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No Man's Land
A high-stakes murder mystery perfect for fans of True Detective, Whiteout, and Insomnia.
Diomede Islands.
For three months each year, you can walk from the USA to Russia across an ice bridge—a frozen path known as the Ice Curtain.
In 1963, when the body of a young woman is discovered on this icy no-man’s land, the already fragile relationship between the superpowers threatens to collapse. With nuclear tensions rising, an FBI agent and a KGB operative must solve the murder—before the ice melts…and war ignites.
From SOMETHING EPIC and BLOOD COMMANDMENT creator SZYMON KUDRANSKI comes the must-read thriller of the year.
Collects NO MAN’S LAND #1-4.
Diomede Islands.
For three months each year, you can walk from the USA to Russia across an ice bridge—a frozen path known as the Ice Curtain.
In 1963, when the body of a young woman is discovered on this icy no-man’s land, the already fragile relationship between the superpowers threatens to collapse. With nuclear tensions rising, an FBI agent and a KGB operative must solve the murder—before the ice melts…and war ignites.
From SOMETHING EPIC and BLOOD COMMANDMENT creator SZYMON KUDRANSKI comes the must-read thriller of the year.
Collects NO MAN’S LAND #1-4.
144 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Review of advance copy
Read as single issues
December 9, 2025
My Selling Pitch:
FBI crime thriller set during the Cold War.
Pre-reading:
More graphics!
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Oh damn, the blood was chilling!
The art for this is pretty incredible. They’ve done so much color but it still reads as white.
Oh, I like that they show the alternate covers. I love The Silence of the Lambs one!
The gutted stomach is making me think it's a womb thing.
It’s very Mindhunter and Hannibal.
Can they do a charcoal rubbing from the impression of the stick on the paper? (Yup.)
So he’s in silver body paint, and he carried her. (Kinda.)
I knew it was gonna be red algae.
Oh, I knew it was womb shit!
So they're implying the KGB killed JFK in retaliation for some random senior discount FBI agent killing a mentally unstable dude with radiation poisoning? Kind of a stretch, no?
Post-reading:
I enjoyed the setup more than the resolution. Maybe this would've worked more for me if I were better versed in that era of history. The book doesn't hold your hand about it, and granted, it's a graphic novel, so it doesn't have much wiggle room for infodumping. Ironically, it spends plenty of time detailing the Greek gods, who I think people are arguably more familiar with, but I appreciated the explanations behind the biblical references. It’s great at building tension, but the ending is pretty lackluster. It doesn't really explain how the killer escaped if he’s such a valuable family member. I think implying JFK was assassinated as retaliation for one random FBI agent’s “mistake” is a little much. It’s also a little bleak for women. The only female characters in the story are a wife who steals the kids from a struggling partner, an unrealistic nag, a honeypot trap, and a KGB operative who's so out for own survival, she turned her own father in. Like it’s not great.
All that being said, I was definitely sat for the story and I wanted to find out what would happen. The art is absolutely gorgeous. There’s so much subtle color for a book set in a white wasteland. I think if you like crime thrillers, you'll enjoy this, but I don't think it's an absolute must read that you'll have to have on your shelves.
Who should read this:
Mindhunter fans
Crime thriller fans
Ideal reading time:
Winter
Do I want to reread this:
No
Would I buy this:
No, I’d get this from your library.
Similar books:
* The Red Mother by Danny Luckert-graphic novel, paranormal, revenge thriller
* You'll Do Bad Things by Tyler Boss-graphic novel, meta fiction, crime thriller, revenge
* Hotblood! by Toril Orlesky-graohic novel, historical, urban fantasy, western, revenge thriller, queer
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
FBI crime thriller set during the Cold War.
Pre-reading:
More graphics!
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Oh damn, the blood was chilling!
The art for this is pretty incredible. They’ve done so much color but it still reads as white.
Oh, I like that they show the alternate covers. I love The Silence of the Lambs one!
The gutted stomach is making me think it's a womb thing.
It’s very Mindhunter and Hannibal.
Can they do a charcoal rubbing from the impression of the stick on the paper? (Yup.)
So he’s in silver body paint, and he carried her. (Kinda.)
I knew it was gonna be red algae.
Oh, I knew it was womb shit!
So they're implying the KGB killed JFK in retaliation for some random senior discount FBI agent killing a mentally unstable dude with radiation poisoning? Kind of a stretch, no?
Post-reading:
I enjoyed the setup more than the resolution. Maybe this would've worked more for me if I were better versed in that era of history. The book doesn't hold your hand about it, and granted, it's a graphic novel, so it doesn't have much wiggle room for infodumping. Ironically, it spends plenty of time detailing the Greek gods, who I think people are arguably more familiar with, but I appreciated the explanations behind the biblical references. It’s great at building tension, but the ending is pretty lackluster. It doesn't really explain how the killer escaped if he’s such a valuable family member. I think implying JFK was assassinated as retaliation for one random FBI agent’s “mistake” is a little much. It’s also a little bleak for women. The only female characters in the story are a wife who steals the kids from a struggling partner, an unrealistic nag, a honeypot trap, and a KGB operative who's so out for own survival, she turned her own father in. Like it’s not great.
All that being said, I was definitely sat for the story and I wanted to find out what would happen. The art is absolutely gorgeous. There’s so much subtle color for a book set in a white wasteland. I think if you like crime thrillers, you'll enjoy this, but I don't think it's an absolute must read that you'll have to have on your shelves.
Who should read this:
Mindhunter fans
Crime thriller fans
Ideal reading time:
Winter
Do I want to reread this:
No
Would I buy this:
No, I’d get this from your library.
Similar books:
* The Red Mother by Danny Luckert-graphic novel, paranormal, revenge thriller
* You'll Do Bad Things by Tyler Boss-graphic novel, meta fiction, crime thriller, revenge
* Hotblood! by Toril Orlesky-graohic novel, historical, urban fantasy, western, revenge thriller, queer
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Huge thanks to Image Comics and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy of Szymon Kudranski’s paranoid, dark, evocative horror thriller No Man’s Land. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this comic, but the fact that this story featured a mysterious, ritualistic death in 1963 on a remote land bridge near Alaska that required investigators from the KGB and the FBI to investigate seemed really intriguing. I imagined that with 1963, the story had something to do with US-Soviet tensions and possibly the Kennedy assassination. However, I wasn’t anticipating the kind of occult and folk horror elements that haunt the pages of these issues. The story is especially compelling once FBI Agent Collins is dispatched to the remote area of Diomedes in Alaska to investigate this mysterious ritual-like murder of a young woman. Her body appeared on a land bridge that only emerges for 3 months out of the year. This bridge is literally a “no man’s land” since it spans Alaska and the USSR, but it was also the land bridge that enabled older generations of early humans to cross from Asia to the Americas. Since the local law enforcement cannot investigate, Collins is partnering with a KGB agent in a joint effort to maintain diplomatic relations during a heated cold war.
