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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