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Slava #1-3
Soviet Land: A Tragicomic Thriller Graphic Novel
A must-read thriller at turns madcap and melancholy, about a down-on-their-luck duo of swindlers looting their way through the decaying remains of the USSR
1990s. Russia. The USSR has ceased to exist. Its dimly remembered promises of utopia have dried up, and amongst the rubble, scavengers and looters abound.
Amongst the vast Russian tundra and decaying Soviet buildings, two such scavengers engage in a rather dubious pastime—getting their hands on all sorts of trinkets that might interest wealthy investors.
Slava, once a promising young painter, has abandoned his career and ideals to scrounge around with a pal from his school days, the consummate conman Lavrin. The future is up for grabs, and in this anything-goes, dog-eat-dog new world order, Lavrin assures Slava anything and everything can be bought and sold.
In this tragicomic thriller, author Pierre-Henry Gomont tells a gripping tale of average people caught up in the turmoil of history in the making. His deeply human characters fumble through a disorienting world—one where the promise of tomorrow has evaporated. They aspire to nothing more than to to continue living, loving, and maybe someday even painting again.
1990s. Russia. The USSR has ceased to exist. Its dimly remembered promises of utopia have dried up, and amongst the rubble, scavengers and looters abound.
Amongst the vast Russian tundra and decaying Soviet buildings, two such scavengers engage in a rather dubious pastime—getting their hands on all sorts of trinkets that might interest wealthy investors.
Slava, once a promising young painter, has abandoned his career and ideals to scrounge around with a pal from his school days, the consummate conman Lavrin. The future is up for grabs, and in this anything-goes, dog-eat-dog new world order, Lavrin assures Slava anything and everything can be bought and sold.
In this tragicomic thriller, author Pierre-Henry Gomont tells a gripping tale of average people caught up in the turmoil of history in the making. His deeply human characters fumble through a disorienting world—one where the promise of tomorrow has evaporated. They aspire to nothing more than to to continue living, loving, and maybe someday even painting again.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 29, 2026
Outstanding (historical fiction ... or satire or tragicomedy ... in graphic novel form, but, whatever it was, I found it immensely compelling).
This one touched all the bases for me. I enjoyed the art (at times, Spartan, at times, opulent, but evocative, throughout), the protagonist/narrator's voice, the small cadre of leading characters, the rogue's gallery of villains, ... and the story itself.
I'm glad I found and read it, and I recommend it (if you're open to the various genres in play) without hesitation.
This one touched all the bases for me. I enjoyed the art (at times, Spartan, at times, opulent, but evocative, throughout), the protagonist/narrator's voice, the small cadre of leading characters, the rogue's gallery of villains, ... and the story itself.
I'm glad I found and read it, and I recommend it (if you're open to the various genres in play) without hesitation.
May 30, 2026
Post-USSR, we follow a duo of two childhood friends and partners in (maybe crime, but actually) business: A discontent artist, Slava, turned sidekick to the quick-witted, self-made con-man, Larvin. Although their newest hustle takes an unexpected turn, when they find themselves in the middle of a dying mining town trying to survive, under the care of our two remaining protagonists, an old-fashioned and sturdy father, and his determined daughter.
Firstly, some words about the art: It's wonderful, and I especially appreciate its use of sound-effects being phonetically written like in the Slavic language, or the characters' intrusive thoughts being little, drawn scenes. The art style itself is rather simple in characters (but not in their character design or emotions), but splurges with a lot of life in landscape and environmental scenes.
Regarding the graphic novel's side-title of it being a tagicomic, it will get bleak and depressive but in a way that feels true and inescapable for the characters and their world. Nonetheless, none of the characters are without flaws, but the graphic novel does a good job of taking them and the reader onto a memorable and moving journey.
Might be an interesting look into post-soviet Russia for more unfamiliar readers.
It's not without issues, (for example, it has, of course, a cheating side plot), but rounded up to 5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams ComicArts for an ARC for an honest review.
Firstly, some words about the art: It's wonderful, and I especially appreciate its use of sound-effects being phonetically written like in the Slavic language, or the characters' intrusive thoughts being little, drawn scenes. The art style itself is rather simple in characters (but not in their character design or emotions), but splurges with a lot of life in landscape and environmental scenes.