I loved the story and plot twists in this graphic novel. The story is rooted in history, so it incorporates elements of political thrillers and spy stories; however, it also captures elements of serial killer and folk horror films. In fact, some of the alternate covers include homages to Silence of the Lambs and John Carpenter’s The Thing. I also couldn’t help but think of the most recent edition of True Detective that is set in remote Alaska. Collins’ investigation takes him to some of the indigenous people of this remote arctic region who maintain their traditional beliefs and practices and are not really a part of the Soviets or the US. One of the eeriest parts of the book is a young girl who may have encountered the killer. The girl is somewhat catatonic, and she only scribbles on paper with a twig. Her skin has erupted in odd rashes, and she claims to have seen an ocean of blood. All of these clues along with the ritualistic killing of the woman who was disemboweled and positioned with her hands pointing like Baphomet, add a kind of apocalyptic tone to the story. This also makes sense when we consider that this killing happened amid the nuclear threats from both countries, a kind of threat that promised mutually assured destruction. I won’t get into more details about this story, but I felt like it had so many of the great elements of genre stories that I enjoy. There’s mystery, horror, espionage, and folk horror, and apocalyptic dread.
What also makes this comic stand out is the incredible artwork from Kudranski, who is also the author as well. I loved the artwork and how it has almost a kinetic feel to it as the images zoom out to give readers a sense of the vast openness of the arctic wild, making the characters seem insignificant and weak, but then zooming in to closeups to give readers a better sense of their stress, worry, dread and fear. In addition, Kudranski includes some newspaper clippings, maps, and government documents in the background to give the story both a realistic and a kind of collage like feel. This was another strength of the story for me. I loved how this created a realistic and historical feel to the story. While most of the story is in black and white, Collins visits the blood ocean, and it is done in a glorious deep red, along with other deaths and kills. The artwork complements, if not leads, the story, to make this a great historical horror thriller. Highly recommended!
I loved the story and plot twists in this graphic novel. The story is rooted in history, so it incorporates elements of political thrillers and spy stories; however, it also captures elements of serial killer and folk horror films. In fact, some of the alternate covers include homages to Silence of the Lambs and John Carpenter’s The Thing. I also couldn’t help but think of the most recent edition of True Detective that is set in remote Alaska. Collins’ investigation takes him to some of the indigenous people of this remote arctic region who maintain their traditional beliefs and practices and are not really a part of the Soviets or the US. One of the eeriest parts of the book is a young girl who may have encountered the killer. The girl is somewhat catatonic, and she only scribbles on paper with a twig. Her skin has erupted in odd rashes, and she claims to have seen an ocean of blood. All of these clues along with the ritualistic killing of the woman who was disemboweled and positioned with her hands pointing like Baphomet, add a kind of apocalyptic tone to the story. This also makes sense when we consider that this killing happened amid the nuclear threats from both countries, a kind of threat that promised mutually assured destruction. I won’t get into more details about this story, but I felt like it had so many of the great elements of genre stories that I enjoy. There’s mystery, horror, espionage, and folk horror, and apocalyptic dread.
What also makes this comic stand out is the incredible artwork from Kudranski, who is also the author as well. I loved the artwork and how it has almost a kinetic feel to it as the images zoom out to give readers a sense of the vast openness of the arctic wild, making the characters seem insignificant and weak, but then zooming in to closeups to give readers a better sense of their stress, worry, dread and fear. In addition, Kudranski includes some newspaper clippings, maps, and government documents in the background to give the story both a realistic and a kind of collage like feel. This was another strength of the story for me. I loved how this created a realistic and historical feel to the story. While most of the story is in black and white, Collins visits the blood ocean, and it is done in a glorious deep red, along with other deaths and kills. The artwork complements, if not leads, the story, to make this a great historical horror thriller. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an advance copy of this graphic novel set during one of the most dangerous times in the Cold War about a murder taking place in a place between two countries looking for a reason to fight, and the two investigators each with their own reasons trying to find the truth.
As humans we seem to love borders. Our backyards are sanctuarys, our states are all the best, our country rules, and if aliens ever appear, I am sure that we will sell T-Shirts saying is the center of the universe. At the same time, we as humans do our best not to take responsibility for things. That's not my table a waiter might say. That's above my pay grade, let me get my boss, who will get his supervisor. And so on. One on accepts borders one has to control what happens within those borders. Especially when a crime happens. However what if the crime takes place in a place that appears only 3 months out of a year. At a time when two tribes are willing to go to war for any reason, and this crime might be sensitive enough important enough to do so. Is it easier to let it go, pretend it never happened? And what might be the ultimate result. No Man's Land is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Szymon Kudranski about a strip of land far to the North where a woman is murdered, in a way that might mean trouble for the two countries that share this area, trouble enough to kill over.
Agent Collins is enjoying his last days at the FBI, his retirement letter in hand just wating for a meeting with his director. Collins is having problems at home, his twenty years at the Bureau have filled him with ennui, and distrust of the country he was sworn to protect and serve. Instead of a gold watch, Collins is given an assignment. A body has been found, something usually outside of the Bureau's purview. However the time is the early 60's and tension between the United States and Russia is running hot. This body might make it hotter, even though the corpse is found on an ice bridge in the Diomede Islands. between Alaska and Siberia. For three months out of the year, the ice forms a bridge, that is owned by neither country, and this body is causing problems. Collins is told to find out what is going on, is this the sign of a Ruskie plot, and take care of it. Arriving Collins finds the signs of a ritual murder. One that leads back to crimes far in the past, as well as ancient gods, and even more ancient hatreds. Partnered with a KGB agent with her own problems. Collins is thrown out into the cold in a situation that could end bad, no matter the results.
A dark tale of a dark time set in a cold place, during the hottest months of the Cold War. The story is a ugly tale of hatred towards woman, crimes in the past, crimes that are coming, and of course of tension between two ideologies, that even then were showing the weakness. The mystery is almost secondary to the problems Collins is having, the situation he finds himself in. and what come of his investigation. Kudranski both wrote and illustrated the book, and the art does a lot of work, giving the story its dark atmosphere, the sense of cold and sense of oppression. The art is reminiscent of Bill Sienkiewicz with nice scenes of snow, mountains, and more snow, and lots of darker religious, pagan undertones. Bunkers become entrances to hell, simple offices confessionals, even planes dark angels in the sky brought to Earth.
