Alejandro's Reviews > V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
Rate this book
Clear rating

by
665584
's review

it was amazing
bookshelves: comic-book, favorites, politics, alternate-reality, dystopia

Remember, remember the fifth of November...


This TPB edition collects the original 10 comic book issues, then divided in the graphic novel in three chapters.


Creative Team:

Writer: Alan Moore

Illustrator: David Lloyd


VALIANT VERICITY

Remember, remember! The fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot; I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot!

It's one of the first sentences that came to mind when you think about the masterpiece by Alan Moore & David Lloyd. And certainly something quite easy to remember each year on the infamous mentioned date.

However, the most powerful quote that sticks to my mind is...

People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.

That quote resumes the very power of this majestic story.

The story of one man.

One man who can be everybody.

Everybody is special. Everybody. Everybody is a hero, a lover, a fool, a villain, everybody. Everybody has their story to tell…

And the story of "V" is one very powerful to tell...

Good evening, London. I thought it time we had a little talk. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin...

VIGOROUS VOCALITY

This is my favorite graphic novel ever!

One of the first impacts when I read reading this graphic novel the first time, it was when I realized that you don't start to read in the beginning of the story.

No, the plan of "V" is so carefully crafted that when the government think that he started, he is already finishing it.

V? You're almost finished, aren't you?

It's very likely that by now, you may have watched the film and it's a very good adaptation. I liked it a lot and it's one of my favorite movies. Are there differences? Oh, yes! But, honestly, as a hardcore Alan Moore's fan, I think that the changes are good thinking that film is a different format than comic book and therefore, some things can be changed and still delivering the same powerful message.

There's no flesh or blood within this cloak to kill. There's only an idea. Ideas are bulletproof.

However, if you are a truly V for Vendetta's fan, like me, you must read the graphic novel at some point, or you will be missing a lot.


VEHEMENT VITALISM

Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.

It's a wonderful joy to watch how Alan Moore put everywhere the letter "v", in the titles of the chapters just to mention an example.

Also, David Lloyd is a very creative partner of Moore, making into art many original concepts like a chapter made entirely in the form a music sheet.

Wonderful concepts that you only can get in the format of a graphic novel.


VENDETTA VALIDITY

If I take off that mask, something will go away forever, be diminished because whoever you are isn’t as big as the idea of you.

I am a huge fan of Alan Moore's work and I have the luck to find a lot of his work, not only the quite known examples like Watchmen and this very graphic novel V for Vendetta but also his entire runs of Swamp Thing, Top Ten, Tom Strong, Promethea, Fashion Beast, along with great issues like For the Man who has everything, The Killing Joke, Whatever happened with the Man of Tomorrow, etc...

...and I loved to read everything and I have to say that my favorite work by Alan Moore is this graphic novel V for Vendetta.

I think the strongest issue that convince me to realize that V for Vendetta is my own personal favorite graphic novel but also my own personal favorite work by Alan Moore is because it's that each little detail on the story was so carefully done, so carefully thought, so carefully presented.

And that's the beautiful irony of all.

Since this is a story about chaos, but it's done with a precision where nothing is left to chance. Everything is where that's supposed to be. No more or less than needed to tell the story.

And threrefore, My own personal opinion is that this is his masterpiece in the middle of an universe of masterpieces written by Alan Moore.

Not only is a strong political story but also an impressive artwork.

Also, the terrorist known as "V" is one of the best characters ever made in literature.

What was done to me created me. It's a basic principle of the Universe that every action will create an equal and opposing reaction.

That will be all. You may return to your labors.

England prevails.

347 likes · flag

Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read V for Vendetta.
Sign In »

Quotes Alejandro Liked

Alan Moore
“Evey Hammond: Who are you?
V: Who? Who is but the form following the function of what and what I am is a man in a mask.
Evey Hammond: Well I can see that.
V: Of course you can. I'm not questioning your powers of observation I'm merely remarking upon the paradox of asking a masked man who he is”
Alan Moore, V for Vendetta

