V for Vendetta

[weirdo]

I loved this book! 

[fizz]

So did I:

Moore's V for Vendetta is similar in many ways to Miller's Ronin. While both writers are known best for 2 other seminal graphic novels (Watchmen and Dark knigh returns respectively), it is with these 2 books that they really created strong first impressions, not because these were a first step for both authors towards something grander in scope, but also because both these books have been overshadowed by the triumpth of their latter (and no doubt much better) works.

Which is not to say that V (or Ronin for that instance) aren't just as good, if not pure equals. V in some ways has a storyline more elaborate, labrynthine and structured than Watchmen and the central character is the very antithesis of what a superhero should be, despite having archetypes of a typical superhero (hidden identity, costume, defiance etc).

The storyline is typically bleak and set in the then future England (the decaying last few years of the 20th century) where a fascist government has come to power. While Moore is conscious of his political views being naive and in some ways not consistent, the central figure of V is at once both a saviour and a hypocrite and his relationship with his captive and eventual partner in crime Evey is almost as fleshed out as any other character arc Moore has ever written, more so here because he is allowed to focus so intently on the exchanges between just them. A high point of V is how much fun Moore as a writer and we as readers have with some neat literal references. The parallels with Guy Fawkes, the commencement of each chapter with a single V-word, the use of the letter 'V' in sublime fashion during flashbacks and even in the original comic covers.

Ultimately, the book may be laborious and difficult, improbable and arcane, but is richly rewarding for cynically astute comic book readers looking for that extra something. Grand in its design and meticulous in its sublime culmination, like clockwork it comes together with such perfect harmony of prose and pencilling that it leaves you astounded.

Rating: 4.5/5

[shariqq]

I'll thank fizz here for the amazing novel he intro'd me to.

I must say, as much as I like the book, I don't think I like the messed-up head that protagonist V is. He's absolutely nuts!The end is poetic justice.
The buildup to the closing scenes, I was praying to God that the book does not fall the cliche path - and thankfully it does not.

The book is a brilliant piece of literature - and Alan Moore proves that Comic Books can be a lot lot more than what they are generally made out to be.

Just one drawback though: For some reason, I couldn't enjoy the drawings as much as the writing for V. This could be because I have read Watchmen first - but even then, a kind of predated dusty look instead of a clear and sharp look meant that I could not hold on to any images from the story in my mind. The smiling mask is the only image that stays with me after putting it down. Maybe that's a good thing: The idea is bullet-proof...

[X.]

a kind of predated dusty look instead of a clear and sharp look...

That's what I loved about Moore's "V."

The aesthetic representation of a decaying future society. It's vintage Moorwellian.

[shariqq]

Moorwellian? That's not even a word. Tried googling and Y!ing it. Even m-w doesn't have it.

[ozzylogic]

I think it's from the Moorniverse.

[X.]

Moorwellian? That's not even a word. Tried googling and Y!ing it. Even m-w doesn't have it.

(Alan) Moore + (George) Orwell = Moorwellian

[shariqq]

Hmm... then calling it vintage Moorwellian is just stating the obvious. AK's placid wordplay to prove informed. 

[moviemaniac]

I loved the film, and I've read parts of the book, It's pretty good so far though.

[fizz]

MM...the movie cannot be compared to the book (that is a general statement, but truer still in this particular case). In a word, the cinematic rendition was a disservice.

[moviemaniac]

MM...the movie cannot be compared to the book (that is a general statement, but truer still in this particular case). In a word, the cinematic rendition was a disservice.

I agree. I love the film, but I think it works more as an action film, rather than as an adaptation.

[animatedude]

i saw the movie a few days ago and let me tell you guys, i really really love this movie now.i think it was dense movie to watch on the big screen.but now i watched on DVD iam really impressed.

[animatedude]

so i was watching an interview with Ridley Scott the other day (the one that he did with Kevin Reynolds for The Duellists DVD) and he was like

"this was the fourth attempt to make a feature film, one of them was the Guy Fawkes story which was a great material and it's still sitting on my shelf..."

hmm i wonder if he will ever make feature film of that now...