Follow the Clues to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 1910

This week comiXology added yet another great publisher to the list with the release of two fantastic Graphic Novel’s from none other than Top Shelf Productions. Known for quality indecent work and books by some of the biggest names in comics today Top Shelf is an excellent addition to the comiXology library. Among the releases today is the wildly popular third volume of Alan Moore’s League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Century 1910, an intriguing departure from the the first two outings in the series and an excellent precursor to the recently released Century 1969. Both Century books, along with a forthcoming third installment make up the third volume in the League series, and share Moore’ highly complex narrative hidden with almost more literary references than you could shake a copy pf Ulysses at.

To help you get started on the grand comic book quest that is League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 1910 we’ve compiled a quick list of some of the references included in the book. Think of them as hints, with even more of them hidden within Kevin O’ Neill’s gorgeous artwork, take a look at some of the annotations below then go download the book. You’ll be glad you did.

Hint #1: The Three Penny Opera- Moore adds music to the mix this time around as much of the books dialogue reads as songs sung in taverns and seaports. The song’s being sung are all based off none other than famous german composer Kurt Weill and his masterpiece The Threepenny Opera. You could say it makes up the comic’s soundtrack.

Hint #2:  Anthony J. Raffles- Some may find this new member of the League a little on the obscure side, A.J. Raffles was originally created back in 1890′s by an author named E.W. Hornung. He is in many ways a mirror image of another famous Victorian Literary figure, Sherlock Holmes. Raffles is a Gentleman Thief; a perfect balance to the more well-known members of the league, but what roles does he have to play in the grand scheme of things? You’ll just have to read the book to find out.

Hint #3 The Throwaway Lines- There aren’t any. This is where the book ( and in some ways the whole series) can get a little dense. Surprisingly Century: 1910 down plays much of the literary history surrounding it unlike some of the previous volumes, yet never the less the references are still there. Sharp eyed readers may spot references to everything from D.H. Lawrence to J.K. Rowling with plenty of Bertolt Brecht, Virginia Wolfe and H.P. Lovecraft thrown in along the way. Enjoy it, and the next time someone tells you comics aren’t smart be sure to send them our way.

At 81 pages for only $4.99 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 1910 is an excellent addition to any digital collection along with Top Shelf Productions other launch book The Homeland Directive, check them booth out and make sure you save space on your devices for more to come from both Top Shelf and comiXology.