From Hell by Alan Moore (2000, Paperback)

Alan Moore is one of the best writers to ever work in comic books. His stories are always entertaining in their execution, and his characters are always well fleshed-out thru narration, dialog, and detailed back-stories.

But in the case of “From Hell,” Alan Moore’s fictional, graphic novel account of the Jack the Ripper murders, there really is such a thing as “too much of a good thing.” At almost 600 pages, this book is a whopper of a read! The extensive research that went into making “From Hell” is obvious and appreciated, but overwhelming. At times, the written narration and dialog can engulf a panel. Fortunately, Eddie Campbell’s illustrations are still able to shine behind the numerous, conspicuous word-balloons.

“Creepy” and “graphic” are the first adjectives that come to mind when describing “From Hell.”

Campbell’s style has a simplistic, unembellished, old-world, sketchy quality that’s perfect for depicting The Victorian-era. And this is Moore’s most spine-tingling work since the British writer’s work on DC Comic’s “Swamp Thing” first introduced him to his legion of American fans.

Extremely graphic depictions of sex and violence are littered throughout- which is entirely appropriate, considering the book’s subject.

The easily-offended would do good to steer-clear of “From Hell.” But if you’re a fan of Moore, Campbell, Historically-relevant fiction, or suspense, AND you have a few days to spare, “From Hell” may be the book for you!