As one of the most universally acclaimed and beloved authors in comics, Alan Moore has had one of the most celebrated careers of any comic book writer. Alan Moore has penned more classic, genre-defining titles than almost any other. His influence can still be felt within the industry to this day.
While he may have formally retired from the world of comic books, his legacy shall live as the highest standard that a comic writer can hope to achieve. With so many brilliant titles under his belt, it can be daunting to know where to begin.
10 Future Shocks Proved Early On That He Was A Master Of The Craft
A long-running part of the iconic comic 2000AD, Tharg's Future Shocks are short, 4-page, self-contained stories with shocking twist endings. A mainstay of the British comic book world, the Future Shocks are usually considered a rite of passage for any burgeoning comics writer. No one has done them better than Alan Moore.
Managing to tell an interesting, gripping story in such a short space of time takes a true talent to get right. It is a testament to how great a writer that Moore is, and would become, that the Future Shocks are still held in such high regard.
9 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen Is A Fantastic Trip Through Literary History
Adapted into a much-reviled film, the original source material is one of the best comic book titles of the 2000s. The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen features a tantalizing and colorful cast pulled straight from classic Victorian fiction. Extraordinary Gentlemen is a brilliant journey through literary history, and filled to the brim with well known, and obscure, easter eggs and references.
Perfect for fans of classic fiction, mystery, intrigue, and suspense, Extraordinary Gentlemn guarantees to delight readers. The decades-spanning journey of its main cast will keep fans gripped from start to finish, and is well worth checking out.
8 Captain Britain Reinvented The Classic Character And Made It His Own
While Captain Britain had already been established prior to Moore's takeover of the character, Moore's run defined him forever. Taking the title in a brave new direction, Captain Britain was filled with dimension-hopping adventure and sublime artwork by the equally as iconic, Alan Davis.
Captain Britain was Moore's breakthrough into the mainstream comic book world of super-heroics and feels like an expression of everything he had been building up until that point. Introducing elements that are still paramount to the character to this day, Captain Britain is an essential piece in the Alan Moore, and Marvel, catalogue.
7 Promethea Is An Esoteric, Experimental Voyage That Is Impossible To Forget
Promethea is seeped in the mysticism and supernatural wonder that Moore has come to be so frequently associated with. Promethea is a wonderful journey through the mind of the genius writer. Featuring the reincarnation of an Ancient Egyptian deity, this is the kind of esoteric tale that only Moore could tell.
Breath-taking artwork by the phenomenal J. H. Williams III helps to weave the narrative through the bizarre and uncanny. Promethea is one of the most unique and mind-bending comic books ever made.
6 The Killing Joke Is One Of The Most Definitive Batman Stories Ever Told
Widely regarded as one of the best Batman stories is Alan Moore's fantastic The Killing Joke. The Killing Joke is a terrifying glimpse into the frightening lengths that The Joker will reach to get beneath the skin of the Dark Knight. Featuring incredible artwork by Brian Bolland, The Killing Joke is well and truly worth the hype.
There are few titles as important to any comic book character as this. The Killing Joke helped to define Batman, The Joker, Jim Gordon, and Barbara Gordon for decades. As far as essential Batman stories go, there are few as important as The Killing Joke.
5 V For Vendetta Still Feels As Relevant Today As Ever
One of the defining comic books of the 1980s is V For Vendetta. V For Vendetta is the story of a future dystopian Great Britain, under the thumb of an all-controlling government. The book follows the people who fight against its tyranny. Spawning the iconic Guy Fawkes mask, V For Vendetta is still held in very high regard.
Shaped by Moore's own political views at the time, this is a very personal project. Vendetta feels as lovingly produced. While it is steeped in the politics of the time, the most terrifying thing about Vendetta is that it's still so relevant.
4 The Ballad Of Halo Jones Is Moore's Unfinished Masterpiece
Arguably the most celebrated of Moore's work for 2000AD, The Ballad Of Halo Jones is the life-spanning tale of the titular character and her journey through the stars. While it was highly praised, a dispute between Moore and the publisher of 2000AD meant that the tale would go unfinished.
Despite the fact that Halo Jones lacks a definitive ending, that should be no reason for readers not to delve into this emotionally engaging series. Halo Jones will forever go down as one of Moore's best works.
3 Saga Of The Swamp Thing Is Still The Characters Greatest Depiction
Alan Moore's greatest run on a mainstream comic book title is without a doubt Saga Of The Swamp Thing. Moore truly impacted a previously established superhero. Moore had previously revived interest in characters, like Captain Britain at Marvel. But, it was his impact on Swamp Thing at DC that would truly change the trajectory of the industry.
An emotional rollercoaster with heavy themes of environmentalism, Moore would take the struggling character and catapult him into the spotlight of the DC Universe. It made Swamp Thing one of the most important and pivotal entities at the company. Saga Of The Swamp Thing is as essential as it is gripping and engaging.
2 Watchmen Changed The Entire Industry Forever
Regarded by many as the greatest comic book of all time, Watchmen's influence cannot be overstated. A fresh, postmodern take, Watchmen changed the way that comic books were perceived. Having deconstructed the past few decades of superhero comics, Watchmen would usher in self-aware, hard-hitting, and mature comics that brought the industry to a new era.
Many have tried to copy Watchmen's success with similar takes, but few have come close to having the poignancy or vibrant feeling of the original. It is impossible to imagine the comic book industry as we know it today without Watchmen.
1 From Hell Is A Literary, Meticulously Researched Milestone For The Medium
From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell is arguably the writer's magnum opus. A giant tome that delves into the eternal mystery of London serial killer Jack the Ripper, From Hell is a work of art. As shocking, terrifying, and impossible to put down as ever, From Hell needs to be seen to be believed. There are few sources on Jack the Ripper as well researched and enjoyable to consume than this. Equal parts mystery thriller and exploration of Victorian Britain, From Hell is an essential piece of unforgettable literature.