A History of Comics and Politics

Those who know me will know that one of my interests is politics. I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of governing and the philosophical questions it poses to govern and be governed. I attribute this to comic books—specifically, Alan Moore’s works, Watchmen and V for Vendetta.

Watchmen ponders the question, “What if superheroes were real?” More specifically, what if they were real during the Vietnam War, and what if America had a superhero so powerful that he would become synonymous with God? In the story, Vietnam is defeated and is adopted by the United States as the fifty-first state in the union. What ramifications does that have on the Presidential race? (A race in which Hollywood actor Robert Redford is the incumbent.)

V for Vendetta holds a special place in my heart as one of the very first comic books I ever picked up, and it proudly remains my favorite! The story beautifully explores themes of freedom, authority, and the power of individual agency, making it an incredibly thought-provoking experience.

Set in a dystopian version of London and the greater United Kingdom, the ruling government controls its citizens through fear and surveillance. Imprisoning anyone brave enough to speak out against them or who has the simple misfortune of being born a minority.

 Our story follows a young, naïve girl, Evey Hammond. One night, while out past curfew, she is attacked by the government’s secret police. They attempt to assault her but are stopped by our protagonist, a man simply known as “V,” who wears a wide-brimmed black hat, which gives him a theatrical look, like this is merely a performance to him. A Guy Fawkes Mask featuring a white face, rosy cheeks, a pointed mustache, and a thin goatee. The mask will become an emblem of rebellion in our story as it comes to signify that anyone can put on the face of resistance.

V wears a tailored black tunic or doublet beneath his cloak, enhancing the aggressive look of his ensemble. A black belt cinches the tunic at his waist, where two sheathed daggers dangle. This outfit maintains a slim silhouette, poised for action while exuding an elegant yet intimidating figure. It is paired with a long, flowing black cape, giving him a more oversized silhouette.

Sorry for the quick break, but I have to add that once the assailants are defeated, V launches into a fantastic alliterative and theatrical monologue using the letter “V.” Please Enjoy.

“Viola! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a bygone vexation stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition.

The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous.

Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it’s my very good honor to meet you, and you may call me v.” (Moore, 15)

Back to the report, V begins his rampage throughout this government by blowing up The Old Bailey, where London’s historic Central Criminal Court is housed. The scene is accompanied by classical music and dramatic flair to symbolize V’s carefree attitude to all this mayhem.

After the Destruction of the Bailey, V and Evey retreat underground to V’s secret lair. It is here we learn that V was a prisoner and a test subject of the government. Upon his (Fiery) escape, he sets his sights on dismantling the entire institution. This inevitably leads to V’s demise, but he leaves Evey with one final piece of advice.

“Beneath this mask, there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask, there is an idea… and ideas are bulletproof.”

This line captures V’s philosophy. It emphasizes that while individuals can be killed or suppressed, ideas can endure and cannot be silenced through violence or oppression. V’s belief in the resilience of ideas becomes central to his character and mission to inspire people to rise against the authoritarian regime.