A nice tale, a mix of serial killer with political thriller, and a tie in to the big daddy of all conspiracy theories. The women are ciphers in the tale, but the story is dark, mean, and bit unnerving, and that along with th art sells the tale.
As humans we seem to love borders. Our backyards are sanctuarys, our states are all the best, our country rules, and if aliens ever appear, I am sure that we will sell T-Shirts saying is the center of the universe. At the same time, we as humans do our best not to take responsibility for things. That's not my table a waiter might say. That's above my pay grade, let me get my boss, who will get his supervisor. And so on. One on accepts borders one has to control what happens within those borders. Especially when a crime happens. However what if the crime takes place in a place that appears only 3 months out of a year. At a time when two tribes are willing to go to war for any reason, and this crime might be sensitive enough important enough to do so. Is it easier to let it go, pretend it never happened? And what might be the ultimate result. No Man's Land is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Szymon Kudranski about a strip of land far to the North where a woman is murdered, in a way that might mean trouble for the two countries that share this area, trouble enough to kill over.
Agent Collins is enjoying his last days at the FBI, his retirement letter in hand just wating for a meeting with his director. Collins is having problems at home, his twenty years at the Bureau have filled him with ennui, and distrust of the country he was sworn to protect and serve. Instead of a gold watch, Collins is given an assignment. A body has been found, something usually outside of the Bureau's purview. However the time is the early 60's and tension between the United States and Russia is running hot. This body might make it hotter, even though the corpse is found on an ice bridge in the Diomede Islands. between Alaska and Siberia. For three months out of the year, the ice forms a bridge, that is owned by neither country, and this body is causing problems. Collins is told to find out what is going on, is this the sign of a Ruskie plot, and take care of it. Arriving Collins finds the signs of a ritual murder. One that leads back to crimes far in the past, as well as ancient gods, and even more ancient hatreds. Partnered with a KGB agent with her own problems. Collins is thrown out into the cold in a situation that could end bad, no matter the results.
A dark tale of a dark time set in a cold place, during the hottest months of the Cold War. The story is a ugly tale of hatred towards woman, crimes in the past, crimes that are coming, and of course of tension between two ideologies, that even then were showing the weakness. The mystery is almost secondary to the problems Collins is having, the situation he finds himself in. and what come of his investigation. Kudranski both wrote and illustrated the book, and the art does a lot of work, giving the story its dark atmosphere, the sense of cold and sense of oppression. The art is reminiscent of Bill Sienkiewicz with nice scenes of snow, mountains, and more snow, and lots of darker religious, pagan undertones. Bunkers become entrances to hell, simple offices confessionals, even planes dark angels in the sky brought to Earth.
A nice tale, a mix of serial killer with political thriller, and a tie in to the big daddy of all conspiracy theories. The women are ciphers in the tale, but the story is dark, mean, and bit unnerving, and that along with th art sells the tale.
December 15, 2025
For three months each year, you can walk from the USA to Russia across an ice bridge, a frozen path known as the Ice Curtain.
No Man's Land
is a thrilling Cold War era murder mystery set along this frozen border between the U.S. and Russia. Szymon Kudrański crafts a stunning and hyper-realistic blend of political tension and emotional weight with outstanding artwork,
Diomede Islands. For three months each year, you can walk from the USA to Russia across an ice bridge—a frozen path known as the Ice Curtain.
In 1963, when the body of a young woman is discovered on this icy no-man’s land, the already fragile relationship between the superpowers threatens to collapse. With nuclear tensions rising, an FBI agent and a KGB operative must solve the murder—before the ice melts…and war ignites.
As with any Kudrański comic series, picking up No Man's Land for me was based mostly on the incredible artwork I knew would be inside and once again, I was not disappointed. His hyper-realistic style and attention to detail can be jaw-dropping at moments. The true brilliance of his artwork lies not in his incredible lines, character designs, or settings, but in his ability to light just the right spots in every panel, something that is truly breathtaking. This draws you into the tension and emotion on each page. The extremely detailed imagery isn't for every comic, but for an atmospheric thriller story, like No Man’s Land , it's incredibly stunning.
I came for the artwork, but as with previous Kudrański comics, the storytelling is what kept me around. No Man’s Land is an outstanding, tension-filled political thriller with just the right amount of heart. This is not just a Cold War thriller with foreshadowing of a global catastrophe, but a more personal story about an FBI agent nearing the end of his unblemished career, dealing with his own personal battles. This blend of emotion and political tension, gives me plenty to look forward to as the series continues.
No Man’s Land is a stunning political thriller that blends the tension of war with emotional depth. Szymon Kudrański's talent for creating outstanding comics is seriously unmatched, and with No Man’s Land he proves once again that just as skilled at crafting a story as he is at illustrating the tale. His One Man Art comics have been fantastic and No Man’s Land is right at home among his best work.
The collected edition of No Man's Land hits local comic shops on May 19, 2026.
Diomede Islands. For three months each year, you can walk from the USA to Russia across an ice bridge—a frozen path known as the Ice Curtain.
In 1963, when the body of a young woman is discovered on this icy no-man’s land, the already fragile relationship between the superpowers threatens to collapse. With nuclear tensions rising, an FBI agent and a KGB operative must solve the murder—before the ice melts…and war ignites.
As with any Kudrański comic series, picking up No Man's Land for me was based mostly on the incredible artwork I knew would be inside and once again, I was not disappointed. His hyper-realistic style and attention to detail can be jaw-dropping at moments. The true brilliance of his artwork lies not in his incredible lines, character designs, or settings, but in his ability to light just the right spots in every panel, something that is truly breathtaking. This draws you into the tension and emotion on each page. The extremely detailed imagery isn't for every comic, but for an atmospheric thriller story, like No Man’s Land , it's incredibly stunning.
I came for the artwork, but as with previous Kudrański comics, the storytelling is what kept me around. No Man’s Land is an outstanding, tension-filled political thriller with just the right amount of heart. This is not just a Cold War thriller with foreshadowing of a global catastrophe, but a more personal story about an FBI agent nearing the end of his unblemished career, dealing with his own personal battles. This blend of emotion and political tension, gives me plenty to look forward to as the series continues.
No Man’s Land is a stunning political thriller that blends the tension of war with emotional depth. Szymon Kudrański's talent for creating outstanding comics is seriously unmatched, and with No Man’s Land he proves once again that just as skilled at crafting a story as he is at illustrating the tale. His One Man Art comics have been fantastic and No Man’s Land is right at home among his best work.
