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by ChrisW-15, 24 March 2009
With the launch of Alan Moore's Watchmen, here's a look at one of his earlier works: V for Vendetta.
The graphic novel, and not the film (which I thought was pretty good) that Moore disassociated himself with, refusing his name on the credits.
Set in an alternate universe where much of the world has been destroyed by a nuclear war, the comic book spans over 5 years and 10 issues.
On the 5th of November, 1997, a mysterious stranger masked in a Guy Fawkes mask rescues a young prostitute, Every Hammond, from Fingermen--the ruthless and corrupt police force not afraid to use force.
The man states "I do not have a name. You can call me V." And indeed, the number "five" and the letter "V" are present throughout. The comic is not without deep themes and motifs: anarchism vs. fascism, identity, the letter "V".
What makes the graphic novel so compelling and memorable is the title character: V. The plot, artwork, style, are all fabulous, but V absolutely steals the show. An anarchist and vigilante, it is almost impossible not to like him; even when he is doing something that could be considered morally wrong. V is both the protagonist and the antagonist, both hero and villain.
The identity of V is never explained, and Moore has never elaborated. He has only, when suggested that V might be Evey's father, said "V isn't Evey's father, Whistler's mother, or Charley's aunt". Soon, the identity of V doesn't matter. Like my favorite quote in the movie, V says "Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof."
At some points V appears to be quite insane, but even then you find yourself agreeing with him.
Perhaps it no longer matters whether we think he is right, but that he is quite willing to die for his beliefs.
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