Alan Moore
“I know there's no way I can convince you this is not one of their tricks, but I don't care, I am me. My name is Valerie, I don't think I'll live much longer and I wanted to tell someone about my life. This is the only autobiography ill ever write, and god, I'm writing it on toilet paper. I was born in Nottingham in 1985, I don't remember much of those early years, but I do remember the rain. My grandmother owned a farm in Tuttlebrook, and she use to tell me that god was in the rain. I passed my 11th lesson into girl's grammar; it was at school that I met my first girlfriend, her name was Sara. It was her wrists. They were beautiful. I thought we would love each other forever. I remember our teacher telling us that is was an adolescent phase people outgrew. Sara did, I didn't. In 2002 I fell in love with a girl named Christina. That year I came out to my parents. I couldn't have done it without Chris holding my hand. My father wouldn't look at me, he told me to go and never come back. My mother said nothing. But I had only told them the truth, was that so selfish? Our integrity sells for so little, but it is all we really have. It is the very last inch of us, but within that inch, we are free. I'd always known what I wanted to do with my life, and in 2015 I starred in my first film, "The Salt Flats". It was the most important role of my life, not because of my career, but because that was how I met Ruth. The first time we kissed, I knew I never wanted to kiss any other lips but hers again. We moved to a small flat in London together. She grew Scarlet Carsons for me in our window box, and our place always smelled of roses. Those were there best years of my life. But America's war grew worse, and worse. And eventually came to London. After that there were no roses anymore. Not for anyone. I remember how the meaning of words began to change. How unfamiliar words like collateral and rendition became frightening. While things like Norse Fire and The Articles of Allegiance became powerful, I remember how different became dangerous. I still don't understand it, why they hate us so much. They took Ruth while she was out buying food. I've never cried so hard in my life. It wasn't long till they came for me.It seems strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years, I had roses, and apologized to no one. I shall die here. Every inch of me shall perish. Every inch, but one. An Inch, it is small and it is fragile, but it is the only thing the world worth having. We must never lose it or give it away. We must never let them take it from us. I hope that whoever you are, you escape this place. I hope that the world turns and that things get better. But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you. I love you. With all my heart, I love you. -Valerie”
Alan Moore, V for Vendetta

Alan Moore
“Everybody is special. Everybody. Everybody is a hero, a lover, a fool, a villain. Everybody. Everybody has their story to tell.”
Alan Moore, V for Vendetta


Reading Progress

November 5, 2005 – Started Reading
November 5, 2005 – Finished Reading
December 16, 2007 – Shelved
June 30, 2013 – Shelved as: comic-book
July 12, 2013 – Shelved as: favorites
August 1, 2013 – Shelved as: politics
August 1, 2013 – Shelved as: alternate-reality
October 4, 2013 – Shelved as: dystopia

Comments Showing 1-43 of 43 (43 new)

dateDown arrow    newest »

Alejandro Killer Rabbit wrote: "it's one of my favorite movies

Thanks for the tip! Will check it out."


Hope you'd enjoy the original graphic novel too :)


Kandice One of my forever favorites! Good taste my man.


Alejandro Kandice wrote: "One of my forever favorites! Good taste my man."

Thanks a lot, Kandice ;)


message 4: by Aditi (new)

Aditi Raw and brilliant review :)


Cherie I enjoyed all three formats also, but never as so eloquently as you, my friend.


Frankh Uh-mazing! I knew I was forgetting something about Nov 5 yesterday! This review makes me want to re-read the GN :D


message 7: by Arah-Leah (new)

Arah-Leah great review! ive only ever seen the movie, and loved it.


Alejandro Roksana wrote: "These quotes are so inspiring...was the book based on the real facts? I know I have watched the film and it made me think about our society and its current crises that badly calls for fundamental c..."

Well, while it's fiction, one of the gifts of Alan Moore is being able to "predict" how the society will behave and how society will make the same mistakes each certain time. Because of that, the story is able to become timeless and always relevant. :)


Alejandro Aditi wrote: "Raw and brilliant review :)"

Thank you, Aditi! :D I am truly glad that you enjoyed it so much the review.


Alejandro Cherie wrote: "I enjoyed all three formats also, but never as so eloquently as you, my friend."

With three formats, I am guessing that besides the original graphic novel and the film, you also read the prose novelization based on the movie. Cool. I never tried to read that last one since I found kinda odd to read a novelization of a film that it was based on a previous printed work that I already read. But I can't deny that it must be an awesome reading too ;) Since I do think that the movie was quite respectfully adapted. :)


Alejandro Ekairidium wrote: "Uh-mazing! I knew I was forgetting something about Nov 5 yesterday! This review makes me want to re-read the GN :D"

Hehehe, ;) Always grateful to help you to remember, remember, the fifth of november ;) and it's eternal importance! :D


Alejandro Arah-Leah wrote: "great review! ive only ever seen the movie, and loved it."

Cool! :) Thank you, Arah-Leah!

If you have any chance in the future, give it a chance to the graphic novel ;)


Cherie Alejandro, I listened to the novel first, then watched the movie. I read and reviewed the graphic novel last. I think I even watched the movie a 2nd time, just to catch the differences.
Even my 10 yo grandson knows the mask and "Everyone". He said they talked about it at school last week.


