Remember, remember the fifth of November
The gunpowder treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, twas his intent
To blow up King and Parli’ment.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England’s overthrow.

By God’s mercy he was catched
With a dark lantern and lighted match.
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King.

Today’s the 5th Of November; Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfire Night in Britain. An annual celebration where we commemorate the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Houses Of Parliament in 1605. And how do we commemorate it?

By having children make stuffed rag doll “Guys”, parade them around the streets begging for money from strangers until eventually, come nightfall, we throw the “Guy” on a huge bonfire and watch it burn, whilst letting off fireworks to represent the explosions that would have occurred if the gunpowder plot would have worked. Bizarre British customs are just great, aren’t they?

Of course, in comics we have our own special way of looking at Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night – Alan Moore’s V For Vendetta which is now available in softback and a gorgeous absolute edition. And should you wish to celebrate Guy Fawkes night in style there’s always this.