An Extraordinary return to form

Having departed DC Comics for the indie environs of Top Shelf Comix, Alan Moore returns with his most fun work, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. And in this latest instalment, Century, the series is in rude health, with the meta-fictional concept as vigorous and compelling as ever. The first of three interconnecting volumes that will span 100 years, Chapter 1 of Century is set in 1910 as the rejuvenated Mina Murray and Allan Quartermain are joined by the immortal Orlando, gentleman thief Raffles and supernatural detective Carnacki in seeking out the catalyst for Apocalypse. Moore's use of Brecht's Threepenny Opera is a particularly innovative touch, but Kevin O'Neill's marvellous contribution cannot be overestimated - his grandiose visions of demented architecture, violent chaos and the realms of the strange are simply superb.