Author: Scott Nickell
Thursday, 19 November 1998 - 09:05 pm |        |
From Hell
Alan Moore, illus. Eddie Campbell
Kitchen Sink Press
I was glancing at your page of reviews of books etc. about Jack the Ripper, and I was a little surprised that no one had mentioned the comic book "From Hell," written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Eddie Campbell, and published by Kitchen Sink Press.
This is a wonderful comic book series that basically uses the Knight theory as a starting point for a kind of meditation on murder, Victorian society, mysticism, etc, etc. Whether you believe Knight or think it's a load of claptrap (and Moore does disagree with Knight on some points), it's still an entertaining read, and interesting to see Moore attempting to consolidate all of the facts, half-truths and lies surrounding the Whitechapel murders into one coherent narrative. As well as cameo appearances by virtually everyone alive in 1888, from the "Elephant Man" to Alestair Crowley. And Moore makes no claim to be presenting the "definitive" explanation -- "From Hell" is clearly labeled as "Being a Melodrama in Sixteen Parts" right on the cover.
However, it is still very well researched. Each of the ten volumes includes an appendix, detailing (page by page, even panel by panel in some instances) the sources Moore and Campbell consulted. As an example (from memory, since the issues are buried in my collection at the moment. If you like, e-mail me back and I'll rewrite this with it in front of me): For thematic reasons, obelisks are very important to the story. For dramatic reasons, Moore requires that Gull's coach make a turn at a particular intersection in London in order to get from the Royal Hospital to one of the crime scenes. An obelisk erected in this intersection is interpreted by Gull as a "sign," and he instructs Netley to turn there. In the Appendix, Moore informs us that he isn't sure this obelisk was really there. It appears on a street map of London dated 1885, but is absent on one dated 1890, and it is not there today. It was presumably removed sometime between those years, so may or may not have actually been present in the autumn of 1888. |
Author: Sam Gafford
Thursday, 19 November 1998 - 09:05 pm | |
| FROM HELL #11 by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell Unexpectedly, Kitchen Sink Press has released a new volume in the award winning FROM HELL series. In the last volume, the series had ended on a somewhat mystical note with the short epilogue winding up most of the loose ends. Now, this new volume appears as a second epilogue which actually contains four different parts: 1) A 24 page comic strip by Moore & Campbell, "The Dance of the Gull-Catchers", detailing the history of Ripperology since 1888; 2) A short retrospective by the series artist, Eddie Campbell; 3) A brief article on "Jack in the Penny Press" by George Hagenauer, and 4) a quick photoessay on Whitechapel today by George and Mary Ellen Hagenauer. Of these four pieces, "The Dance of the Gull-Catchers" is the most substantial and the star of the book. In 24 pages, Moore and Campbell summarize the history of Ripperology since 1888 and Moore offers a few philosophical thoughts on this strange obsession and where it might go in the future. Moore uses an analogy of a group of people (all men, interestingly enough) chasing after an elusive gull with nets. The symbolism is obvious of course: the catchers are the Ripperologists while the gull is the elusive identity of Jack (it does not stand solely for Sir William Withey Gull). Moore begins the story showing the catchers running around in circles with the following narration: "This is harder than it looks. "They all take a swing at it. "Some even think they've bagged it, but the net, upon examination, turns out empty. "They all get in each other's way; sometimes deliberately trip each other up. "This sport should be outlawed, like bare-knuckle fighting. People are hurt, reputations damaged. "The quarry, meanwhile, is elusive, unidentified and unidentifiable, a suspect archaeopteryx. "A fraud. "Perhaps there's no such bird. "Its call, the colour of its plumage, these things are unknown. Its tracks are never found. "The tracks of its pursuers, to the contrary, are everywhere. "In studded football boots the endlessly cross-track and over-print the field of their enquiry. They reduce its turf to mud. Only their choreography remains readable." From here, Moore tracks Ripperology through its ‘beginnings' with Walter Sickert's dinner tales of murderous lodgers through all the major theories (pointing out many of their inconsistencies) and ending with a brief rumination on the future of Ripperology. The analogy of "gull-catchers" turns up throughout the segment as more hunters join the chase and still others fall to the wayside. Especially poignant is the brief appearance and swift fall from grace of Stephen Knight. Most of the theories presented are well known to students of the field and Moore handles them well. Campbell utilizes a frequent panel showing each new suspect bursting into Mary Kelly's room (much to her surprise) to commit the final murder. (Ultimately showing first an extraterrestial as the Ripper then finally no one and Mary being only a "highly determined suicide".) Still, despite all the information contained within, there is a feeling of sadness here as Moore portrays all these men chasing after a goal that can never be truly accomplished (in the final panel, the gull flies away leaving the catchers behind). He shows the field of Ripperology as a once thin ground turned to mud from the constant churning of feet trampling over the same ground again and again. It is that note that Moore returns to at the end of the epilogue as he ponders what will become of Ripperology in the future. In a field so minutely explored, what is left? "What have we to look forward to? Abberline's school nickname, or the make of Mary Kelly's shoes? Koch's snowflake: gaze upon it, Ripperologists, and shiver." Moore is referring to the concept of Koch's snowflake which, briefly, holds that over time the exploration of a certain contained area can become infinite but only within the specified and limited range of the defined area. There is something to be said for this. How often can we, even those of us intensely interested in the subject, read the facts of the case over and over again? What, if anything, can come after Philip Sugden's comprehensive study, THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF JACK THE RIPPER? Where will the field go in the future? It's a question that many of us may be wondering. It is ironic that such a question is broached by someone who has also profited from the Ripper mythos and staked out their own patch of mud in that well trod field. Still, even at it's most superficial, the epilogue by Moore and Campbell is an excellent brief primer in Ripperology history. With his usual attention to detail, Moore provides a chronological view of the study of the case and, even if you get nothing else from this, makes it worth reading. The other segments do not fare as well but that is primarily because "The Dance of the Gull-Catchers" is so powerful and provocative that it is a hard act to follow. The retrospective by Eddie Campbell ("Odds and Ends") is interesting but does not add a great deal to the understanding of the series. It does reprint several of his character sketches which show his attention to detail and talent at capturing the personalities of these unusual characters. If anything, Campbell takes offense at the inclusion of Sir Gull as a suspect and points to Gull's long and impressive medical career. It seems that Sir Gull was one of the first doctors to recognise the condition of anorexia nervosa and diagnosing it as a mental, not physical, condition. The rest of his segment involves an examination of editorial illustrations from PUNCH which, though interesting, is not particularly noteworthy. The article "Jack in the Penny Press--The Graphics that Started it All" by George Hagenauer is unfortunately too short. It brings up some interesting thoughts and touches once again upon the thought that one of the main reasons that Jack is still remembered today is because of the then unusual press attention. More work should be done in this aspect of the case with more articles and illustrations reprinted. The final piece, "Hell Today" by George and Mary Ellen Hagenauer is really nothing new to most students of Ripperology and visitors of the CASEBOOK. The photos of Whitechapel today are familiar because we've seen most of them in some form before. It's the weakest part of the book and will probably only appeal to those who are coming to the case new. Overall, the latest issue of FROM HELL is a fine addition to the series and manages to entertain as well as provoke thoughts about where Ripperology has been and where it will be going in the coming years. Highly recommended. |
Author: Steve
Sunday, 24 January 1999 - 05:20 am | |
I'm looking for a copy of "From Hell" (being both an amateur Ripperologist and a fan of Alan Moore.) Can anyone help?
Thanks. |
Author: Lars Westergren
Saturday, 06 February 1999 - 04:31 pm | |
I can really recommend "From Hell", it is excellent. I recall reading a month ago or so in a movie magazine that a movie based on From Hell is being filmed right now. Is there anyone who knows more about this?
