Nemo: Heart of Ice
Unknown
By: Alan Moore
The bestselling League of Extraordinary Gentlemen series continues in this standalone graphic novel! It's 1925, fifteen long years since Janni Dakkar first tried to escape the legacy of her dying science-pirate father, only to accept her destiny, at last, as the new Nemo, captain of the legendary Nautilus. Now, tired of her unending spree of plunder and destruction, Janni launches a grand expedition to surpass her father's greatest failure: the exploration of Antarctica. Hot on her frozen trail are a trio of genius inventors, hired by an influential publishing tycoon to retrieve the plundered valuables of an African queen. It's a deadly race to the bottom of the world -- an uncharted land of wonder and horror where time is broken and the mountains bring madness. Jules Verne meets H.P. Lovecraft in the unforgettable final showdown, lost in the living, beating, and appallingly inhuman HEART OF ICE.
AI Overview
Overview of "Nemo: Heart of Ice" by Alan Moore
Plot Summary
"Nemo: Heart of Ice" is a 56-page full-color hardcover graphic novel that is part of the "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" series. The story takes place in 1925 and follows Janni Dakkar, the daughter of Captain Nemo, as she embarks on a grand expedition to Antarctica. Janni, tired of her life of plunder and destruction, seeks to surpass her father's greatest failure by exploring the uncharted land of Antarctica. However, she is pursued by a trio of American science gangsters, hired by Charles Foster Kane, who aim to retrieve the plundered valuables of an African queen. The journey takes Janni and her crew through treacherous and fantastical landscapes, including encounters with a white giant, a gargantuan hole in the ground, an ice sphinx, and Lovecraftian creatures.
Key Themes
- Adventure and Exploration: The book is set in the classic pulp tradition, emphasizing adventure and exploration. Janni's quest to Antarctica is a nod to the pioneering spirit of her father and the era's fascination with uncharted territories.
- Legacy and Destiny: Janni's journey is also about confronting her legacy and destiny. She is driven by a desire to surpass her father's achievements and find her own place in the world.
- Science Fiction and Horror: The story blends elements of science fiction and horror, drawing inspiration from authors like Jules Verne and H.P. Lovecraft. The Antarctic setting is particularly eerie, with time displacement and Lovecraftian architecture adding to the sense of horror.
- Pulp Tradition: The graphic novel adheres to the pulp tradition, featuring a mix of action, adventure, and thriller elements. The characters and settings are designed to evoke the spirit of classic pulp fiction.
Critical Reception
"Nemo: Heart of Ice" has received positive reviews for its storytelling and artwork. Critics have praised Alan Moore's writing for its engaging narrative and the way it weaves together diverse literary influences. Kevin O'Neill's artwork has been particularly lauded for its ability to visually marry the various designs and settings, creating a cohesive and visually stunning experience.
- Comics Alliance Review: The review highlights O'Neill's artwork as "at its best ever," conveying the geographic and architectural weirdness of Antarctica as well as the psychological decay experienced by the characters.
- Lit New City Review: The review praises the graphic novel as a "fantastic standalone volume" and notes that O'Neill's artwork conveys not only the geographic and architectural weirdness but also the psychological decay experienced by the characters as they confront the very foundations of madness.
Overall, "Nemo: Heart of Ice" is a thrilling adventure that combines elements of science fiction, horror, and pulp tradition, making it a standout in the "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" series.