V #16

Even though there are 2 issues remaining after this one, this is technically the end of V. The TV show had already wrapped up. NBC lowered the axe, opting not to film the proposed 20th episode that would have wrapped up the cliffhanger in which Elizabeth went on a shuttle with the Leader to the planet Sirius IV with Kyle hiding in the vehicle.

The Bron Saga comes to a tragic and bittersweet end. Yup, the Leader's son dies. Valiantly I might add, trying to save his friends from the Resistance. But Bron's death is not in vain. Racked from the guilt of the loss of his heir and impressed with the respect Bron had for the human race, the unseen Leader of the Visitors declares a truce. The invasion of Earth is over!

But why is it that the war is over but V is not? Series editor Marv Wolfman explains in an afterwords in the letter col that DC had a feeling for some time that V the TV series was coming to an end. NBC just wasn't happy with the expense of the show in correlation to the meager ratings the series was earning.  Paul Kupperberg and crew had already wrapped up a 2-part story due for issues #17& 18. Out of respect for the substitute team's work and so they can be properly paid, Wolfman and execs at DC decided to make adjustments.

In response to NBC's cancellation of V,  Cary Bates was ordered to change the ending of this issue to reflect an ending that while not definitive, was sufficient enough to appease most fans. Issues 17& 18 would become a flashback story, so as to not undo the ending put forth by Bates.

I've since learned that V creator Kenneth Johnson wrote a sequel novel in 2008. From what I have read, Ham Tyler was the main character of this official sequel with most of the Resistance leaders either dead or missing. The Visitors are the victors of the invasion. And most of the story occurs in Chicago.

I'd very much like to read that book. But it's out of print and internet prices are ridiculously expensive. I'm talking of $100 plus. So until I get really lucky and find the sequel for a fantastic price, I'll stick with issue #16 of this comic book adaptation as being the true, bittersweet ending of the original V.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.