Description
Book SynopsisA complete guide to the comics work of the writer Alan Moore, this book helps readers explore one of the genre's most important, compelling and subversive writers. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers: Moore's comics career from his early work in 2000AD to his breakthrough graphic novels and his later battles with the industry Moore's major works including
Watchmen,
V for Vendetta,
Saga of the Swamp Thing and
Promethea Key themes and contexts from Moore's subversion of the superhero genre and metafictional techniques to his creative collaborations and battles with the industry for creator control Critical approaches to Moore's workThe book includes a bibliography of critical work on Moore and discussion questions for classroom use.
Trade ReviewAyres' comprehensive study explores Moore in all his contradictions: a superstar who was exploited by the system; a champion of minority representation who has been criticised for his use of stereotypes; the man who made graphic novels 'grim and gritty' yet embraced gentle comedy alongside dark realism. This critical examination is perfect for those discovering Moore, but long-term fans will also find new angles and insights, encouraging them to revisit the work of this towering, complex figure. * Will Brooker, Professor of Film and Cultural Studies, Kingston University London, UK *
In
Alan Moore: A Critical Guide, Jackson Ayres takes on the daunting task of covering Alan Moore’s career historically, chronologically, formally, thematically and ideologically. He does so with impressive thoroughness, sensitivity and panache. Ayres reminds us of why Alan Moore is so important to the history of comics in the first place, while also productively and impressively examining recent challenges to his canonical status. This book is a great place to start for Moore fans, but also for those who are more skeptical about his work’s value and relevance. Ayres leaves very few stones unturned in the quest to grapple with Moore, his legacy, and the development of the comics medium and industry over the past 40 years. * Eric Berlatsky, Professor of English, Florida Atlantic University, USA *
Table of ContentsDedication Series Editor’s Preface List of Figures Acknowledgments 1. Introduction Do We Need Moore? The Original Writer A Guide to this Guide
2. Historical and Biographical Contexts Mage of the Midlands Thatcherism The British Invasion Creator Rights
3. Key Texts, Part One Invading British Comics Origins
2000 A.D.: Short Stories,
Skizz,
DR and Quinch, and
The Ballad of Halo Jones The Bojeffries Saga Reinventing Superheroes: Britain
Marvelman/
Miracleman Captain Britain V for Vendetta Reinventing Superheroes: America
The Saga of the Swamp Thing Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? The Killing Joke Watchmen 4. Key Texts, Part Two Horrors of History
From Hell A Small Killing Big Numbers Brought to Light Re-Imagining Superheroes
1963 Supreme Moore’s ‘90s Superheroes Cultural Commons “In Pictopia”
Lost Girls The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen America’s Best Comics
Tom Strong Tomorrow Stories Top 10 Promethea Histories of Horror Lovecraft Cycle:
The Courtyard,
Neonomicon, and
Providence Crossed + 100 Cinema Purgatorio 5. Critical Questions Themes and Techniques Intertextuality Magic Psychogeography Englishness Representations Race Sexuality Sexual Violence
6. Social and Cultural Impact Authorship and Ownership The Revised Superhero Mature Readers? Politics and/of Comics Cultural Remixing Moore After Comics, Comics After Moore
Glossary Works Cited Index
