The Kursk #1
Lucha Comics 2014
Written by Sasha Janowicz
Art by Andrea Montano
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Summary: The opening chapter of Sasha Janowicz' The Kursk. The story begins as the crew embark on their fateful journey.
Review: First thing I noticed about this book was the interior artwork, it’s black and white with gray tones. Making it some of the most hauntingly beautiful artwork I have seen so far. I really am impressed with the look of this book it was really very nice. The attention to detail in the maps and in smaller details like the emblems and in the uniforms themselves, not to mention the faces. It’s all just beautifully rendered.
Then there’s the story, which by the way I wasn’t aware that this is based off of true events. Sasha manages to write in such a way that there’s something absolutely romantic about the lure of the sea for sailors. At times there is a lyrical poetry to the writing that instantly makes you emotional and invested in what’s happening. Not to mention the whole business of a wife watching her husband leave for his mistress, the sea that captures the imagination so vividly here.
I wasn’t aware (as mentioned earlier) until after I had finished the story that this was indeed based off of true events in the past and The Kursk was actually a Russian submarine. So that’s what makes this story all the more haunting and elevates what Sasha has done here in my eyes. He introduces us to these people; a man, his wife, and his best friend who is still single. And we see things from all these different angles, as well as learn about them, and feel for them. And there’s a moment when you see the mistress of the sea with the wife you know something bad is going to happen, and it all just feels like it could be a cautionary tale. Or an epic Greek poem of a man and the sea.
Then of course there is Russian pride and a re-emergence into the world stage where The Kursk is being put through her paces when tragedy strikes. To this day why The Kursk sank is not known, and why the Russians took so long to ask for help so that none of it’s crew survived is also unsure. Though the old saying of Pride goeth before the Fall comes to mind. Regardless of the tragedy behind the circumstances, this story feels like an incredible tribute so that those men who lost their lives that shouldn’t ever be forgotten. Here through this story they won't be.
This really is a beautiful book that Andrea has done here. This gorgeous work with various influences peeking through, for instance I see some anime and even some noir elements fully on display. She also does this really beautiful computer generated stuff where we see things like the waves cresting or the collars in jackets with these delicate looking strokes.
Together they really do bring this piece of work justice and I can’t speak highly enough of how hauntingly beautiful this book really is.
Editor's Note: To grab yourself a copy of The Kursk #1, head here!
Lucha Comics 2014
Written by Sasha Janowicz
Art by Andrea Montano
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Summary: The opening chapter of Sasha Janowicz' The Kursk. The story begins as the crew embark on their fateful journey.
Review: First thing I noticed about this book was the interior artwork, it’s black and white with gray tones. Making it some of the most hauntingly beautiful artwork I have seen so far. I really am impressed with the look of this book it was really very nice. The attention to detail in the maps and in smaller details like the emblems and in the uniforms themselves, not to mention the faces. It’s all just beautifully rendered.
Then there’s the story, which by the way I wasn’t aware that this is based off of true events. Sasha manages to write in such a way that there’s something absolutely romantic about the lure of the sea for sailors. At times there is a lyrical poetry to the writing that instantly makes you emotional and invested in what’s happening. Not to mention the whole business of a wife watching her husband leave for his mistress, the sea that captures the imagination so vividly here.
I wasn’t aware (as mentioned earlier) until after I had finished the story that this was indeed based off of true events in the past and The Kursk was actually a Russian submarine. So that’s what makes this story all the more haunting and elevates what Sasha has done here in my eyes. He introduces us to these people; a man, his wife, and his best friend who is still single. And we see things from all these different angles, as well as learn about them, and feel for them. And there’s a moment when you see the mistress of the sea with the wife you know something bad is going to happen, and it all just feels like it could be a cautionary tale. Or an epic Greek poem of a man and the sea.
Then of course there is Russian pride and a re-emergence into the world stage where The Kursk is being put through her paces when tragedy strikes. To this day why The Kursk sank is not known, and why the Russians took so long to ask for help so that none of it’s crew survived is also unsure. Though the old saying of Pride goeth before the Fall comes to mind. Regardless of the tragedy behind the circumstances, this story feels like an incredible tribute so that those men who lost their lives that shouldn’t ever be forgotten. Here through this story they won't be.
This really is a beautiful book that Andrea has done here. This gorgeous work with various influences peeking through, for instance I see some anime and even some noir elements fully on display. She also does this really beautiful computer generated stuff where we see things like the waves cresting or the collars in jackets with these delicate looking strokes.
Together they really do bring this piece of work justice and I can’t speak highly enough of how hauntingly beautiful this book really is.
Editor's Note: To grab yourself a copy of The Kursk #1, head here!