As Alan Moore leaves the world of comics behind, his final project has been revealed. The long-awaited comic/prose album The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic will bookend the Watchmen creator’s 40+ year career in comics. Top Shelf Productions and Knockabout Limited announced that the book would be released in October of this year. Book of Magic is the product of the writer/illustrator’s creative partnership with his mentor, Steve Moore. It brings together magic and occult through a blend of prose, illustration, and art from five incredible talents.
Alan Moore’s Last Hurrah
Alan Moore made his retirement official back in 2022. This came after a years-long hiatus from the industry. While he admits to loving the medium of comics, it is the industry and the stuff attached to that side that pushed the creator away. Still, Moore began his illustrious career back in 1978 by writing and illustrating comics for alternative magazines. This pushed him to the offices of 2000 A.D., where his career really took off. Notably, Moore has worked on DC’s Swamp Thing and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. However, Moore’s most notable work may be the creation of Watchmen.
Technically, Alan Moore has been out of the comic biz since mid-2019. In the interim, he has tried his hand at prose. In fact, his first collection of short stories, Illuminations, is also set for release in October. While he has been out of the biz for a few years, fans still have Alan Moore’s final comic/project to look forward to. The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic feels like something completely new from Moore, and yet what fans expect at the same time.
The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic
Alan Moore’s final comic with Steve Moore aims to bring more than just a simple comic to readers. It plans to bring actual magic. According to the publisher, the book is a clear and practical grimoire of the occult. It pairs the knowledge of the proprietors of the Grand Egyptian Theatre with beautiful illustrations from wonderful artists. They include Kevin O’Neill, John Coulthart, Steve Parkhouse, Rick Veitch, and Ben Wickey. The tome brings readers instructional essays, activity pages, biographies of great sorcerers, and forbidden knowledge that will excite anyone.
The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic is expected in October.
