Publisher's Weekly Review
This French graphic novel served as the basis for the upcoming film of the same name from Scottish director Armando Ianucci, and it's easy to see why the political shenanigans within appealed to the creator of Veep. Upon suffering a debilitating stroke that renders him paralyzed, Stalin lays frozen in his bed as ambitious politicos do everything in their power to thwart his recovery and insert themselves into the top spots in the Soviet government. Oozing with sleazy, appalling chicanery, the narrative by writer Nury (I Am Legion) and artist Robin (Death to the Tsar) captures a turbulent and disturbing period with solid visual storytelling. Robin depicts the sordid goings-on with elegant caricatures that give a clear view of the complete and utter awfulness of the cast, adding enough historical flair to nail down the era. It's proof of the theory that tragedy plus time equals (very dark) comedy. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
Having murdered millions of his countrymen without cause, Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) suffered his own end entangled in the fear he inspired. Inert from a stroke, Stalin remained unexamined for hours since his staff thought him drunk and dangerous. When deemed ill, his highest political associates put off assisting him, and his doctors proceeded ineptly since he had arrested the top physicians on ungrounded suspicions. But his actual death was only the beginning of a spy vs. spy-type power struggle among the Communist Party's Central Committee over who would now lead the nation. This darkly funny, satirical version draws on real events, originally reported only partially and with contradictions. -Nury's (coauthor with Robin, Death to the Tsar) script finds excellent realization in Robin's strongly etched characterizations, crafted in sepia/grey splashed with blood-red. -VERDICT Juicy and engrossing, this story speaks of a style in political machinations going back centuries and inspiring both revulsion and twisted admiration. Teens and adults following the current political scene will appreciate the background about our most powerful national frenemy. Note the forthcoming film from Armando -Iannucci.-MC © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.