Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Alan Moore Storyteller


I first encountered Alan Moore's writing (although I wasn't aware of it at the time) in Marvelman. It wasn't until later when DC Comics introduced him with the release of Swamp Thing #21 entitled 'Anatomy Lesson' that I saw him listed as the writer.


To say the least, I was blown away! From that point on I became a huge fan of Moore's work. Alan would go on to write the critically acclaimed Watchmen, The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the entire American Comics imprint for DC Comics and dozens of other cutting edge stories-all of which pushed the boundaries of storytelling.


Alan Moore Storyteller, the new book from Universe Publishing and author Gary Spencer Millidge, chronicles the life of one of the most unusual and innovative writers of our time: Alan Moore.


The story begins in the Boroughs of Northampton, England with his fascination for comic books and all things literary. Later he would go on to write and illustrate his own book of poetry, experiment with Underground Comics and write for 2000 A.D.


It would be his work on Captain Britain and Marvelman that would catch the attention of DC Comics whom he soon would write an impressive library of work for. But it would be his work on Swamp Thing and Watchmen that would forever elevate Alan to the respected position he is now.


After a dispute with DC Comics, Alan would leave mainstream comics for a season and venture out into small press projects, continue to ply in the magical arts and become a much sought after guest speaker and lecturer.


Few people realize that besides being an accomplished writer and storyteller Alan is also a songwriter, musician and singer. A special CD containing a selection of Alan's work is also included with this lavishly illustrated book.


Alan Moore is responsible in large part for bringing comic books into the mainstream, he's encouraged comic book companies to look for talent overseas and he continues to challenge and inspire artists and writers to push the limits of their creativity.


If it not for Alan Moore's work for DC Comics there would be no Vertigo imprint and because of his cinematic writing technique its doubtful many of the 'super hero' movies being produced today would not have been made. Three of his creations: Watchmen, V For Vendetta and The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen have all been made into films.


Writer, artist, and musician-is there nothing Alan Moore can't do? He is a Renaissance Man in the true meaning of the phrase.

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