V for Vendetta

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V for Vendetta
Alan Moore
David Lloyd
1982

The Summary
Based on an alternative future, in which England suffers under the reign of totalitarian rule, V for Vendetta follows the actions of a "terrorist" named V as he tries to undermine the government and watches the deterioration of society.

Additionally, V for Vendetta is a coming-of-age story for Evey Hammond as she matures in a world where the human spirit is often crushed beneath the heel of an indifferent society.

The Good
If you have ever watched the movie version of V for Vendetta, putting it out of your mind may be the best course of action.  While the movie remains entirely loyal to the ideas of the original story, the two, except for a few plot points here or there, are vastly dissimilar beasts.

Now, as for the novel, Alan Moore and David Lloyd make a dynamic duo.  In their work, they have crafted an unusual and compelling story that will enthrall - or, quite possibly, repulse - you.

Their story is occasionally heart-wrenching, more often brutal, always graphic, and absolutely awe-inspiring.  And the artwork gives it a depth and texture that it might not have possessed otherwise.  It's impressive to think how well Moore's story and Lloyd's artwork act together, like peanut butter and jelly (or some other food related analogy), to form such a rich and challenging work.

The Bad
Let's just say, V for Vendetta doesn't compromise when faced with unsavory topics, like violence, abuse, corruption, unjust persecution, adultery, or oppression, among other things.  It confronts them head-on, rather than trying to hide them from you or give them a slight veneer of sanity.

So, it practically goes without saying that this is not a novel for younger readers, or individuals offended by intense subjects (or nudity).  And it's important to remember that V for Vendetta calls for a certain type of reader, as Lloyd comments in a letter from 1990, saying, "There aren't many cheeky, cheery characters in [it]...and it's for people who don't switch off the news."

Don't expect any particularly light-hearted subjects.

The Ugly
Obviously, the government and society won't hold much appeal within this story, beyond providing the necessary antagonists to V's protagonist.  And certain characters, I assure you, will get under your skin and disgust you beyond all measure.

Like Mrs. Heyer (a miserable woman, whose only goal in life seems to be vaulting her husband to a position of power and making him as wretched as humanly possible) or Lewis Prothero (the so-called "Voice" of England, who harbors a callous disregard for human life).

They're all quite demented, if you think about it.