From Hell is published by Kitchen Sink Press, those interested in ordering try
http://www.valinet.com/~ksp/ |
Author: Brett
Wednesday, 10 February 1999 - 10:24 am | |
| Oliver Stone has taken interest in From Hell. But there has been no definite plans to make into a motion picture as of yet. |
Author: Dekker Falconetti
Wednesday, 21 April 1999 - 01:53 pm | |
| Just wanted to drop a quick note for those searching for the series...it is still in print and can be ordered from your local comic book store...I've just hear that a lot of clerks have had trouble figuring out who published it or some such and that people are being told that it can't be found...so, tell them to shut up and keep looking :) |
Author: Sean
Friday, 05 November 1999 - 07:15 pm | |
Hi, all. I just discovered the Casebook, and it's pretty cool.
More to the point, I was told recently by the owner of a local comic store that a new edition of the entire "From Hell" series is being published. The single volume costs around $30 (I forgot the exact amount he quoted me). It was supposed to come out in October but is running late. |
Author: Steve
Friday, 10 December 1999 - 01:01 am | |
The "From Hell" trade paperback is finally out; I purchased it at our local comic book store. It is being published by Eddie Campbell Comics. The cost is about $35.
I suggest if you want a copy (and it is highly recommended, from a literary standpoint), that you call up all your local comic stores and ask/beg for it, or try the net. It doesn't appear that they printed very many.
A review is here:
http://www.salon.com/books/feature/1999/10/26/moore/index.html
You can also order it online via the US distributor:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/ |
Author: Wolf Vanderlinden
Tuesday, 14 March 2000 - 12:00 am | |
I saw today on the entertainment news that Johnny Depp is negotiating to play the lead in From Hell... the movie. Filming apparently starts within the year.
Wolf. |
Author: Sara Goodman
Wednesday, 15 March 2000 - 09:42 am | |
Wolf:
With screenplay by Terry Hayes (The Road Warrior) - Depp to play Frederick Abberline
See you in the queue.
All the best,
Sara |
Author: Wolf Vanderlinden
Thursday, 16 March 2000 - 12:02 am | |
I'll be there.
Wolf. |
Author: Simon Owen
Thursday, 16 March 2000 - 04:26 am | |
| From the Daily Express (UK) , 15th March 2000 : Sir Nigel Hawthorne to play Sir William Withey Gull , Terence Stamp signed to appear , film to be shot in Prague. You'll love the next bit Wolf : the theory to be plumped for is that Gull was the Ripper , killing 4 prostitutes who were blackmailing the government over Prince Eddy's morgantic marriage to a commoner. Stephen Knight rides again , yee haa ! ( hee ! hee ! ). |
Author: Leanne Perry
Thursday, 16 March 2000 - 07:57 am | |
SO IT'LL BE BASED ON FICTION, WILL IT? yee haa! (hee! hee!)
Leanne! |
Author: Simon Owen
Thursday, 16 March 2000 - 08:26 am | |
| NOPE , ON THE TRUTH OF COURSE ! yee haa ! ( ho ! ho! ). |
Author: Leanne Perry
Thursday, 16 March 2000 - 11:31 pm | |
| IS THIS A COMEDY? haa haa, ho ho, hee hee! |
Author: Caroline Anne Morris
Friday, 17 March 2000 - 03:45 am | |
I get it, someone must have told Sir Nigel the other title, The Comedy of Errors....
I'll be in the queue though, I've always had a soft spot for Terence Stamp :-)
Caz |
Author: Sara
Friday, 17 March 2000 - 10:22 pm | |
Bulletin from here in Hollywood.... Our favorite "British" actresses have both thrown their hats in the ring - Gwynneth Paltrow and Julia Roberts - vying for the role of Mrs. Abberline, who goes undercover as a soiled dove to trap the Ripper... along the way, making the acquaintance of the suitably dusky and foreign A Kosminski, Antonio Banderas set to go as soon as he wraps his latest flick. Huge score as Leo Decaprio - set to play a sexually confused and mentally tortured Montague Druitt... for her film debut, Brittany Spears has signed on to play the tragic Mary Jane Kelly, with the future pop/dance mix hit "I Picked a Flower from My Mother's Grave" / soundtrack to be available from Capital Records/EMI in conjunction with the film's October release.
