Reviews

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  By Strangely - December 30, 2012 1:06 am Log in to Reply

  I watched V for Vendetta on the plane from Reykjavik to Seattle, and realized that I had never read that particular Alan Moore book. Since much of my personal political beliefs are quite in line with Moore’s this seems a glaring oversight, sadly the book was checked out, but I found this one instead.

  I have no prior knowledge of the Top 10 universe, but after this peek I’m keen to see a bit more. Superhero Comics (and indeed all genre fiction) are best when they are used to explore real human problems through a fantastical lens. Here the ideas of governmental corruption (a forté of Moore’s) and self-discovery (particularly for one young man and his sexuality) are pushing the story.

  Granted, there is something epic also going on with hordes of vampires, experiemental jets and steampunk broomsticks, but it all feels so small in comparison to the tidal forces within one human life. This is the kind of thing Moore et. al, always excels at (see watchmen), you’re almost annoyed when someone starts being a badass, because you know that in Moore’s worlds they’re probably covering for some pretty heavy personal drama.

  This book is a fun, but ultimately somewhat stunted romp through a universe, I wouldn’t be surprised to find is more compelling in it’s main book. It falls prone to what I’m sure is prequel syndrome (though I can’t confirm that till I read Top 10). Some of the characters seem so stock that their only purpose can be to fulfill some moment everyone already knows is coming. Still the art is gorgeous and worth a few hours of your time! Also it’s got a dude in it that I’d love to see go toe-to-toe with Tony Stark any day!