Broken Frontier

Yes, the book is based on a decades old TV series, but it's also one of the hidden gems in Grant Morrison's career.

For obvious reasons this title can’t go by the original name of the 1960s TV series it’s based upon (The Avengers), so it’s named after its most well known crime fighting pair.

Originally a three ish mini from Eclipse Comics in 1990, and now rejigged as a 6 ish mini from BOOM!, there are sure to be fans of the TV series that will appreciate this being unearthed. I’m barely familiar with the TV show, but can unfortunately recall the justifiably lambasted 1998 film adaptation starring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman.

The story begins in an English pub in which Tara King (another character from the TV show) meets Admiral “Foggy” Fanshawe to discuss a mole in the ministry. One murder later and agent John Steed is called in to investigate, and asks former ally Emma Peel to work with him.

Morrison’s dialogue between these two old reunited friends is wonderful and a lot more refined than his current, often outrageous output. This is somewhat similar to the first, and best, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, where Alan Moore focused on two close investigators caught up in a conspiracy. Steed and Mrs. Peel is also easy to follow and streamlined, again unlike some of Morrison’s newer superhero stories.

Gibson’s art is rather cartoony, with pointy chins and slightly exaggerated faces, but there is a charming, polished approach that renders generously detailed backgrounds. It is dated but it’s never distracting and in fact, it actually works considering the time period it’s set in.

Thanks to some research I can say that the likenesses for the two leads are achieved, with Patrick Macnee as Steed and Diana Rigg as Peel (the second of three female partners) looking like their TV counterparts. When Steed and Peel visit Admiral Fanshawe’s luxurious home, Gibson reveals a mansion with Alice in Wonderland-like embellishments, thanks to Fanshawe’s love of games.

Oddly never advertised as one of Grant Morrison’s earlier (rather than current) works, this is nevertheless one for completists of the Scottish writer and the classic TV series, but also for those who are new to either. It's an enjoyable, fast paced and quirky whodunit.