Ever since DC Comics launched its Vertigo subsidiary, artists such as Garth Ennis and Neil Gaiman have repeatedly broken new ground with creations such as “Preacher” and “Sandman.” This month, yet another artist has broken through and continued Vertigo’s ongoing tradition of mature audience-suggested comics.

“The Originals, ” written and drawn by Dave Gibbons is reminiscent of Gibbons’ work with writer Alan Moore with “The Watchmen.” The style and stories reached into realms some consider untouched up until Moore and Gibbons took the initiative to create the comics from a purely adult perspective. Although Moore won’t be onboard this time around, Gibbons has stayed tried to stay true to the “Watchmen” formula, meeting the approval of Moore.

“Sharp as the lapels on his mohair, revved-up on Lambrettas and doobs, ‘The Originals’ is Dave Gibbons at the very top of his considerable game, dripping style and soul like dance floor sweat, delivering a narrative that’s young, good-looking and up for a ruck,” Moore said of “The Originals” in a DC Comics press release.

The black and white printed hardcover graphic novel, which retails for $24.95, tells a story that’s semi-autobiographical of Gibbons’ own life, growing up in London. Characters Lel and Bok are best friends with the same interests in music and the ladies. They leave school to start a new life on their own terms. But more than anything they want to join the elite hover gang known as “The Originals.” Lel and Bok are quickly faced with not only knowing who their friends are, but also knowing their enemies.

In a nutshell, the story is set to the imagery of trendy Italian fashion, Mod dance hall music, street fights, suave hair styles and hover scooters. In essence, “The Originals” could take place in the ’60s Mod scene in London. Except instead of Vespa scooters, the gangs ride around on hover-outfitted devices. But they still wear the nifty full body riding outfits with the matching helmets and goggles many mods and scrutineers wore back in the day. “The Originals” is a tale of fashion, friendship and the harsh reality of life on the streets of a futuristic metropolis.