Regarding the graphic novel's side-title of it being a tagicomic, it will get bleak and depressive but in a way that feels true and inescapable for the characters and their world. Nonetheless, none of the characters are without flaws, but the graphic novel does a good job of taking them and the reader onto a memorable and moving journey.
Might be an interesting look into post-soviet Russia for more unfamiliar readers.
It's not without issues, (for example, it has, of course, a cheating side plot), but rounded up to 5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams ComicArts for an ARC for an honest review.
August 4, 2026
I like comics and I like 20th century Russian history so this was a slum dunk for what I’m looking for. The illustration style was pretty rough which made it even cooler that I could always tell which character I was looking at (even as so many characters had similar features) and their emotions always came through on their minimalist expressions.
The Yeltsin years represent a bit of a gap in my knowledge of Russia’s history but I do know the transition from communism to capitalism was rough and gave way to hyperinflation and consolidation of wealth by oligarchs and the mob. This graphic novel tells the story of people on the ground during this period and fighting through a bleak and crushing daily life in the caucuses.
That such a bleak and cynical setting managed to be consistently funny and then emotionally warm and heartfelt in the end is a testament to the storytelling capabilities of the author. There’s no guarantee that just because somebody can draw well they can craft a satisfying story, but this hit all the right notes for me.
The Yeltsin years represent a bit of a gap in my knowledge of Russia’s history but I do know the transition from communism to capitalism was rough and gave way to hyperinflation and consolidation of wealth by oligarchs and the mob. This graphic novel tells the story of people on the ground during this period and fighting through a bleak and crushing daily life in the caucuses.
That such a bleak and cynical setting managed to be consistently funny and then emotionally warm and heartfelt in the end is a testament to the storytelling capabilities of the author. There’s no guarantee that just because somebody can draw well they can craft a satisfying story, but this hit all the right notes for me.
July 12, 2026
Vivid characters, good story, loved the art style. I'm always fascinated with post-Soviet Russia.
June 17, 2026
Not my typical book but it was a good read. Read it in one day, no problem.
May 12, 2026
It seems almost impossible to imagine now, not quite 40 years hence, but there was a brief period (very brief) between the early-1990s fall of the Soviet Union and Putin's ultimate takeover less than a decade later that a "free" Russian nation was possible. In 'Soviet Land', Gomont's characters are caught in that economic and political no-man's land, contemplating the possibilities of capitalism and how to handle life no longer under the thumb of a repressive regime. Artists, gangsters, grifters, and old-school Russian loyalists abound.
Gomont's spectacular illustrations, which evoke classic 1950s narrative comic strips, kick this four-star story up to a five-star rating for the novel.
Gomont's spectacular illustrations, which evoke classic 1950s narrative comic strips, kick this four-star story up to a five-star rating for the novel.
May 15, 2026
This was sort of like Martin Cruz Smith meets Sergio Aragones. A tragic ending, but that's Russia for you....
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Abrams ComicArts for an advance copy of this graphic novel that tells of the that magical time when the feared Communist empire collapsed under its own weight, a time when many thought the world was going to change for the better, but more a time that changed for this with a taste for exploitation, ruthlessness, and capitalism.
I was in college when the End of History as political thinker Francis Fukuyama wrote in his bestselling book, happened. The Berlin Wall was torn down, Soviet Troops began to leave its satellite states, and for all intents and purposes, the dreaded empire, the vast Boogeyman that was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics collapsed. There was much rejoicing. People thought this was going to be a new Eden, instead of wasting money on nuclear weapons, and vast military expenditures the world would invest in itself. Peace would reign, people would be happy. The End of History as Fukuyama wrote, the coming of something new. As Pete Townsend wrote and Roger Daltry sang, "Meet the new Boss, same as the old Boss." Things didn't change, but the people did. Everything began to be for sale in Russia, with all new fears, Chemical weapons, nuclear weapons, regular weapons, mercenary armies. Anything that was for sale, including souls had a price tag. And that is where we find ourselves today, with this graphic novel showing us how. Soviet Land: A Tragicomic Thriller Graphic Novel is written and illustrated by Pierre-Henry Gomont and tells of a schemer, a dreamer and a town for sale in ew Russia, where money, power, and influence reign, no one can be trusted, and even dreams can be bought and sold.
