Rating: 4/5
I feel like V for Vendetta is discussed as one of those iconic graphic novels that anyone interested in the genre should read. Which makes it surprising that it took me so long to read it myself.
The story is about a man who has given himself the moniker "V" and a young woman that he rescues named Evey. They live in a version of England that is controlled by a very conservative government run by a group known as the Head. The Head is similar to Big Brother from 1984. This group came to power after a nuclear war broke out and now everyone is trying to pick up the pieces.
This is a political book. It shouldn't come as a surprise that two of the major themes revolve around government oppression and responsibility. But it is the story of V, a former prisoner to the current regime, that makes it palatable. Without his revenge story, it would be too dark. He gives the reader hope, even when he is committing acts of terrorism.
The artwork is a bit dated since this was written in the early 80s. But there are some clever uses of illustration here, particularly within "The Vicious Cabaret" scene. There are elements of the story and the characters that wouldn't work if this was written today, but it still holds up. I can understand why this is such a well regarded title.
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