The Museum in Docklands unveil their landmark Jack The Ripper exhibition on May 15, so I've been immersing myself in the world of the old psycho for the first time in ages. This doesn't offer much in the way of fun, but it does mean I've finally got round to reading Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell's extraordinary graphic novel 'From Hell'.
I've often wondered why people are so obsessed with Jack The Ripper, and 'From Hell', a brilliant mix of sex, violence, psychogeography, conspiracy and occultism, offers something in the way of explanation. Because – despite the horrific subject matter and the sinister shaggy-dog tale they tell – Moore and Campbell can't resist offering something close to a happy ending.
With no official explanation ever likely to be found, the Whitechapel Murders will always allow such a luxury, meaning we can put a pleasing spin on even the sickest of pyschopaths. If only real life could be so easily manipulated.
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