“Behind this mask there is more than just flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea… and ideas are bulletproof.”
― Alan Moore, V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta is a graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd. In these comics, there is alternate dystopian vision of Britain in the 1990s. The fascist Norsefire party has exterminated its opponents in concentration camps and rules the country. Comics follow V, an anarchist, who starts a revolution to bring down the government.

I like V. I adore V as character. He’s very well created. We can see him as hero fighting for a noble cause  or we can think that he is simply a maniac causing a lot of chaos with supernatural powers and brilliant mind. He is a mystery. I also like how the plot enwraps, all the little surprises you don’t see coming and everything you could quote in V for Vendetta … Quotes, they are bulletproof.

“Everybody is special. Everybody. Everybody is a hero, a lover, a fool, a villain. Everybody. Everybody has their story to tell.”
― Alan Moore, V for Vendetta

Graphic novels like this are always a bit twisted and they’re supposed to be like that. I am a bit conflicted about Evey, V’s protégé. First of all she’s very young. Second of all, she’s kidnapped by this mysterious man in a mask who holds her prisoner, brainwashes her for her own good and in the end Evey nearly falls in love with him. But hey let’s not read too much into that.

I don’t see anarchism doing any good and I don’t support anarchism, however I understand portrayal of anarchism in arts, especially in dystopian worlds like this one. I think it goes along with the vigilantes and freedom fighters in comics and literature in general (Robin Hood, Green Arrow, pirates etc….). We are given two ultimatums in these comics: fascism or anarchism so I understand the appeal of anarchism. Though, in the end, we don’t know what happened after.

5/5 stars

Tips

1. If you’ve never read graphic novels before but you’d like to try it out, here’s one you should start with it! Unless you don’t like dark stuff, in that case turn away from V for Vendetta.
2. Perfect November read! And if you like this, read Watchmen by Alan Moore, there are connections to V for Vendetta.
3. Content: dystopian Britain, violence, anarchism, fascism, twistedness, death and destruction.
4. MOVIE! If you’re not going to read the comics, see the movie because V is awesome in flesh. One of my all time favorite movies. (And he is just a freedom fighter in movie.)

“Remember, remember the fifth of November of gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gun powder treason should ever be forgot.”
― Alan Moore, V for Vendetta
Do you read comics?

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