The collected edition of No Man's Land hits local comic shops on May 19, 2026.
December 10, 2025
Agent Collins is an FBI agent close to retirement gets one last case, a murder at the edge of the iron curtain, just after the Cuban Missile crisis. The body was tauntingly left by the killer at the unique location of the Diomede Islands, where, when the weather conditions are right, one can walk from the US to Soviet Russia. This No Man's Land is yet another story of conflict and tension at the edges of two empires. While illustrated with a moody, hyper realistic style that plays or hints at the supernatural, the mystery itself, plays out in a fairly predictable manner.
Agent Collins, close to completing a long career, does not have much else to show for life. Thanks to the necessity of national needs, his retirement is delayed and he is hastily sent to the Diomede Islands under prepared for both the case and the winter conditions. While told to trust no one, he quickly meets his KGB opposite and they form a working relationship.
The islands are stark, lightly inhabited and full of blinding white light during the long days. There is some commentary of empire versus indigenous lives. Collins struggles to adapt and while warned to dress warmly never seems to have a hat or take precautions against the bright light to his detriment.
As the two work their way through the clues of a ritually murdered woman and the symbolism of items found in or near her body, it all feels rather forced. The supernatural elements feel played for red herrings that pan out to a disappointing and basic resolution.
There are some big questions at the heart of the story about what makes a life meaningful. Such as the struggle of the individual in larger systems. Or living with the choices you've made even if they've caused harm for others.
Recommended to readers of atmospheric noir, Cold War thrillers or historical fiction graphic novels.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Agent Collins, close to completing a long career, does not have much else to show for life. Thanks to the necessity of national needs, his retirement is delayed and he is hastily sent to the Diomede Islands under prepared for both the case and the winter conditions. While told to trust no one, he quickly meets his KGB opposite and they form a working relationship.
The islands are stark, lightly inhabited and full of blinding white light during the long days. There is some commentary of empire versus indigenous lives. Collins struggles to adapt and while warned to dress warmly never seems to have a hat or take precautions against the bright light to his detriment.
As the two work their way through the clues of a ritually murdered woman and the symbolism of items found in or near her body, it all feels rather forced. The supernatural elements feel played for red herrings that pan out to a disappointing and basic resolution.
There are some big questions at the heart of the story about what makes a life meaningful. Such as the struggle of the individual in larger systems. Or living with the choices you've made even if they've caused harm for others.
Recommended to readers of atmospheric noir, Cold War thrillers or historical fiction graphic novels.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Szymon Kudrański is a one-man band, writing, drawing, and coloring his own work for No Man’s Land, a creator-owned miniseries published by Image Comics by way of Kudrański’s aptly-named studio, One Man Art Comics.
No Man’s Land sees FBI Agent Collins dispatched to the remote reaches of Alaska at the height of the Cold War under the Kennedy administration. A ritualistically murdered woman has been found in the middle of an ice bridge connecting the US to the Soviet Union, and if the investigation isn’t executed carefully the two countries could find themselves in the middle of a war with this murder scene as the flashpoint. The KGB has sent its own investigator, Sonia Fiodrow, and the two find themselves working together despite the uneasy relationship between their two nations.
Kudrański’s script, at times, feels like a 1960s-era X-Files, given the shades of conspiracy and our fleeting glimpses of the murderer through the cold, foggy, lifeless expanse of snow forcing us to question if they’re human or a monster straight out of Inuit legend. No Man’s Land makes for a nifty arctic noir, although the Polish artist’s writing can be a bit rough around the edges at times.
What isn’t the least bit rough, though, is the artwork. No Man’s Land is a beautiful book to look at, and Kudrański captures the look of the sparsely-populated, middle-of-nowhere Alaskan tundra exquisitely. You can practically feel the cold seeping off the pages thanks to Kudrański’s photorealistic style, and the book has a very cinematic look to it. Kudrański makes each panel feel like a piece of film as he plays with framing and depth of focus, deliberately keeping subjects sharp while other aspects blur out of focus — a handy technique, particularly when a character suffers from the effects of snow blindness.
Given it’s setting, timeframe, subject matter, and execution, No Man Land looks and feels like the bastard offspring of Oliver Stone’s JFK and David Fincher’s Se7en.
No Man’s Land sees FBI Agent Collins dispatched to the remote reaches of Alaska at the height of the Cold War under the Kennedy administration. A ritualistically murdered woman has been found in the middle of an ice bridge connecting the US to the Soviet Union, and if the investigation isn’t executed carefully the two countries could find themselves in the middle of a war with this murder scene as the flashpoint. The KGB has sent its own investigator, Sonia Fiodrow, and the two find themselves working together despite the uneasy relationship between their two nations.
Kudrański’s script, at times, feels like a 1960s-era X-Files, given the shades of conspiracy and our fleeting glimpses of the murderer through the cold, foggy, lifeless expanse of snow forcing us to question if they’re human or a monster straight out of Inuit legend. No Man’s Land makes for a nifty arctic noir, although the Polish artist’s writing can be a bit rough around the edges at times.
What isn’t the least bit rough, though, is the artwork. No Man’s Land is a beautiful book to look at, and Kudrański captures the look of the sparsely-populated, middle-of-nowhere Alaskan tundra exquisitely. You can practically feel the cold seeping off the pages thanks to Kudrański’s photorealistic style, and the book has a very cinematic look to it. Kudrański makes each panel feel like a piece of film as he plays with framing and depth of focus, deliberately keeping subjects sharp while other aspects blur out of focus — a handy technique, particularly when a character suffers from the effects of snow blindness.
Given it’s setting, timeframe, subject matter, and execution, No Man Land looks and feels like the bastard offspring of Oliver Stone’s JFK and David Fincher’s Se7en.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While the premise is similar to the 2011 Nordic noir, "The Bridge", about a dead body being found on the bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark (or any of the six remakes that have been released in the years since), it's still an interesting premise. Kudranski's decision to set his story at the height of the Cold War adds extra layers of tension to what's already a complicated investigation.
No Man's Land centers on an aging FBI agent, Kevin Collins, who's preparing to retire before being pushed into a murder investigation with little-to-no preparation or support. Collins is a very interesting character, although I wish we could've slowed down and spent a little more time learning about him. In fact, that's kind of how I felt about the graphic novel as a whole. The dialogue and narration are both great, and the story is very captivating, but ultimately the investigation ended up feeling rather short. There were a few instances where narrative conveniences lurched the plot forward, as if Kudranksi realized that he was running out of pages and had to start cutting/simplifying scenes. All of that's not to say that it wasn't a good read, because it really was! I just feel like with another 1-2 issues, this could've been a really great miniseries instead of "just" a very good one. Maybe one day, there'll be a film/tv adaptation that can expand upon things for me.