Slava was once a man with dreams of being a famous painter. However art dealers and agents cheated him out of that dream. Now Slava is like many others in Post-Soviet Russia, out to make money, and not caring how. Slava has become partners with Lavrin, an old school mate, but one that understood how to find the right people, and make money. Their latest scheme is stripping old Soviet holding for anything they can sell, one that nearly gets them killed when militia outlaws try to ambush them for their van. They find themselves out of transport, with crushed glass and chandeliers, in a small mining village, and saved by a young woman who seems to know more than they do. This village has come to the attention of a new oligarch, who wishes to buy the town, for reasons unknown, something not popular with the people. Lavrin knows this is a big time deal, and wants in, and drags Slava in with him. However Slava is having second thoughts, and feelings for the young woman who saved him. However it might be too late.
I know much, usually from thrillers about this time. The rise of the Red Mayfia and the oligarchs who grabbed whatever they could to make money, but this was a real eye opener. Gomont has a real understanding for what happened, how it got to where everything was falling apart, and how bad it was going to get. Sequential art is a really excellent way to show a story like this, where one can see the opulence that was kept from normal citizens, and how many schemed to get a part of that. The characters seem real, Russian in ways that they accept their fate, don't expect much, and still get surprised by how bad things get. The art is quite good, with a real sense of place and time. Plus I enjoy the use of real Cyrillic script for sound effects, something I thought was wrong, until it came to me later.
A really good story, a nice piece of history, and a well drawn graphic novel. Something I quite enjoyed. I look forward to more works like this, real world events, important events, told in graphic novel form.
I was in college when the End of History as political thinker Francis Fukuyama wrote in his bestselling book, happened. The Berlin Wall was torn down, Soviet Troops began to leave its satellite states, and for all intents and purposes, the dreaded empire, the vast Boogeyman that was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics collapsed. There was much rejoicing. People thought this was going to be a new Eden, instead of wasting money on nuclear weapons, and vast military expenditures the world would invest in itself. Peace would reign, people would be happy. The End of History as Fukuyama wrote, the coming of something new. As Pete Townsend wrote and Roger Daltry sang, "Meet the new Boss, same as the old Boss." Things didn't change, but the people did. Everything began to be for sale in Russia, with all new fears, Chemical weapons, nuclear weapons, regular weapons, mercenary armies. Anything that was for sale, including souls had a price tag. And that is where we find ourselves today, with this graphic novel showing us how. Soviet Land: A Tragicomic Thriller Graphic Novel is written and illustrated by Pierre-Henry Gomont and tells of a schemer, a dreamer and a town for sale in ew Russia, where money, power, and influence reign, no one can be trusted, and even dreams can be bought and sold.
Slava was once a man with dreams of being a famous painter. However art dealers and agents cheated him out of that dream. Now Slava is like many others in Post-Soviet Russia, out to make money, and not caring how. Slava has become partners with Lavrin, an old school mate, but one that understood how to find the right people, and make money. Their latest scheme is stripping old Soviet holding for anything they can sell, one that nearly gets them killed when militia outlaws try to ambush them for their van. They find themselves out of transport, with crushed glass and chandeliers, in a small mining village, and saved by a young woman who seems to know more than they do. This village has come to the attention of a new oligarch, who wishes to buy the town, for reasons unknown, something not popular with the people. Lavrin knows this is a big time deal, and wants in, and drags Slava in with him. However Slava is having second thoughts, and feelings for the young woman who saved him. However it might be too late.
I know much, usually from thrillers about this time. The rise of the Red Mayfia and the oligarchs who grabbed whatever they could to make money, but this was a real eye opener. Gomont has a real understanding for what happened, how it got to where everything was falling apart, and how bad it was going to get. Sequential art is a really excellent way to show a story like this, where one can see the opulence that was kept from normal citizens, and how many schemed to get a part of that. The characters seem real, Russian in ways that they accept their fate, don't expect much, and still get surprised by how bad things get. The art is quite good, with a real sense of place and time. Plus I enjoy the use of real Cyrillic script for sound effects, something I thought was wrong, until it came to me later.
