EVen though the plot and themes of this graphic novel are absolutely predictable (war, loyalty to the State, loss, questioning authority) I was absolutely impressed by the sohpistication of the artwork and the overall book design. The use of colour is exactly what people mean when they refer to a "painterly" art style, and it is this mastery that gives the lacklustre story an emotive depth. Having a beautiful sorceress protagonist (and her equally endearing rugged soldier husband) as the focal point draws away from some of the blood and brutality of war - giving the scenery a much needed positive counterpoint and carefully placed I'm sure to draw in the fan boys. In a lot of ways I would have preferred for the author to just stick to illustration and not play at a plot, since clearly that is his strength. This is only the first volume though, so maybe he gets a bit more interesting later on. ( )

Three stars for the story (so far - I need some more to make up my mind about it); five stars for the art. ( )

science-fiction, uchronie, fantastique, bande dessinée, ( )

The best way I can describe this graphic novel series is ask you to imagine what would have happened to steam punk if, instead of being modeled on the Victorian era, it was inspired by the Soviet Union circa 1960. This is a top notch, innovative and very beautiful graphic novel. The story is epic, an allegorical retelling of the fall of the Soviet Union set against a backdrop of a fantasy version of the Cold War. Plus it has gigantic, flying battleships. ( )