"The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen- 21st Century"

'THE MAN WHO LAUGHS'

INTRODUCTION

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In late 2007 I embarked on a fan fiction project in the style of Alan Moore's "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", set in the 21st century. The formula of using readily established literary characters into a custom storyline is an attractive one to potential authors for several reasons, the main ones being; A) it allows you to become "personal" with characters you hold in high regard B) you don't actually have to come up with the characters yourself and most importantly C) the fun that can be had with inside/continuity jokes that apply only to those familiar with the same characters is almost infinite.

My initial project (though meeting with several bizarrely positive and polite reviews) was pitiful and ridiculous and has remained unfinished for sometime. So it shall remain. The problem was simple, I didn't have a story. I was overwhelmed with the idea of using certain characters I would have simply had them in a room talking nonsense forever and ever. And I don't know about you but I would like to get on with something more productive. Furthermore I didn't know how I was going to use the characters. James Bond was an obvious choice- but I know nothing about James Bond. At all. Nothing. Neither did I understand how Violet Baudelaire or Artemis Fowl would work in such a story, nor do I understand (and being honest I don't think I ever will do) why I thought Rose Tyler qualified as "extraordinary". These are beloved characters, and I simply did not have the heart to ruin them.

It is also probably a factor that I was taking myself far FAR too seriously. I lost track of the fact that the first and indeed only point of is entertainment.

And so to the present day, I have learned my lessons and constructed a new league to defend the twenty first century- and given them a decent enough story that would hold your attention and keep you entertained. I certainly hope it does. Wishful thinking I dare say. The new project is slightly more light hearted, even though you should not approach it as a comedy. Indeed, any humour in this piece will only be derived from the polarity of certain characters. I feel that I must also underline certain continuity facts, IE, where in these characters' time lines are these events happening- although the continuity of this piece on an official bases is (at best) debateable.

The 10th Doctor… (DAVID TENNANT) The 10th Doctor experiences these events in the time bordering "Voyage of the Damned" and "Partners in Crime".

Gene Hunt… (PHILIP GLENISTER) An aged Gene Hunt in the year 2008. So very long after "Life on Mars" and "Ashes to Ashes".

Dr. Tom Jackman/ Mr. Hyde… (JAMES NESBITT) Given that no exact date is given in the TV series "Jekyll", for the good doctor these events happen before the continuity of the series.

Hannibal Lectre… (ANTHONY HOPKINS) Using the continuity of the films rather than books, Lectre has since been recaptured after the events of "Hannibal".

Lara Croft… (ANGELINA JOLIE) Given that video games follow they're own special continuity laws, Ms Croft's will have to remain ambiguous.

For the other characters (namely villains) in this story I will leave you to read and find out. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise now would I?

SHutchings