Relentless, bleak, bloody and brutal Alan Moore’s attempt to unveil Jack The Ripper is a masterpiece. Rather than suggesting that saucy Jack’s killings are acts of a madman Moore weaves a thrilling conspiracy that involves the ancient power of the freemasons at the heart of the Royal Family.

As Moore has his main character say, the Ripper murders and their impact, 'gave birth to the 20th century', and it is this idea that underlies this mammoth, invigorating novel. Weaving together the investigation of the murders with an imagined narrative derived from one the more famous (and debunked) conspiracy theories about the Ripper's identity, Moore expands the story both forward and backwards through time, finding echoes and resonances in earlier and later crimes; drawing connections between seemingly disparate events, people, and situations; and suggesting all are part of the same tapestry that underwriters the modern world. Rich in detail, awe-inspiring in its evocation of the Victorian London, and dense in its knowledge of ancient magic and arcana that motivates the killer, this is precisely the sort of book to recommend to people who believe they don't like graphic novels. Just beware, it is extremely 'graphic'

Watchmen, V for Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentleman, Alan Moore is one of the most well know comic writers in the world and his work for the big two (Marvel & DC) and smaller companies is always talked about as some of the best. My personal favourite and probably the most horrific of his work has to be his Jack the Ripper tale, From Hell. Adapted terribly for the screen, like most of Moore's work, From Hell is the most interesting and at the same time scariest interpretation of the Jack the Ripper murders. A heavily detailed look at the theory that the murders were a part of a cover up of an illegitimate royal baby and while Moore has spoken about the case and it's probable falsehood he chose it as a basis for his story as it was the most interesting and fitted with the story he wanted to tell. Eddie Campbell's art compliments Moore's writing perfectly and creates a dark and dangerous atmosphere that has yet to be recreated in comics to date. If you give From Hell a go be sure to check out the amazingly put together companion afterwards.