V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd

Add caption

"Since mankind's dawn, a handful of oppressors have accepted the responsibility over our lives that we should have accepted for ourselves...By doing so, they took our power. By doing nothing, we gave it away." - V, p. 258 

Alan Moore and David Lloyd create a dark, futuristic society post WWIII set in London, England. Following the war that killed millions and destroyed the earth, Fate promises to restore order, but the cost is that people no longer have freedom or identity. As the "Ear," "Nose," "Eye," and "Mouth" (a.k.a. various branches of a very corrupt law enforcement) monitor people's every move - and dispose of the "nonconformists" - V sets the stage to overthrow the government, and give citizens a second chance at freedom. 

I don't like dystopian novels, but I really enjoyed this one. It's a little tough to get into because the background plot is complex, there are a lot of characters to remember, and there are several subplots going on at the same time. Having said all of that , I appreciate it's complexity because it shows readers that graphic novels are legitimate literature. There were times throughout the novel that I was amazed at how well the scenes flowed as well as the profound message that freedom is not free. 

This could be an excellent novel to use during a history unit because it references Resettlement Camps and alludes to experiements and torture carried out during WWII. In fact, Fate's government is strikingly similar to Hitler's brand of "freedom." In addition, this is one of the first novels that addresses the persecution of gays as well as minorities, and it preaches a sense of tolerance against the backdrop of violence. Really, there is so much that can be pulled from this novel that is teachable.