Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The classic Alan Moore & David Lloyd novel that inspired countless other stories and political movements (even if its message is often misunderstood or contradicted). Its legendary status feels even more relevant today, as the dystopian world of V for Vendetta has never been closer to reality. Moore and Lloyd’s ability to foresee the natural outcome of Thatcherism is a testament to the brilliance of this work of art.
The story is set in 1997, where the UK, after surviving WWIII and nuclear-induced environmental collapse, has fallen into the grip of Norsefire, a fascist, white supremacist, Anglo-centric party. Ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and socialists are scapegoated and eradicated, leaving behind a sedated and hyper-vigilant population. Those who buy into propaganda feel powerless to resist, while Norsefire controls every aspect of daily life.
The enigmatic protagonist, V, is a direct consequence of this oppression. His (or Her/Their) identity is never revealed, though the book hints strongly that V belongs to one of the scapegoated groups. With a taste for theatrics, V orchestrates the collapse of the regime by striking at its key institutions. For reasons left deliberately ambiguous, he sees in 17-year-old Evey Hammond a worthy successor, grooming her in ways that are as morally grey as they are transformative.
As a reader, I found myself deeply immersed in this dystopian vision. It’s a book I thought I would love, but I ultimately just really liked. Part of that comes down to pacing and scope: I felt the story could have benefited from a clearer exposition of Norsefire’s political machinery, the extent of resistance beyond V and Evey, and what life looks like in the other Home Countries. The themes of state control, scapegoating, and widespread discrimination spoke to me in a way that very few books have.
On a more technical note, some of the lettering and illustrations were occasionally hard to follow, which pulled me out of the narrative.
That said, V for Vendetta remains a fantastic and essential read. Its influence has rippled through politics, culture, and art in ways few graphic novels ever achieve. Even if you’re not typically drawn to the medium, this is a must-read, a chilling reminder of how fragile freedom can be and how easily fear can shape the future.
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Police brutality, Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Deportation