In addition to writing the comic, Kudranski also provides the art, which is consistently beautiful throughout the entire series. I swear, Kudranksi uses light and shadow like no other artist I've seen. There's a particularly impressive sequence of a darkened bunker being investigated by flashlight.
I can't imagine the number of hours that Kudranski spent on this comic, but it really comes across as a labor of love and an excellent showcase of his talents as both a writer and an artist. Truly my only criticism is that I wish there was more of it.
No Man's Land centers on an aging FBI agent, Kevin Collins, who's preparing to retire before being pushed into a murder investigation with little-to-no preparation or support. Collins is a very interesting character, although I wish we could've slowed down and spent a little more time learning about him. In fact, that's kind of how I felt about the graphic novel as a whole. The dialogue and narration are both great, and the story is very captivating, but ultimately the investigation ended up feeling rather short. There were a few instances where narrative conveniences lurched the plot forward, as if Kudranksi realized that he was running out of pages and had to start cutting/simplifying scenes. All of that's not to say that it wasn't a good read, because it really was! I just feel like with another 1-2 issues, this could've been a really great miniseries instead of "just" a very good one. Maybe one day, there'll be a film/tv adaptation that can expand upon things for me.
In addition to writing the comic, Kudranski also provides the art, which is consistently beautiful throughout the entire series. I swear, Kudranksi uses light and shadow like no other artist I've seen. There's a particularly impressive sequence of a darkened bunker being investigated by flashlight.
I can't imagine the number of hours that Kudranski spent on this comic, but it really comes across as a labor of love and an excellent showcase of his talents as both a writer and an artist. Truly my only criticism is that I wish there was more of it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A stark graphic novel set in the frozen north between Alaska and Russia, “No Man's Land” by Szymon Kudrański takes us to 1963 and the Cold War, as an FBI agent and KGB operative try to solve a vicious murder where the body was left in no man’s land, the frozen bridge between the two Diomede Islands, one Soviet and one American.
1963. FBI Agent Collins is getting ready to retire, in fact he is typing out his retirement letter (rather poorly). Just as he’s ready to turn it in he is called out for one more assignment, one that will require tact and experience (and unfortunately cost him his marriage). The body of a young woman was found on the ice bridge joining the USSR and Alaska, between two islands. Collins is to investigate without antagonizing the Soviets or the locals, or starting World War III. Not exactly an easy assignment.
Upon getting to the site he quickly meets KGB Agent Sonia Fiodrow, his Soviet counterpart. Contrary to his boss’ warnings, they establish an uneasy working relationship, as they both try to solve the murder in spite of the overarching political ramifications.
Ritual sacrifice overtones. Mysterious illnesses. A dead Soviet agent. Local customs and traditions about monsters. An abandoned allied base. And, of course, secret agendas and identities that force Agent Collins to make a difficult decision, one with historic global consequences.
A decent take on several Cold War tropes, from agents finding common ground/common cause to one last job before retirement to hidden agendas. Mr. Kudrański’s artwork is fantastic, very appropriate to the mood he is creating, bleak and monochrome with vivid slashes of color, reminds me a bit of the Coldest City (Atomic Blonde) graphic novels. A good read.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Image Comics via NetGalley. Thank you!
1963. FBI Agent Collins is getting ready to retire, in fact he is typing out his retirement letter (rather poorly). Just as he’s ready to turn it in he is called out for one more assignment, one that will require tact and experience (and unfortunately cost him his marriage). The body of a young woman was found on the ice bridge joining the USSR and Alaska, between two islands. Collins is to investigate without antagonizing the Soviets or the locals, or starting World War III. Not exactly an easy assignment.
Upon getting to the site he quickly meets KGB Agent Sonia Fiodrow, his Soviet counterpart. Contrary to his boss’ warnings, they establish an uneasy working relationship, as they both try to solve the murder in spite of the overarching political ramifications.
Ritual sacrifice overtones. Mysterious illnesses. A dead Soviet agent. Local customs and traditions about monsters. An abandoned allied base. And, of course, secret agendas and identities that force Agent Collins to make a difficult decision, one with historic global consequences.
A decent take on several Cold War tropes, from agents finding common ground/common cause to one last job before retirement to hidden agendas. Mr. Kudrański’s artwork is fantastic, very appropriate to the mood he is creating, bleak and monochrome with vivid slashes of color, reminds me a bit of the Coldest City (Atomic Blonde) graphic novels. A good read.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Image Comics via NetGalley. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Szymon Kudrański’s No Man’s Land is a well-crafted graphic novel that masterfully plants a gripping murder mystery into the heart of Cold War paranoia. Set in 1963 on the frozen ice bridge between Alaska and the USSR, the story follows an unlikely duo: an FBI agent and a KGB operative forced into a fragile partnership to investigate a bizarre, ritualistic murder.
Kudrański brilliantly leverages the titanic, nuclear pressure between two superpowers and filters it down to a chillingly human level. The investigation becomes a high-stakes metaphor for the era itself, where every clue and every moment of mistrust threatens to shatter the fragile stalemate. The plot is captivating and kept me reading from start to finish.
The artwork is perfectly aligned with the story. Kudrański employs a muted, strategic colour palette that evokes both the stark white of the arctic landscape and the grim, grey tension of the geopolitical standoff. The panels are consistently pleasing and purposeful.
While the concluding twist may feel subtly foreshadowed to some, it remains a satisfying and thematically coherent end to a well-built plot. My only criticism is that I was left wishing for a little more—either for the story to be a longer written novel, or simply for more of this excellent graphic novel.
Overall, No Man’s Land is a standout graphic novel: an atmospheric thriller that uses its historical setting not as mere backdrop, but as the very engine of its suspense. This one is for fans of historical fiction, Cold War drama, or simply a damn good detective story rendered in stunning visuals. Highly recommended.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Image comics for providing this book for review for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
#NoMansLand #NetGalley.
Kudrański brilliantly leverages the titanic, nuclear pressure between two superpowers and filters it down to a chillingly human level. The investigation becomes a high-stakes metaphor for the era itself, where every clue and every moment of mistrust threatens to shatter the fragile stalemate. The plot is captivating and kept me reading from start to finish.
The artwork is perfectly aligned with the story. Kudrański employs a muted, strategic colour palette that evokes both the stark white of the arctic landscape and the grim, grey tension of the geopolitical standoff. The panels are consistently pleasing and purposeful.
