“V for Vendetta,” the 1982 comic book series by Alan Moore, originated as a black and white series until 1985. It ran 10 issues in total, with its primary artist being David Lloyd. Within its 288 pages lie the shift timeline imagined by Moore in which a fascist party takes control of a dreary England. The issues were later rereleased in one large color volume in 1995.
The graphic novel focuses on the efforts of an unnamed anarchist and terrorist titled, V. The totalitarian regime appears to have a mysterious and shady past. It took control after a global war and remains in power through the plot in the 1990s. It’s figurehead, “the leader” is an “all seeing,” “all knowing,” “all controlling” presence. V, with his master plan, decides that anarchy is the answer to this dystopia. He hides in secrecy, coming out only to initiate parts of his blueprint. His reluctant “sidekick” Evey comes along for a ride following a close call with the law.
The themes that work their way into this novel include the themes of anarchy versus fascism and true identities. V fights to overthrow the government that betrayed him. The character V is developed into a complex being. He becomes more of an idea than an individual as his morals and plans begin to shine through.
The visuals are very dark, which makes perfect sense in this graphic novel. The depictions of V are in such a way that as a reader, it is difficult to trust him. His past is mysterious and he is definitely a dangerous man. There are flashbacks via journal entries about him. But they only further complicate his being. The overall layout of the novel is well organized. The panels do not follow any particular structure, but this suits it well. There are on average nine panels per page, allowing for the graphics to be displayed well. There is very little narration in the novel. The little narration that occurs is spoken at the beginning and end of each chapter. The narrator is ambiguous. There are also few sound effects splotched onto the panels, which is good. The graphic novel only has a few action scenes. The scenes that are most important are the foreboding ones that play with the reader’s mind.
The novel was dramatized into a film in 2006. The film was a large success, portraying the original comic rather well. The writer, however, complains the film portrayed V as a freedom fighter as opposed to an anarchist. This changes the entire essence of V. It is up to the viewer and reader if it is for better or for worse.
Personally, I thought that the graphic novel was well written. It conveys a great story with visuals to match it. Moore appears to warn the world about the possibilities of totalitarianism. The scene that jumped out at me was when Evey was caught and thrown into confinement. Her transformation from a timid girl to a rebel on par with V was well depicted. It also incorporated a shocking realization that was very well planned. I will not disclose details in order to keep the effect strong. I chose to read this graphic novel because I had already read another of Moore’s works, “Watchmen.” I enjoyed that one so I expected that I would enjoy this one the same. I also knew that it was a bit of gloomy, dystopic literature, similar in mood to the works of Orwell, Huxley, and Bradbury. It is a piece of fiction that makes the reader think a little. Will humanity come to this ever?
