Scratch

Here you will find older scratches, musings and other detritus that once were located on the front pages, but have now faded.

Filed away here to collect dust and cobwwwebs in perpetuity, links may break, facts may change and data may corrupt.

On occasion I may come down here to tidy, but for the most, I prefer to leave the past where it lies.

 

V For Vendetta

Alan Moore (Writer) & David Lloyd (Artist)

'Good evening, London. It's nine o'clock and this is The Voice of Fate� It is the Fifth of the Eleventh, Nineteen-Ninety-Seven�'

'The people of London are advised that the Brixton and Streatham areas are quarantine zones as of today. It is suggested that these areas be avoided for reasons of health and safety...'

'Police raided seventeen homes in the Birmingham area early this morning, uncovering what is believed to be a major terrorist ring. Twenty people, eight of them women, are currently in detention awaiting trial...'

'The weather will be fine until 12:07 A.M. when a shower will commence, lasting until 1:30 A.M.... Have a pleasant evening.'

A frightening and powerful story of the loss of freedom and identity in a totalitarian world. V for Vendetta is the chronicle of a world of despair and oppressive tyranny.

A work of sterling clarity and intelligence, V for Vendetta is everything comics weren't supposed to be.

England Prevails.

With the film now in production, I figured it would be time to look at the graphic novel tht inspired it. In V for Vendetta by drawing on elements as diverse as Dick Turpin, Fahrenheit 451, The Prisoner, Judge Dredd, Harlan Ellison's "Repent Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman." Moore creates a dystopian, post apocalyptic British fascist state, where all culture is banned and dissidents are sent to concentration camps. From the shadows emerges a mysterious cloaked figure known only as V who sets about enlightening the masses through a series of theatrical events.

Against the bleak backdrop Moore is allowed free reign to flex his erudite muscles, quoting liberally from literature, music and other media, which only helps you be drawn to V. This is complemented by Lloyds artwork, subtle shading creating a noir feel that matches the gloomyness of the writing. The subtle references, much like the League of Gentlemen that will follow, are abound and their are nuances and references abound.

Although the main character, V is not the focus of the story. Arguably, it is more about the supporting characters and the impact V's actions and ideals have on them.

Written during the early 80s, when Britain saw great upheavel under the Thatcher led Conservative government, it is a stark warning as to what the future could have been It is concerned with freedom, identity, and the responsibilities that follow.

Given Moore's and Lloyd's later works, this stands proud as a testament to two men at the top of their craft. The book has a reality to it that many graphic novels, and even normal novels have lost.

Well Worth it.

6 Mar 2005 17:48 | (2) comments | Books

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