While the concluding twist may feel subtly foreshadowed to some, it remains a satisfying and thematically coherent end to a well-built plot. My only criticism is that I was left wishing for a little more—either for the story to be a longer written novel, or simply for more of this excellent graphic novel.
Overall, No Man’s Land is a standout graphic novel: an atmospheric thriller that uses its historical setting not as mere backdrop, but as the very engine of its suspense. This one is for fans of historical fiction, Cold War drama, or simply a damn good detective story rendered in stunning visuals. Highly recommended.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Image comics for providing this book for review for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
#NoMansLand #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An intriguing four-parter, probably all the better for being done by just one man and not committee. An FBI agent just ready to retire is tasked with one last job – as a woman has been found dead and gutted on the iced-over territory between Big and Little Diomede – the small drips of rock between Siberia and Alaska. This being the height of the Cold War, it's a case of having to solve it while walking on egg-shells, it's that close to the Soviet Union – but he won't be alone in his investigations when he gets there. What he finds is a case ripe with symbolism about being between two superpowers (the ice bridge is temporary, and no man's land for both sides) – and about something else as well…
So it's intriguing, but I don't think it's great. It seems to be a scenario in need of a story, as I didn't find the full plot, with its conclusion, satisfying. This isn't about the crime, of course – even given the copious "The Bridge"-like liminal murder stories that could have been set here – but about something more woolly, and on reflection the whole thing is fairly insubstantial. Spoiler alert – the world didn't blow up.
What I did end up appreciating was the icy locale, the way the Americans were desperate to disregard the Indigenous thoughts about the case, and their blatant anti-Soviet thinking. This certainly seemed to have the balance of the time down to a T. But again that's part of the scenario, and not the story – the piece looks moody and atmospheric, and wants to have gritty things to tell us, and spookiness ahoy, but ultimately leads to little. Still, for the attempt it's definitely three stars.
So it's intriguing, but I don't think it's great. It seems to be a scenario in need of a story, as I didn't find the full plot, with its conclusion, satisfying. This isn't about the crime, of course – even given the copious "The Bridge"-like liminal murder stories that could have been set here – but about something more woolly, and on reflection the whole thing is fairly insubstantial. Spoiler alert – the world didn't blow up.
What I did end up appreciating was the icy locale, the way the Americans were desperate to disregard the Indigenous thoughts about the case, and their blatant anti-Soviet thinking. This certainly seemed to have the balance of the time down to a T. But again that's part of the scenario, and not the story – the piece looks moody and atmospheric, and wants to have gritty things to tell us, and spookiness ahoy, but ultimately leads to little. Still, for the attempt it's definitely three stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
7.5/10
This is one of those stories that gets better with each chapter – starts a bit slow but grows on you with each passing page.
Political tensions, heavy atmosphere, hostile climate, and disturbing crime that blends the influences of various cultural circles and religions – all come together to create an eerie whole... which, unfortunately, falls a bit short. Not in terms of quality, but in the sense of a too-abrupt ending and slightly unfulfilled potential.
The story is a bit rushed, and the final resolutions arrive before the real questions are even asked. Just one extra issue would have allowed the whole thing to breathe – the readers would have had a better chance to immerse themselves in the story, and the themes and inspirations explored could have fully blossomed.
It's still good, but... it could have been fantastic.
Where the plot is a bit lacking, the art more than makes up for it. Static shots combined with realistic, at times highly detailed art perfectly complement the message. The "collages" of photographs, maps, and newspapers added interesting depth to the backgrounds, and the color scheme changes brought life to the images.
A small drawback? In some places, the frame layout was a bit confusing. What probably works as a centerfold in print, made me lose “sense of direction” in the digital version. It didn't affect the final impression, but I thought it was worth mentioning anyway... as a little “heads up”. Because I recommend picking up this title regardless of the format ;)
++ ARC review via NetGalley ++
This is one of those stories that gets better with each chapter – starts a bit slow but grows on you with each passing page.
Political tensions, heavy atmosphere, hostile climate, and disturbing crime that blends the influences of various cultural circles and religions – all come together to create an eerie whole... which, unfortunately, falls a bit short. Not in terms of quality, but in the sense of a too-abrupt ending and slightly unfulfilled potential.
The story is a bit rushed, and the final resolutions arrive before the real questions are even asked. Just one extra issue would have allowed the whole thing to breathe – the readers would have had a better chance to immerse themselves in the story, and the themes and inspirations explored could have fully blossomed.
It's still good, but... it could have been fantastic.
Where the plot is a bit lacking, the art more than makes up for it. Static shots combined with realistic, at times highly detailed art perfectly complement the message. The "collages" of photographs, maps, and newspapers added interesting depth to the backgrounds, and the color scheme changes brought life to the images.
A small drawback? In some places, the frame layout was a bit confusing. What probably works as a centerfold in print, made me lose “sense of direction” in the digital version. It didn't affect the final impression, but I thought it was worth mentioning anyway... as a little “heads up”. Because I recommend picking up this title regardless of the format ;)
++ ARC review via NetGalley ++
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.
For three months a year, an ice bridge forms a path connecting Russia and the USA to the Diomede Islands. Called the Ice Curtain, this bridge is considered no man’s land – not attached to either country. But when the body of a woman is found in the frozen wastes, it’ll be up to an FBI agent and KGB operative to work together to solve the murder before war between the two countries ignites.
This is set during the cold war between the USA and Russia, so the tension is high from start to finish. I enjoyed the plot which was very much a detective mystery with a deranged/unhinged killer. I enjoyed the feel of isolation that the art gives you as we first find the body of this woman in the ice and then slowly piece together what happened – and that isolated feeling never leaves. The threat of a war between countries is also there, lending to the atmosphere of impending doom. Between this awesome plot, a mystery that was very twisty, and gorgeous art, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries.
For three months a year, an ice bridge forms a path connecting Russia and the USA to the Diomede Islands. Called the Ice Curtain, this bridge is considered no man’s land – not attached to either country. But when the body of a woman is found in the frozen wastes, it’ll be up to an FBI agent and KGB operative to work together to solve the murder before war between the two countries ignites.
This is set during the cold war between the USA and Russia, so the tension is high from start to finish. I enjoyed the plot which was very much a detective mystery with a deranged/unhinged killer. I enjoyed the feel of isolation that the art gives you as we first find the body of this woman in the ice and then slowly piece together what happened – and that isolated feeling never leaves. The threat of a war between countries is also there, lending to the atmosphere of impending doom. Between this awesome plot, a mystery that was very twisty, and gorgeous art, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Look, the art in No Man’s Land is decent, but even Szymon Kudrański’s best sketches can’t save this absolute drag of a story. It’s marketed as a slow burn, but it’s honestly so slow it almost never actually burns...it just sits there. The pacing is totally off, and the whole thing feels messy and uninspiring. You’re basically stuck trekking through a plot that doesn't seem to go anywhere, making the entire reading experience feel like a chore rather than a hook.
