Many people know A History of Violence thanks to David Cronenberg’s hard hitting film adaptation. However, it’s easy to forget that the film was based on an equally powerful graphic novel by John Wagner (perhaps best known for co-creating Judge Dredd). Now, thanks to a recent re-release on the ‘Vertigo Crime’ label, the engrossing– and sometimes disturbing – tale of revenge and redemption is ripe for re-discovery in its original medium.
Tom McKenna lives the American Dream as he runs a diner in a small US town whilst living with his wife and children. But everything changes when two wanted killers enter his diner looking for trouble. McKenna nicely does away with them: seemingly a bit too easily for a mild-mannered shopkeeper such as him. Soon his exploits make him a local celebrity: but his notoriety soon reveals a secret past that will have to be confronted when mobsters arrive to take on McKenna and his family.
For those who come to this having first seen the adaptation will be in for something of a surprise as – apart from one or two key moments – the narratives are actually quite different.
Whereas Cronenberg and scriptwriter Josh Olsen focus on the inherent nature of violence in their adaptation, Wagner concentrates on notions of how one can never escape from ones past. The story is grimly compelling, veering from being an examination of an insulated family life to a charged gangster story. McKenna is a complex protagonist and the contradictions and mysterious that are at the heart of his character give the narrative drive and energy. Even when events come to a head – and seemingly threaten to tip into the realms of melodrama – Wagner has created a convincing world that leads to a satisfying conclusion.
Vince Locke’s black and white art is scratchy, stark and angular, giving everything a rather bleak air whilst the sometimes indistinct quality of his visuals reflect the ambiguous nature of the narrative. Locke also doesn’t skimp on the depiction of violence – especially in the latter half of the book – and whilst it is sometimes difficult to stomach it’s also necessary to the story.
A fine example of how graphic novels can tell stories beyond fantasy and sci-fi and remains a captivating and absorbing slice of 20th Century noir.
A History of Violence By John Wagner and art by Vince Locke is published by Titan Books and is available now.
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