A really good story, a nice piece of history, and a well drawn graphic novel. Something I quite enjoyed. I look forward to more works like this, real world events, important events, told in graphic novel form.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was quite good; for me this was mostly due to the colourful and impactful art style used to express the story here. Though that's not to say the story wasn't good; in actuality, it was quite serviceable but lacked a certain level of intrigue that I would've preferred for an endeavour this large, with many of the plot points, beats and characters here being exactly as would be expected for a Soviet-style thriller.
While the USSR wasn't the answer that it could've been, neither is a capitalistic society, especially in the wake of a systemic collapse which creates an environment perfectly ripe for abuse. This sentiment is best expressed here through the character of 'Lavrin', who serves as a caricature of not only capitalism but also that of an unfeeling merchant who cares only for profit even when it comes at the expense of long-standing personal relationships and his own true desires.
I always get worried with stories set around and after the collapse of the Soviet Union because I just don't have enough working knowledge regarding that span of history, which can unfortunately mean that I might miss some key undertones and intents of the piece which pertain to this period.
Despite this, the story set out here in 'Soviet Land' felt complete, whole and comprehensive in what it was trying to communicate, especially for someone not well versed in the area. Though I'm sure some extra tidbits would be gained for someone with a keener eye and deeper understanding of this topic.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
While the USSR wasn't the answer that it could've been, neither is a capitalistic society, especially in the wake of a systemic collapse which creates an environment perfectly ripe for abuse. This sentiment is best expressed here through the character of 'Lavrin', who serves as a caricature of not only capitalism but also that of an unfeeling merchant who cares only for profit even when it comes at the expense of long-standing personal relationships and his own true desires.
I always get worried with stories set around and after the collapse of the Soviet Union because I just don't have enough working knowledge regarding that span of history, which can unfortunately mean that I might miss some key undertones and intents of the piece which pertain to this period.
Despite this, the story set out here in 'Soviet Land' felt complete, whole and comprehensive in what it was trying to communicate, especially for someone not well versed in the area. Though I'm sure some extra tidbits would be gained for someone with a keener eye and deeper understanding of this topic.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
June 11, 2026
This drags the graphic novel from Europe Comics previously called "Slava" back into the market, with a new title and all in one volume, as opposed to three digital files. I'd read the first third of this, then, and didn't find myself completely in love – https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... – but felt like the full thing was worth a chance. And it actually proved to be, making for a full and satisfying trilogy, with three distinct parts to the same story of post-Soviet shenanigans, con men, dodgy economics and the fate of a mine and its equipment. Re-reading the first third I found my initial three star thoughts a bit too tight, and while the whole thing may not reach four it's not far off, and it certainly stakes a claim for it come the end. I can only admit it could well be seen as a slog by the general reader, but I do have an affinity with Eastern Europe and post-Soviet places (and the "post" bit there certainly proves this new title is a dumb choice), and the situation of our narrator, the whip-smart lass from the mine and all the various lumpenly masculine tropes scattered about the saga is worth persisting with. Three and a half stars, with that upswing over the last twenty-odd pages – which makes me mark this as a rounded-up four.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After the fall of communism in Russia, things are a little bit chaotic. Former painter, Slava, has teamed up with his old friend Lavrin, in a quest to make some money. Their plan, take other people’s items and sell them to rich people.
This graphic novel is aptly described as tragicomic. There are quirky moments that illicit a chuckle. And then there are plenty of moments that are just sad. The artwork looks like it could almost be part of a Doonsbury comic strip. I found that to add to the story and make the graphic novel a bit more enjoyable.
There are moments of violence, but because of the styling of the graphic novel, it is never grotesque. There is both female and male full-frontal nudity and language. This would not make a great supplement for your history books. But the story is enjoyable and adults may find it worth their while checking it out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
This graphic novel is aptly described as tragicomic. There are quirky moments that illicit a chuckle. And then there are plenty of moments that are just sad. The artwork looks like it could almost be part of a Doonsbury comic strip. I found that to add to the story and make the graphic novel a bit more enjoyable.