The biggest offender here is the dialogue; there are wayyyy too many needless conversations that don't add anything to the vibe. It’s just page after page of wordy filler featuring characters who are, frankly, boring as hell. Between the bad plotting and the stagnant energy, the book just feels hollow. It’s a bummer because it looks cool, but at the end of the day, it's just a disorganized, boring slog that never finds its spark.
The biggest offender here is the dialogue; there are wayyyy too many needless conversations that don't add anything to the vibe. It’s just page after page of wordy filler featuring characters who are, frankly, boring as hell. Between the bad plotting and the stagnant energy, the book just feels hollow. It’s a bummer because it looks cool, but at the end of the day, it's just a disorganized, boring slog that never finds its spark.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
On the ice between two islands that represents the border between the USSR and the United States, a body of a woman was discovered. She had been murdered in "no man's land" - land claimed by neither country. So a FBI agent Kevin Collins who is on the verge of retirement and a KGB agent Sonia Fiodrow whose family had come from Big Diomede were sent by their governments to discover what had happened and resolve the case. But there are complications. In 1963, neither side trusted the other and neither would "officially" allow the other side to cross the "ice curtain" border. But they needed to do so to solve the case, the two worked out their own deal. And they did manage to find the murderer, but that led to more complications of a political variety that were only solved by nature. A nicely crafted murder mystery with great illustrations!
Thanks Netgalley and Image Comics for the chance to read this title!
Thanks Netgalley and Image Comics for the chance to read this title!
December 9, 2025
“No Man’s Land” by Szymon Kudranski is an absolutely beautiful graphic novel. Not the subject, mind you, but the artwork. I kept having to remind myself to read the words because I was soaking in the artwork.
The story? Oh, it’s good.
We are in the middle of the Cold War. A body has been found in a unique spot. An ice bridge that connects Russia with the United States. If one were to be assigned to investigate, you must be cautious. One misstep, and you are going to be arrested as a spy. So, two investigators, one from America and one from Russia, are in the middle of a political conundrum while trying to figure who, or what, committed this atrocity.
And the consequences of the investigation? You will find out in the last few panels.
Epic.
Historic, even.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The story? Oh, it’s good.
We are in the middle of the Cold War. A body has been found in a unique spot. An ice bridge that connects Russia with the United States. If one were to be assigned to investigate, you must be cautious. One misstep, and you are going to be arrested as a spy. So, two investigators, one from America and one from Russia, are in the middle of a political conundrum while trying to figure who, or what, committed this atrocity.
And the consequences of the investigation? You will find out in the last few panels.
Epic.
Historic, even.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Your snow blindness has gone. You prayed, didn’t you?”
During the Cold War, Kevin Collins and Sonia Fiodrow are each tasked by their respective countries to investigate a suspicious crime that occurred on the ice bridge between the Diomede Islands.
It’s a story about giving everything for your country, even if you receive nothing in return. A story about mythology, religion, and the way history seems determined to repeat itself.
The narrative feels almost poetic, in the way only humanity’s own destruction can sometimes appear beautiful.
At the end of the day, the question remains: who is the real monster?
How fitting:
“Every government in the world has blood on its hands. If not another nation’s, then the blood of its own people.”
Thank you to Image Comics and NetGalley for providing an eARC to review!
June 15, 2026
A gritty, murder mystery set in the area between Alaska and Russia during the Cold War? No Man’s Land is a great read.
Thank you Netgalley and Image Comics for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This story had me sucked in.
As I said above, this was a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the Cold War, but that wasn’t the only cool thing about the setting. This also took place on the Diomede Islands between Alaska and Russia, so that was also really cool.
It’s brutally cold, you’re having to navigate relations with the native people on the island while also trying to solve a murder mystery and not start World War 3? This was pretty great.
The art was haunting.
There were so many images in this book that made me gasp. The artwork is terrific, and I could read so much more for from Szymon Kudranski.
Thank you Netgalley and Image Comics for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This story had me sucked in.
As I said above, this was a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the Cold War, but that wasn’t the only cool thing about the setting. This also took place on the Diomede Islands between Alaska and Russia, so that was also really cool.
It’s brutally cold, you’re having to navigate relations with the native people on the island while also trying to solve a murder mystery and not start World War 3? This was pretty great.
The art was haunting.
There were so many images in this book that made me gasp. The artwork is terrific, and I could read so much more for from Szymon Kudranski.
December 9, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for the ARC!
This was a really cool, atmospheric, graphic novel. "No Man's Land," follows an American FBI agent who is sent to an area between Russia and the US to investigate the murder of an unidentified woman. While there, he must work alongside a KGB agent, all while maintaining complete secrecy, in hopes of avoiding international scandal.
I really enjoyed this story. It took the "I'm getting too old for this" trope and used it in a very cool way. I really loved the art and thought the bright white of the frozen landscape really made the color more impactful, when used.
Again, I feel like Image Comics rarely misses and this was another example of them nailing a really cool concept.
This was a really cool, atmospheric, graphic novel. "No Man's Land," follows an American FBI agent who is sent to an area between Russia and the US to investigate the murder of an unidentified woman. While there, he must work alongside a KGB agent, all while maintaining complete secrecy, in hopes of avoiding international scandal.
I really enjoyed this story. It took the "I'm getting too old for this" trope and used it in a very cool way. I really loved the art and thought the bright white of the frozen landscape really made the color more impactful, when used.
Again, I feel like Image Comics rarely misses and this was another example of them nailing a really cool concept.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
No Man's Land. The perfect setting for hard boiled Cold War-era thriller fiction. Everyone's expendable. Neither side can afford a misstep. How could Kudrański miss?
Well, his art is exceptional, and the book starts off strong. But once the investigation starts to come together? The narrative starts to wear thin...
When the dots are finally connected, the villain's backstory and motive don't feel convincing, nor do they fit the setting, nature, or detailed ritualism of the crime committed. At the book comes to a close, that leads to a suspension of disbelief which undermines the ultimate narrative twist.
All that being said, Kudrański is a real talent, and I look forward to seeing what he puts out next.
Well, his art is exceptional, and the book starts off strong. But once the investigation starts to come together? The narrative starts to wear thin...
When the dots are finally connected, the villain's backstory and motive don't feel convincing, nor do they fit the setting, nature, or detailed ritualism of the crime committed. At the book comes to a close, that leads to a suspension of disbelief which undermines the ultimate narrative twist.
