After a long legendary career in comics, Alan Moore has largely moved on from the medium with his focus now on prose novels. However, he has one last treat for those who have followed his work in The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic. Alongside his late unrelated mentor Steve Moore (best known for his works for 2000 AD and Marvel UK), Alan Moore goes deep into one of his longtime passions – magic and the occult.
For any longtime readers of either Moores’ comic work, it should come as no surprise that they are well versed in the subject of magic. But it is an interest that goes well beyond subject matter for comics. As many fans will know, Alan Moore has been a practicing magician for a number of years (not to mention has an altar to Glycon – an ancient Roman snake god). He has talked in length about his beliefs in interviews and used it as inspiration for many comics in his body of work. Similarly, Steve Moore is entrenched in occult matters having been an early contributor to UK occult and strange phenomena journal Fortean Times. Combined, there are few better choice to take readers on a journey through the history of magic.
At its core, The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic is a collection of essays, comics and anecdotes exploring the history and theory of magic. But it benefits greatly from the insight and wit the two Moores bring to the table. Likewise, there is a murders row of past collaborators that contribute illustrations to make this already unique work a visual feast. Contributors include Alan Moore’s wife and Lost Girls illustrator Melinda Gebbie, Steve Moore’s frequent art partner Steve Parkhouse (Doctor Who, Night Raven, Black Knight), Alan Moore’s League of Extraordinary Gentleman co-creator Kevin O’Neill and Alan Moore’s art collaborator on Miracleman and Swamp Thing Rick Veitch. All bring their A-game to add a visual flair to an already entertaining and informative guidebook.
Fans and newcomers to the occult will find this an entertaining examination of the subject whilst Alan Moore fans will definitely appreciate this personal look at the belief system that has influenced much of his creative work.
The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic is out 17 October from Knockabout (9780861662890, h/b, £39.99)