There are moments of violence, but because of the styling of the graphic novel, it is never grotesque. There is both female and male full-frontal nudity and language. This would not make a great supplement for your history books. But the story is enjoyable and adults may find it worth their while checking it out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley and this review is voluntary
History has always been a subject which fascinates me, and when I can combine two interests as is the case here with this graphic novel, it makes for a more enjoyable experience.
As a period piece focusing on a select group of people after the fall of the Soviet Union, it provided a ground-level view of those that are experiencing the aftermath instead of the usual propaganda or spin found in the media of the time.
Overall, had fun reading it and appreciate how this will add to the genre and discourse. With the past as a guide, there's a lot more stories of this specific time that could be brought to life through the pages of a comic or graphic novel.
Thank you to the publisher for this opportunity, and as always, to the author for this creation.
History has always been a subject which fascinates me, and when I can combine two interests as is the case here with this graphic novel, it makes for a more enjoyable experience.
As a period piece focusing on a select group of people after the fall of the Soviet Union, it provided a ground-level view of those that are experiencing the aftermath instead of the usual propaganda or spin found in the media of the time.
Overall, had fun reading it and appreciate how this will add to the genre and discourse. With the past as a guide, there's a lot more stories of this specific time that could be brought to life through the pages of a comic or graphic novel.
Thank you to the publisher for this opportunity, and as always, to the author for this creation.
May 2, 2026
Soviet Land is a human-tragedy thriller that captures the heartache of people trying to make their way in immediate post-USSR Russia. Narrated by Slava, a disillusioned artist turned swindler, it follows the stories of con-man Larvin who's always chasing the next ruble, and father-daughter duo Volodya and Nina who are trying to save their town's ore mine. It's melancholy and compelling, and had an ending I didn't see coming.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
May 12, 2026
The story of 2 con artists in Russia after the fall of communism. One falls for a girl far outside the city and helps them try to reclaim the mine everyone in town works in. The other never learns, becoming a successful businessman. After drifting far apart the story circles back together towards the end. Not bad. I did notice that random letters were missing from the version on hoopla, probably some kind of font issue.
June 6, 2026
did not expect to like it, i'm not really into comic books, but it was not bad. funny, tragic. nice graphic style (especially the "russian sound effects" with cyrillic).
“we’re russians, Nina. survivors! racketeering's in our blood. before, during, and after communism. it courses through our veins as surely as vodka.”...the vibe.
“we’re russians, Nina. survivors! racketeering's in our blood. before, during, and after communism. it courses through our veins as surely as vodka.”...the vibe.
July 6, 2026
Story is set in post industrial Russia and is about all the grift and selling out and survival that regular people had to endure. The story centers on the hostile takeover of a mine, which admittedly doesn’t sound that interesting, but the characters are alive and are fun to watch.
Read in a couple of sittings.
Read in a couple of sittings.
August 27, 2026
Pretty decent I guess. I was hoping with this title it would be more of an exploration of the fallout from the collapse of the Soviet Union and based on the prologue the author presented it like it would be, but that's kinda just the backdrop to a crime/corruption/revenge story that's good but not great. Great art, though, always love French comic style.
July 24, 2026
I picked this out from the library while trying to broaden the types of books I read and it did not disappoint! I felt like I was watching a movie at times, and the historical fiction/graphic novel style was really engaging!
August 5, 2026
One of my infrequent impulse buys and it is fair to comment not one of my better purchases. Only got back into graphic novels in recent years and whilst there was nothing wrong with the artwork, the story really didn't grab me. Ah well, such is life. Each to their own.
July 20, 2026
Fantastic visuals and wonderful story. Very easy to read and flows wonderfully through the pages.
July 21, 2026
I didn’t expect a graphic novel to rip my heart and soul out
July 25, 2026
Evocative story, moving art, lovable characters, historical setting - a truly enjoyable read
September 2, 2026
super freaking awesome broh
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews