What it was: The writer of some of the most iconic and game-changing comic books in the history of the genre, Alan Moore appears to be somewhat absent from the mainstream graphic novel world that made his name. That's because at almost every turn, the writer has been screwed over by one of the Big Two publishers. He was unhappy with the film adaptations of League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, From Hell and Watchmen, and kicked off when DC tried to continue his classic Watchmen series. In almost all those cases he's tried to sue the publisher, attempting to retain his creative rights for his legacy to be left alone. As for Marvel, meanwhile... What it changed: Alan Moore's increased hermitage from the mainstream comics world, and the comics world as a whole. He had his name taken off all future film adaptations of his work, demanded DC do the same for their Before Watchmen prequel series, and Marvel's reprints of his old Miracleman series credit him as The Original Author.
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
