Graphic Novel Review - "V For Vendetta"

“V For Vendetta” is set in an alternate-reality future Britain in which a radical fascist state has surfaced. This regime retains control of the country through the supply of all provisions, government-proscribed media, secret police, a planned economic infrastructure, and internment camps for ethnic, political, and sexual minorities. All aspects are controlled by a supercomputer known as Fate, which is, in turn, controlled by the government. Political conflict has ended, the camps have completed their dark work and have been closed, and the public is, for the most part, complacent. That is until “V”, an anarchist terrorist dressed as Guy Fawkes, theatrical mask and all, with an incredible range of talents and resources begins a complicated, vicious, and dramatic operation to bring down the administration.

V for Vendetta is a groundbreaking graphic novel. It is an intelligent, perceptive in its view of politics (if somewhat paranoid), and complex comic book for adults. The story develops slowly but once we see all the separate pieces they reveal a disturbing future that-could-have-been. This is one story that you will reflect on for days after reading especially given the political climate of the world today. The original series was created in black and white and that added to the grittiness and darkness of the political atmosphere it portrays. Skillfully plotted and crafted, V is an essential read for all those who love comics (or graphic novels for those of us afraid to entertain our childhoods). I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

And because of my fondness for useless trivia and for those of you who love trivia there are many references to the letter V (Roman numeral 5) and the number 5 in the graphic novel:
* The character V is seen reading and quoting from Thomas Pynchon’s novel, V.
* V is listening to Beethoven’s fifth symphony (the first four notes can be represented as the letter V in Morse code.)
* V always introduces himself with a five-syllable phrase: “You can call me V.”
* The phrase “Remember, remember, the fifth of November” is also referenced; it is the first line of a nursery rhyme detailing the exploits of Guy Fawkes.
* The name of every chapter begins with the letter V.
* Another link to that letter comes from his past as the “Prisoner of Room Five”, as later revealed in the series.

V For Vendetta Tribute Page

Note: Since I am going to see the movie this afternoon I'll most likely have a movie review in the near future.

* The Alternative One