What’s Inside:

Allan Moore’s now-classic and brilliant series which teams up various characters from Victorian fiction returns in this second volume, is set against the backdrop of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. The League encounters the first wave of invading Martians, Mr. Hyde reveals an unexpected tenderness for teammate Mina, and the Invisible Man betrays the earth to the Martians. 

Writer: Alan Moore

Artist: Kevin O’Neal

Publisher: ABC (DC)

Why I Kept This Issue:

Yes, I love my superheroes, and it is very, very, very rare that I stray from DC and Marvel fare and franchises to read more indie stuff (though, not sure if this counts as indie). But this, this series right here, is, hands down, my FAVORITE single comic book series of all time. 

I reread these books in their graphic novel forms (of which I have two copies each) once a year. They are exciting and intriguing. A reader can get lost in the details and Easter Eggs and hidden references in each and every panel, and it helps to have the guides which explain them all. I own the comics, the original hardcovers, and the Absolute Editions.

These comics are simply brilliant. I can’t stress that enough. So well researched and inspired, a clever and simple premise; if you’ve never read this series, you simply must. 

Attached Memory:

These comics were published while I was in college, and solidified my lifelong fascination with Victorian literature. This issue in particular inspired me to do an independent study at Otterbein College! 

After taking a few English courses that featured some Vic lit, I knew I had to learn more. Unfortunately, there was no dedicated Victorian literature course. There was, however, a Victorianist on staff; the vice president of the school itself, Dr. Frick. I approached Dr. Frick about officiating my independent study, being my instructor and grader, my personal professor, and she agreed!

This, anyone following this blog, is my single most rewarding college experience. One of my favorite, warmest, and most fulfilling of memories. Dr. Frick and I would hold our one-on-one classes in her beautiful office. We collaborated on the curriculum together, chose a text book, and which novels we would include in the course. That quarter I got to read Hard Times by Charles Dickens (loved it), The Warden by Anthony Trollope (hated it), and North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (ADORED it), and finally The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, whose old balls I would lick if I could. 

I got an “A”, naturally, and learned a lot. I still have each of those books, and add another Victorian novel under my belt every year or so. I will always remember Dr. Frick’s brilliant mind and her gentle smile and the confidence that she gave me to believe in myself and my accomplishments. I even dedicated my book to her and few other professors who impacted me. 

Condition of My Copy:I have barely touched this issue, since I read the hardcovers instead.