Originally beginning publication in Britain’s Warrior magazine in 1982, and eventually finding itself finished in 1989 by DC and Vertigo. V for Vendetta is a hugely important and massively influential piece in comic book history. From its 2005 cinematic adaptation, to the adoption of the books iconic Guy Faulk’s mask for activist usage. Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s seminal work continues to be relevant, despite being written in the Thatcher era of politics in Britain.

“A frightening tale of the loss of freedom and identity in a chillingly believable totalitarian world, V for Vendetta stands as one of the highest achievements of the comics medium and a defining work for creators Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in an imagined future England that has given itself over to fascism, this ground-breaking story captures both the suffocating nature of life in an authoritarian police state and the redemptive power of the human spirit which rebels against it. Crafted with sterling clarity and intelligence, this ground-breaking story brings an unequalled depth of characterization and verisimilitude to its unflinching account of oppression and resistance.” Extract from books blurb. Extract from books blurb.















For the books 30th anniversary, Vertigo and DC have released a stunning deluxe hardcover. The overall presentation is very striking. Presenting a black and white image of V on the front, with his spray-painted logo over the top in red. The jackets material is a soft matte that makes the book very comfortable to hold. With both the text and the spray-painted logo in an embossed and shiny red that ties everything together very nicely. Beneath the dust jacket, happily carried over from more recent hardcover books coming out of DC, is an interesting wrap around image. An assortment of panels presented in a striking red and black, with text accented in white. The quality of the printing is very high, very clean and incredibly legible. The paper stock itself may turn off some people. It has a news print feel to it, almost imitating the print of the original Warrior magazine. It all feels very authentic, but if you are more comfortable with more glossy, modern printing, this maybe a negative factor for you.

In regards to the content. The book contains the entirety of V for Vendetta, as well as the standard 1988 and 1990 introductions from the authors, Alan Moore and David Lloyd respectively. The book also contains a section called ‘Behind the Painted Smile’. This contains a piece by Alan Moore from the original Warrior printing in 1983, as well as a gallery of art from David Lloyd. Ranging from work in progress sketches, to full coloured art, and unused covers.

For those looking for a good, high quality copy of V for Vendetta, then it’s hard to go wrong with this edition. It’s high quality, reasonably priced and a lovely edition to your collection.