V For Vendetta #1

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DC (1988)
1st V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta #1 (1988, DC) is a fascinating book because its importance isn’t tied to a superhero debut—it’s tied to cultural impact, politics, and the rise of one of the most iconic symbols in modern history.

 

1. First U.S. Publication of V for Vendetta

The original story began in the British anthology Warrior (1982–1985), but it was unfinished due to the magazine’s collapse.

DC’s 1988 V for Vendetta #1 marks:

• the first time the story was published in the U.S.

• the first new material since the cancellation

• the official launch of the completed, definitive 10-issue series

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This is the version that became globally recognized.

 

2. First DC Appearance of V and Evey

Even though V technically debuted in Warrior, this is V’s first appearance in a U.S. comic and the one most collectors chase.

Characters appearing here:

• V

• Evey Hammond

• Adam Susan (Leader)

• The Finger/The Nose (Norsefire hierarchy)

This issue is the beginning of the canon most readers know.

 

3. The Creative Team: Alan Moore & David Lloyd

This is one of the most influential writer–artist partnerships in comics.

• Alan Moore was already reshaping the industry with Watchmen and Swamp Thing.

• David Lloyd provided stark, shadow-driven art that defined the visual identity of the Guy Fawkes mask.

V for Vendetta #1 is the start of their complete, finished vision.

 

4. Birth of the Modern Guy Fawkes Mask Symbol

While the mask existed earlier in Warrior, it is this 1988 U.S. edition that made the image mainstream and helped cement it as a symbol for:

• rebellion

• anti-authoritarian resistance

• the hacker collective Anonymous

• global protest movements

That visual identity begins for most Americans and global readers with issue #1.

 

5. One of the Most Important Dystopian Comics Ever

V for Vendetta #1 introduces themes that became legendary:

• surveillance society

• fascism and state control

• individual freedom

• vigilantism with moral complexity

• identity and anonymity

It reads more like a literary political thriller than a typical comic.
It pushed the medium toward more serious, adult storytelling.

 

6. One of the “Big Three” Modern-Political Graphic Novels

Alongside:

• Watchmen

• The Dark Knight Returns

V for Vendetta is part of the 1980s “holy trilogy” of adult, groundbreaking comics.

Issue #1 marks the start of one of these landmark works.

 

9.8 NM+
Pages: White
CGC 0150827008

Art: Alan Moore story David Lloyd cover & art


Key: Wraparound cover.