V for Vendetta is the first standalone graphic novel I’ve read. I know it was initially released as individual issues but it’s since been encompassed into one whole story and this is why I deem it a “standalone” now. What a start it is to my graphic novel reading journey!
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V for Vendetta is set in an alternative version of a dystopian UK neo-fascist Britain. A masked anarchist named V seeks to topple the oppressive regime through strategic acts of terrorism and mass revolution.
V for Vendetta plot 4.75/5
It being my first, I didn’t know if the story of V for Vendetta engaged me so much because of its format or simply because it was such a damn good read!
The story is a highly political one, focusing on the character of “V” and those trying to catch him and those affected by his actions. Usually, political books aren’t my sort of thing as politics in itself is something I don’t much care for, but there was something about V for Vendetta and the way that it was told that really hooked me in and immersed me in V’s intentions and the world that surrounded them.
I’m not sure which section to put this in as usually my books don’t have illustrations, so I thought I’d cover it in this. The artistic style used here by David Lloyd is brilliant. At first, I found it a little off-putting in that he heavily focuses on the use of light to create his scenes, making it feel like I was sometimes having to work out what was portrayed and squint to understand the use of lines. However, after some time, it was like seeing it through a new set of eyes and I began to understand it was an artistic choice to use shade and light as he does, and I began to appreciate it was all about setting the mood and tone of the scene.
V for Vendetta characters – 4.5/5
It must be mentioned that the way in which V is written as a character. The character of V is very much more than just a character; he’s a very cleverly written symbol at the same time. Often, he spouts long monologues that you’d have to read a few times to properly understand the intentions of, almost every action he takes has a political incentive and even his art style has gone on to be used throughout pop culture to signify anonymity. He’s brilliantly written.
Along the way, we have other supporting characters too – all of whom you grow a real attachment to and understanding of their past and their issues. There’s no real villain character unless you count the law, who are trying to stop him from committing these crimes, the characters of which are depicted as villainous despite technically trying to do the right thing.
V for Vendetta – 4.75/5
I’m not sure I could be happier with the start to my graphic novel reading journey than with V for Vendetta. It’s a strongly political book that has a long, hard look at government, democracy, policing in England, so much more that I imagine at the time of its publishing was even more prevalent and relevant, but is still a message you can see relations to in modern life. With a sensationally interesting main protagonist, some solid supporting characters and an art style that initially irked me but I soon realised was a stylistic choice and so I grew really fond of, V for Vendetta is an absolute win for me. I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest graphic novel to start with – a lot of monologues and the art style might put some off, but if you persevere with it, it will 100% be worth your time and effort.
