As the society collapses, though the hero, V, aims for anarchism, what he gets is anomie - a society of "take what you want" in which rioters and hedonists take power as centralised power collapses.

BBC: V is for what? The meaning of the mask

The masks, patterned after the one worn by the shadowy anti-hero from the comic book and movie "V for Vendetta, " gave an almost surreal air to the panel at a conference where black-framed glasses are a more common fashion accessory.

CNN: Anonymous members speak out at surreal SXSW panel

Johnston is just back from the New York Comic Con and recalls one incident where a group of V for Vendetta fans, dressed as their hero, unwittingly wandered into the Occupy Wall Street protest and were mistaken for protesters by the police.

BBC: V for Vendetta masks: Who's behind them?