroism and its potential for corruption.

Moore collaborated with notable artists such as Gary Leach, Alan Davis, Rick Veitch, Jon Totleben, and even future controversial comic book writer Chuck Austen. The visuals they created are nothing short of awe-inspiring, with Totleben’s work standing out, particularly the double-page spread depicting the aftermath of a superhuman rampage and the unveiling of Miracleman’s Olympus.

“Miracleman” is a story that can be both chilling and inspiring, a narrative that takes the superhero genre to its ultimate conclusion in a poignant ending for the ages. This work is truly unique.

From Hell

In the graphic novel “From Hell,” Alan Moore collaborates with artist Eddie Campbell to delve into the chilling account of Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror in Whitechapel. This gripping narrative is told from various viewpoints, including the victims, Sir William Gull, the suspected murderer and high-ranking Freemason, Inspector Abberline, and numerous others. “From Hell” plunges readers into the murky depths of late Victorian England, offering a chilling exploration of power dynamics and their impact on the underprivileged. This masterpiece serves as both a commentary on the emergence of the modern world and a haunting tale of the Ripper’s reign. There simply is no other way to describe “From Hell” except as a flawless comic. Each page teems with intricate details and is imbued with vivid characters, creating a dark, evocative atmosphere that resonates deeply like a masterfully wielded razor-sharp knife by an expert hand. Moore’s exhaustively researched narrative will captivate readers, transporting them to 1888 London, while Campbell’s black-and-white art will lead them into a world shrouded in shadow and darkness, grime, elegance, and power. “From Hell” stands as one of Moore’s finest works, an utterly engrossing exploration of a story that has captivated the world for generations.

2025-03-19 05:10

7 Comics by Alan Moore That Aren’t Watchmen