This is an interesting and informative overview of the recent history of Russia centered on the rise of Vladimir Putin. It's disturbing, as it should be, and very timely in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine going on right now. The writing is straightforward, clear, and concise, and the author is good about making clear what information is known fact and what is informed speculation. It's a bit mind-boggling when presented all at once; I'm vaguely familiar with a lot of the material presented here, but I learned about the various events at the time, so it was spread out over decades. Reading this and having everything stacked up together at one time is just...wow.
A little dry maybe, but definitely a recommended read.

#PutinsRussia #NetGalley

This is a biography of Russian leader Vladimir Putin in graphic novel form. The author takes us from Putin's humble beginnings to close to today. Along the way, we learn about a man who rises to be an autocrat and yet manages to enjoy broad support in Russia. Keep in mind that Putin has nurtured a serious cult of personality, has curtailed human right and freedoms, and ruthlessly clamped down or even eliminated (or so it seems) political rivals and media critics. He is the villain in this story, and the author presents it in this well written narrative supported by his own research.

This is a very good book for any reader seeking to learn about Putin but does not know where to start. There are various scholarly as well as popular books on Putin, so deciding which to read may be a bit overwhelming. This book then provides a good starting point. Read this first, and then you can seek out other works if you wish. This book is not the definitive work on Putin, but it is a very good overview.

The story starts with Putin's early life. Here the author makes clear this part of the story is based on an interview series Putin did in 2000, which could be true or could be mythologizing, or both. A strength of the book is that the author brings in citations and sources as needed, and he now and then comments on those sources too. The book's narrative is mostly good. There are some slow parts, but in general it is a good, informative, and interesting read.

The art is where the book falls a bit short. Most of the art uses a somewhat minimalist style. It is not really well developed. However, portraits of specific people are drawn in a realistic style so you can recognize who is who. Otherwise, the images are a bit generic. The art overall is colorful.

Overall I liked this book. I wish the art was better. The story is good, and it is well written. It is an engaging read.

I do recommend this for libraries with graphic novel collections. It is one I would buy for our library. The book includes a list of references, which readers can use to find more books and media on the topic.

Wow... The timing of the publication could not be more poignant. I finished this graphic novel on the precipice of serious international conflict with Russia and as documents are released in regard to the 2016 American election and the DNC. It is well researched... although with any non-fiction publication, it is amazing to see how quickly it can deemed 'outdated.' I definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in International politics and the "origin story" of Putin's rise... although one will find there is not a lot to that story...

***Thank you NetGalley for proving me access to this preview. This review is based on a digital ARC. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ***

To read the story of Putin is to better understand the story of Russia, unfortunately. He was born in Leningrad/St Petersburg only eight years after the siege and clawed his way to positions of power and money. He's like the Dick Cheney of Russia, where for every shady situation, you pull back the curtain and there he is.

This is content that probably exists in biographies and other critiques of Putin and his policies, but for me, easier to consume in graphic form. It's really astounding how Putin can have such a high popularity rating when we know about the people he's had killed (goodbye, free press, goodbye, vocal opponents), the countries he's invaded or destroyed, but since we have a person who copies his playbook, it also feels familiar.

I worry I lack the knowledge to understand the subtext of the literature I'm reading, and from that perspective this graphic non fiction book helps provide context about Russia's power and control from the fall of the Soviet Union to the present day. Putin has been there all along....

I was excited to read this book, but found it a bit of a dry read. I suppose I expected something a bit more exciting in the delivery. I thought the art was good, but just couldn't get through it.

Though occasionally dry, this graphic history of Putin's rise to power is a quick read with easily digestible (and blistering) facts about the Russian ruler. Cunningham's art style is minimalist in its depiction of landscapes yet detailed when illustrating the people within the story--especially their facial expressions.

Overall, I found this book interesting and well done. It was informative in illustrating Putin's rise to power in Russia. Graphic novels can be helpful in conveying nonfiction in an accessible way. There were times when this book became dry, and I wasn't sold on the art style, but I generally liked that this book makes learning about modern Russian history more available to people that are interested.

Extremely informative and well researched! There is a lot of information in this book but Cunningham manages to make it accessible and interesting. A terrifying and eye-opening look at Putin’s rise to power.

<i>Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.</i>