Alan Moore's 'Illuminations' collection reviewed: nine stories lacking subtlety
Alan Moore's 'Illuminations' is a compilation of nine tales, primarily contemporary, with a few dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. At its core is a 270-page story titled 'What We Can Know About Thunderman,' which makes allusions to DC, Marvel, and EC Comics. Moore gained prominence in the 1980s through works like 'Swamp Thing' (1984–87) and 'Watchmen' (1986–87). His subsequent projects, such as 'Tom Strong' (1999–2006), explored themes of superheroes and the occult. The collection presents darkly comedic and pulp-inspired narratives influenced by Edgar Allan Poe and Borges. Critics have pointed out its overused adjectives, flat characters, and overt sexual setups. 'Illuminations' is published by Bloomsbury and retails for US$27 in hardcover.
Key facts
- Alan Moore's 'Illuminations' is a collection of nine stories
- The book includes a 270-page story 'What We Can Know About Thunderman'
- Moore rose to fame in the 1980s with works like 'Swamp Thing' and 'Watchmen'
- He later worked on 'Tom Strong' and declared himself a magician
- Stories feature influences from Edgar Allan Poe and Allen Ginsberg
- Critiques highlight labored prose and frequent sex scene setups
- The collection lacks the subtlety of Moore's comic collaborations
- Published by Bloomsbury in hardcover for US$27
Entities
Artists
- Alan Moore
- Edgar Allan Poe
- Allen Ginsberg
Institutions
- Bloomsbury
- DC
- Marvel
- EC Comics
Locations
- Bedford