A History of Violence
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This article is about the graphic novel. For the film, see A History of Violence (film)
A History of Violence is a graphic novel written by John Wagner and illustrated by Vince Locke, originally published in 1997 by Paradox Press, a division of DC Comics. It is also the source for the film of the same name directed by David Cronenberg, the first cinematic adaption of work by John Wagner since 1995's Judge Dredd.
[edit] Synopsis
The story concerns a small town Indiana cafe owner, Tom McKenna, who becomes a local hero after defending his store from an attempted robbery. When his story receives national attention, several members of the Philadelphia Mafia arrive in town, believing him to be someone named Joey, who crossed them 20 years earlier. Whilst Tom protests his innocence to everyone, eventually his façade is dropped and he is forced to reveal his history of violence to his wife and son.
[edit] Film adaptation
In 2005 the novel was adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Viggo Mortensen. The main character's name in the film adaptation is Tom Stall. William Hurt plays his brother, a role which is significantly different from the corresponding character in the graphic novel. The film takes many liberties with the story, but these changes have not attracted the same degree of criticism as the changes for film adaptations of such graphic novels as V for Vendetta. Reviews were generally favorable.
