Adam Susan: A comic book villain with depth
Blazing Reader,
The V for Vendetta graphic novel has been on my "why haven't I read this yet" reading list for many years. Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd in 1989, its fame doubled with James McTeigue's 2005 film adaptation, written and produced by the Wachowkis and starring Hugo Weaving.
For the last two decades, V's smiling mask has been haunting me, asking why I have not yet read this classic of pro-liberty fiction:
Well, last month, I finally read it while narrating the artwork to my blind son, Jonah (forcing me to translate every sneer, smile and shadow into words). Despite the story's numerous flaws — which oddly enough almost enhance its philosophical flair — I feel it's a five-star work of art.
The hero, named V, is also a poet, philosopher and professional practitioner of verbose verbal virtuosity who loves words that begin with V. Well, maybe he's not fond of the word villain. But today it's the villain of the story I'd like to talk briefly about...
While the movie's depiction of the fascist High Chancellor, Adam Sutler, feels like a caricature of a ranting, raving, anxiety-ridden Adolf Hitler, the graphic novel's take is far more original. In its pages, Leader Adam Susan (note the name change) comes across as a man who cares deeply about his people, seeing authoritarianism as a necessary evil, rather than a power grab. I couldn't help but empathize with his melancholy ruminations.
Here's a glimpse into his inner thoughts:
"The only freedom left to my people is the freedom to starve, the freedom to die, the freedom to live in a world of chaos. Should I allow them that freedom? I think not. I think not. Do I reserve for myself the freedom I deny to others? I do not. I am but a servant. I, who am master of all that I see."
"I have so very little.... I have never known the soft whisper of endearment.... But I am respected. I am feared. And that will suffice."
Hardly a 2D comic book villain.
I have more to review, but that's enough for today. But don't wait for my take, you can purchase a copy of V for Vendetta through my Blazing Book Shop.
—John C.A. Manley
P.S. The graphic novel also differs from the movie in that the government is not led by the whims of a despot, but by a supercomputer named Fate — foreshadowing the AI technocracy our algorithmic nanny states are hurtling towards today...
John C. A. Manley is the author of Much Ado About Corona, All The Humans Are Sleeping and other works of philosophical fiction that are "so completely engaging that you find yourself alternately laughing, gasping, hanging on for dear life." Get free samples of his stories by becoming a Blazing Pine Cone email subscriber.
