During my lovely vacation a couple of weeks ago, one of the many books I managed to read was V for Vendetta. I read graphic novels on occasion. I started years ago with Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series, which is truly fantastic. That series got me interested in reading more graphic novels. Since then, I’ve read one other book by Alan Moore, the interesting-but-not-fantastic League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (don’t judge it by the movie. OMG, please don’t. That movie was atrocious. The book is not the movie).
I attempted to read Watchmen, but felt like I was missing something. It is, apparently, some sort of commentary on the golden age of comics. I never read any of those and felt like I missed a prequel or something.
If you want to read Alan Moore, I say both thumbs up, ALL my fingers up, my TOES up, read V for Vendetta. Now, I know there is a movie coming out this weekend. And I am trying not to get too excited about a movie with such a stellar cast. In any event, you probably should read the book first. It’s a quick read, took me about 2 hours (and yes, I managed to look at all the pictures!) And whether the film is a good or bad, the book should be appreciated for what it is without seeing the actors from the film overlaying the artist’s (David Lloyd) vision.
The book takes place in England after World War III has wiped most of the world away. A fascist government rules over a terrorized populace. V is a mysterious vigilante. And that’s all I’ll say about the plot. Read it!
The book was written in the 80s, and takes place in 1997, which was, at the time, the future. There are a few elements which are dated, and some misconceptions from the time of its writing are apparent. If you pick up a newer copy it has a good foreward by Alan Moore explaining things and putting it into context.
It’s a dark and grim book with violence and terrorism throughout. But the story is deeply affecting and ultimately human. There is pain but there is also hope. I recommend it most definitely.
Now here’s hoping that the movie can achieve what few page-to-screen conversions have accomplished - remaining true to the spirit of the story, adapting what is needed to make things believable given the current state of the world, and not being overshadowed by the imagery of the original. I’ll let you know what I thought after I see it.
3 Responses to “Book Review - V for Vendetta”
Watchmen is the best thing ever.
Seriously. I have bought every other major work by Alan Moore and I still think Watchmen is just the bee’s knees.
“From Hell” is also good. I also have been enjoying Promethea , but I almost feel like I would enjoy it more with chemical enhancement. It messes with my head.
I had been meaning to read V for many, many years now, so the upcoming movie has given me more impetus to do so. One of my friends is letting me borrow his copy, and I’m reading it on the train to/from work. I don’t think I’ll be able to see the film until after the GDC, though. Another friend, who has read the comic, has already seen V for Vendetta. He reports that the film has major difference from the comic, but it’s still enjoyable.
Watchmen was spectacular. Need to read From Hell, too…
I read an article yesterday about Moore, and how he wanted nothing to do with any of the film adaptations of his works. He doesn’t even want his name anywhere in the credits. He’s so bitter about his experience with DC Comics.
Ok, so maybe I should go Watchmen another try. I wasn’t feeling very patient at the time, I didn’t get very far before giving up. So maybe I’ll bring that along on my next trip.
I read the same thing about Moore - he doesn’t trust them to not ruin his stuff, I guess. I think I read that he didn’t even want his share of the licensing fee - he gave it to David Lloyd! Though I’m not 100% sure on that part…