Alejandro Cherie wrote: "Alejandro, I listened to the novel first, then watched the movie. I read and reviewed the graphic novel last. I think I even watched the movie a 2nd time, just to catch the differences.
Even my 1..."


Oh, the audiobook format then! ;) I almost deduced it hehehe. Cool! Interesting order to get the story! ;) Oh, I have the movie on DVD and I have watched several times and the graphic novel I have read it twice ;)

Cool that this story was a school topic to talk about!


message 15: by Alejandro (new)

Alejandro Chamberlain Completely agree, I believe it's graphic novel original interpretation is way better compared to the movie, having said that, I really enjoyed the movie so you can measure the quality of these piece. Great review all the way.


Alejandro Alejandro wrote: "Completely agree, I believe it's graphic novel original interpretation is way better compared to the movie, having said that, I really enjoyed the movie so you can measure the quality of these piec..."

Thanks for your feedback, Alejandro ;)


message 17: by _speedy (new) - added it

_speedy I only watched the movie but I look forward to reading the graphic novel.
Great review! :)


Alejandro _speedy wrote: "I only watched the movie but I look forward to reading the graphic novel.
Great review! :)"


I love both presentations of the story :D

So sorry for the delayed reply.


Kandice This is always going to be one of my favorite comic collections ever. It is just so smart and really makes you think.


message 20: by Florencia (new)

Florencia A superb review, Alejandro! This is one of those books I know I should read sometime, because there's much to ponder here. And thanks to your excellent analysis and perfect rating, I'm sure I will. :)


message 21: by Bionic Jean (new)

Bionic Jean Great review! Thanks Alejandro :)


Michael Finocchiaro You are right, this one is also sadly prophetic


Alejandro Kandice wrote: "This is always going to be one of my favorite comic collections ever. It is just so smart and really makes you think."

Truly glad to know, Kandice :D


Alejandro Jean wrote: "Great review! Thanks Alejandro :)"

You're so much kind, Jean ;)


Alejandro le_fino wrote: "You are right, this one is also sadly prophetic "

Yes, sadly prophetic... well said!


Alejandro Florencia wrote: "A superb review, Alejandro! This is one of those books I know I should read sometime, because there's much to ponder here. And thanks to your excellent analysis and perfect rating, I'm sure I will. :)"

I do hope you'd have the chance to read the graphic novel at some moment and being able to enjoy it ;) Thanks a lot for your kind comments, Florencia!


message 27: by PorshaJo (new)

PorshaJo Great review Alejandro! I love this movie and watched it the other day.....as it was on. I'm glad that you also discussed the book vs the movie. I can't believe I have yet to read this one. I need to pick it up.


Alejandro PorshaJo wrote: "Great review Alejandro! I love this movie and watched it the other day.....as it was on. I'm glad that you also discussed the book vs the movie. I can't believe I have yet to read this one. I need ..."

Thanks a lot, Porshajo! :D I do hope you'd be able to read the graphic novel and enjoy it as well as you enjoyed the movie ;)


message 29: by Ritwik (new) - added it

Ritwik This is a magnificent review. Alejandro! Loved it to bits!


Alejandro Ritwik wrote: "This is a magnificent review. Alejandro! Loved it to bits!"

You're so much kind, Ritwik! Thanks a lot!


message 31: by Michael (new)

Michael Galdamez Having read Brave New World and 1984, I really need to get to this one! Sounds great!
(Isn't it proof enough that this is a great graphic novel when many people hold it next to classic novels of the same genre?)


message 32: by :) (new) - added it

:) ????/\ illuminate


Abarrcadon Guaz Dat is DA BOMB right dare


message 34: by Teresa (new)

Teresa The cover of this always creeps me out!!! I think my daughter has it. It's certainly been grinning at me from some shelf in the house.


Kandice Today!


Aj the Ravenous Reader Very awesome review, kuya!^^


Avinash I read it as well (a quick glance) because of the day :)


Alejandro Aj the Ravenous Reader wrote: "Very awesome review, kuya!^^"

Thank you, Aj ;) You're Very kind ;)


Alejandro Kandice wrote: "Today!"

;) :D


Alejandro Teresa wrote: "The cover of this always creeps me out!!! I think my daughter has it. It's certainly been grinning at me from some shelf in the house."

Hehehe, I think that's the Very intention ;) :P


Kandice This book is sadly, always topical!


Alejandro Kandice wrote: "This book is sadly, always topical!"

Yeah, it's not a pretty story, but a real one that it can happen at any time.


Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin Fantastic review my friend! 😊


back to top