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Chaos In The Face of A Unified Identity

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For those who have read V for Vendetta, the comic can seem a little fast paced. In addition, along with this quick pace, comes a surplus of ideas and themes that the creators packed into their three book novel. These two factors together can equal quite the headache. However, there are a few themes that are stretched throughout the novel that seem to be slightly more pronounced than others. For example, the comic stresses the issue of a unified state versus the needs or desires of the individual people. In addition, the power of symbols, such as V’s mask, plays a central role in the overall plot of the comic.

Within Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s V for Vendetta, a unified state is the primary issue to which V, the protagonist, is working to destroy. Within the comic, the people of Britain are completely controlled by their state “for necessity” following the nuclear war that destroyed most of Europe. The people are watched and controlled by a select few in power, which in turn, allows them no true personal freedom. In pure fascist style, the antagonists often proclaim that “England prevails.” After escaping from his captors, V takes it upon himself to not only kill those that harmed him personally, but also bring to light the decisions that England’s corrupt leaders have made. As an anarchist, V believes in the power of individual choice coupled with a unified desire for freedom. As he systematically destroys the central power of the state, he – and the symbol that he manifests – bring hope to the people. This hope then turns to a desire to break the chains they have been bound to.

This powerful symbol – V’s mask in this case – provides for a physical representation of the struggle against oppression. The mask itself illustrates a sort of human disconnection, which is likely why most of the characters find the mask off putting. Because the mask conceals all human features, people cannot identify with it on a physical level. However, this disconnection also allows for ambiguity in the anarchist’s identity. Because the mask conceals the wearer’s face, that face could belong to anyone. Therefore, for the people desperate for liberation, the mask becomes a symbol of the fight against oppression given that everyone or anyone can fit the mold of the mask. In other words, any one of them could take up the mantle of anarchy, should they wish to do so.

Within Scott McCloud’s novel Understanding Comics, he touches on the idea of the medium of communication, in which the message or theme being portrayed is done so through a specific means. In the case of a comic, it is portrayed through the art that accompanies the dialogue. McCloud mentions that a visual medium provides for the most unique relationship between the artist and the reader, in that they are forced into collaboration. The art itself is meant to guide the reader, whereas the reader is meant to fill in the gaps given their own experiences. To that end, a message can only be delivered through a medium in which the reader can connect. If the medium or visuals do not properly guide the reader, the message will likely be lost. Moore and Lloyd do an excellent job of providing a medium in which their readers are able to understand their main objectives and themes. The art and dialogue that the authors chose to utilize do well to engage the reader and allow them to immerse themselves completely in the world of the comic. Without this immersion and understanding, their message would likely not have been received to the degree that it has.

Lloyd, David, and Alan Moore. V For Vendetta. DC Comics, 2005.

McCloud, Scott. The Invisible Art Understanding Comics. HarperCollins Publishers, 1994.

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