Can't wait.
All the best, Sara |
Author: Christopher-Michael DiGrazia
Saturday, 18 March 2000 - 09:42 am | |
Funny, yet depressing, Sara. You're probably pretty spot on. I feel my wrists getting ready to make a large donation to the Red Cross right now. . .
BTW, Steven Spielberg has announced his next two film projects, neither of which have anything to do with the Ripper. There has also been no mention of Amblin Entertainment preparing a TV Ripper show, either. |
Author: Simon Owen
Monday, 20 March 2000 - 05:42 am | |
| " Stab me baby one more time... " |
Author: Simon Owen
Monday, 20 March 2000 - 08:38 am | |
| Could anyone arrange it for Alanis Morrisette to play the Pinchin Street Torso ? |
Author: Caroline Anne Morris
Tuesday, 21 March 2000 - 03:01 am | |
Now Simon, I think I've touched on this before, you can't logically have anyone high profile playing someone without legs. Do you want this production to lose all credibility? :-)
We need someone who is customarily brainless and legless who could do with shutting up, let me think...I'm sure I have a window later this year and of course I'm cheaper than any American... :-)
Love,
Caz |
Author: Simon Owen
Tuesday, 21 March 2000 - 05:27 am | |
| " Slit me baby one more time..." |
Author: Simon Owen
Tuesday, 21 March 2000 - 05:32 am | |
| Since credibility in the part is paramount , I am afraid Alanis would have to have her head and limbs removed to play the Pinchin Street Torso. This could only be for the good of all humanity so I suggest someone contact her agent right now. Sadly we would have no more of your lovely posts Caroline if your arms were removed , so I am afraid I cannot recommend you for the role : alas , stardom shall have to wait for another year ! |
Author: Caroline Anne Morris
Tuesday, 21 March 2000 - 12:13 pm | |
Not at all Simon. The torso only lacked head and legs, hence my allusion to brainlessness and leglessnessnessness.
The arms and hands were well formed and showed no signs of manual labour (see, it gets more like me by the minute). But she was a bit whiffy due to decomposition and the abdomen was mutilated. One reporter even claimed that the womb was missing. So maybe I'm not quite suited after all.
Looking at the tracks on my daughter's Alanis CD, I have to agree she has potential: Hand In My Pocket, Right Through You, Head Over Feet, Mary Jane, Not The Doctor, and finally Wake Up.
Love,
Caz |
Author: Simon Owen
Wednesday, 22 March 2000 - 04:07 am | |
| Chopping off all the limbs would be imperative in the case of Alanis to prevent her playing an instrument as well as singing : I am intrigued by those song titles though , could there be a cryptic message there somewhere ? |
Author: Simon Owen
Wednesday, 12 April 2000 - 10:41 am | |
NEWSFLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Heather Graham set to play Mary Kelly in the new Ripper film , Depp to play a police officer ( Abberline ? ) , Terence Stamp to play a shady Ripper-like character , filming in London and Prague to start in July. |
Author: Christopher T. George
Friday, 14 April 2000 - 12:49 am | |
| The latest scoop on the "From Hell" film just in from CMD: Heather Graham has been cast as Mary Jane Kelly opposite Johnny Depp's Abberline. Terence Stamp is slated for "Ben Kidney," a Special Forces-type one is supposed to imagine is the Ripper. Sir Nigel Hawthorne is Gull. Robbie Coltrane is Sgt Godley. Filming set to start June 5. |
Author: Oliver Franz
Wednesday, 12 July 2000 - 04:03 pm | |
I found a few websites which provide a good deal of information about the upcoming movie version of "From Hell".
http://www.comics2film.com/FromHell.shtml
http://upcomingmovies.com/fromhell.html
http://movies.ign.com/news/3427.html
I for one look very much forward to this film.
Oliver |