All that being said, Kudrański is a real talent, and I look forward to seeing what he puts out next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This graphic novel has both a skillfully written story and hauntingly beautiful illustrations.
Szymon Kudrański is truly a one-man band, and he's certainly a master of all.
The story started as political commentary, but then added a lot of gore, occult, and folk-horror elements, which truly spiced things up.
I also loved the deep thoughts and questions woven throughout the book, mostly on war, human nature, and our inner workings.
However, the ending was a bit abrupt for me, and a few things didn't quite fall into place.
Still, this is definitely an interesting and thought-provoking read.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Szymon Kudrański is truly a one-man band, and he's certainly a master of all.
The story started as political commentary, but then added a lot of gore, occult, and folk-horror elements, which truly spiced things up.
I also loved the deep thoughts and questions woven throughout the book, mostly on war, human nature, and our inner workings.
However, the ending was a bit abrupt for me, and a few things didn't quite fall into place.
Still, this is definitely an interesting and thought-provoking read.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 23, 2026
This is surely another thing we are going to lose because of climate change: Murders on the Ice Curtain, a frozen bridge temporarily connecting the USA and Soviet Union/Russia during the winter.
Set during the Cold War, a pair of detectives from each conflicted country are tasked to investigate the brutal death of a young woman.
Firstly, absolutely beautiful and striking art, which emphasizes the isolated, snowy setting to perfection.
Furthermore, the comic's focus on the case under the tension of the Cold War is intriguing, especially when it draws parallel to both events, but without that context the reader is left with a bare-bones detective story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an ARC for an honest review.
Set during the Cold War, a pair of detectives from each conflicted country are tasked to investigate the brutal death of a young woman.
Firstly, absolutely beautiful and striking art, which emphasizes the isolated, snowy setting to perfection.
Furthermore, the comic's focus on the case under the tension of the Cold War is intriguing, especially when it draws parallel to both events, but without that context the reader is left with a bare-bones detective story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's 1963 and there's been a murder in the middle of the ice bridge that connects US and Soviet territory; the FBI and KGB both investigate, with the specter of the Cold War haunting the search for the killer.
First, the opening text sets the perfect tone: there's a chilling irony in not being sure if it's speaking of the US, the Soviet Union, or both. The art does a magnificent job of maintaining the feeling, with its grey impressionistic look.
Where the book fumbles is in the actual story. It works well for three issues, but then in the fourth and final part everything is neatly tied up. The ending feels completely unearned.
Three and a half stars.
Received via NetGalley.
First, the opening text sets the perfect tone: there's a chilling irony in not being sure if it's speaking of the US, the Soviet Union, or both. The art does a magnificent job of maintaining the feeling, with its grey impressionistic look.
Where the book fumbles is in the actual story. It works well for three issues, but then in the fourth and final part everything is neatly tied up. The ending feels completely unearned.
Three and a half stars.
Received via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'll admit, I was reading No Man's Land monthly as it was coming out from my local comic book store. I loved it then, and was so excited for the opportunity to read an arc of the TPB, because I equally loved it now. Kudranksi is truly a singular talent, having written, drawn, and coloured the whole thing himself; the mystery was interesting and imbued with a deep sense of dread, and the tackling of such a tumultuous period of history was very well done, in my opinion. I will always be a fan of Szymon, and I can't wait to see what he cooks up next. The only thing I'd possibly change is for it to be longer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Image for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Image for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oof. So depressing and so good. As always the art from Kudranski is top tier. Fitting the story and mood perfectly. The minimal use of color makes the tundra that much colder, and the violence much more brutal. He is able to fit a lot into just 4 issues and without it feeling "too wordy." Some of the dialog definitely felt like a well researched history lesson but it made sense given the situation. The story is pretty bleak, and not very hopeful, but wasn't expecting much hope in a cold war era spy murder mystery. Overall I did enjoy this quite a bit and would recommend to fans of the Hannibal TV show, or the gritty murder mystery shows like True Detective.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow. That was so intense. Short but full of intensity in the story. Though the ending was not my kind of ending. It was open ending that make the readers think and conclude whatever they want to. For me, the ending was bittersweet. Like it served the righteousness in justice side of the story but not good enough in overall end of it.
There were also some plot holes I didn't like. They might be not plot holes, just undetailed background stories of the characters.
The illustrations fit perfectly with the vibe of the story. Suspenseful with mostly black and white colors.
Overall I liked this book a lot.
Thank you to Szymon Kudranski, Image Comics, and NetGalley for the ARC.
There were also some plot holes I didn't like. They might be not plot holes, just undetailed background stories of the characters.
The illustrations fit perfectly with the vibe of the story. Suspenseful with mostly black and white colors.
Overall I liked this book a lot.
Thank you to Szymon Kudranski, Image Comics, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
True Detective if it was boring and droned on and on. For someone that is an artist first, Kodranski loves to ramble on about nothing. The story is about a body found on the land bridge between Russia and the U.S. during the Cold War. A lone FBI agent and a KGB officer sort of need to work together to uncover what happened. The whole thing just felt like a waste of time. At least the setting finally made Kudranski abandon his overindulgence with black pencil that usually occurs with his art.
May 26, 2026
Not a full 4 but close.
Writer & Artist: Szymon Kudranski hits sweet spot with a 'Cold War' murder mystery set in the
Diomede Islands, a buffer between the former USSR and Alaska in the 1960s.
It's 1963, and the body of a young woman is discovered on this icy no-man’s land between the two superpowers at a time peace seems fragile.
An FBI agent and a KGB operative must solve the murder—before the ice melts…and war ignites in a story twisting ancient gods and Christianity and nuclear testing and politics into a gritty web that works, enhanced by moody art.
Writer & Artist: Szymon Kudranski hits sweet spot with a 'Cold War' murder mystery set in the
Diomede Islands, a buffer between the former USSR and Alaska in the 1960s.
It's 1963, and the body of a young woman is discovered on this icy no-man’s land between the two superpowers at a time peace seems fragile.
An FBI agent and a KGB operative must solve the murder—before the ice melts…and war ignites in a story twisting ancient gods and Christianity and nuclear testing and politics into a gritty web that works, enhanced by moody art.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Collins is ready to finally hang his hat up from his service to the FBI, but the Director has other plans. A woman’s body has been terribly mutilated on the ice bridge dividing the USA and Russia. Collins must work together with a KGB agent named Fiodrow to solve the case, find the killer, and prevent a nuclear war between the two countries.
This is a serious, suspenseful graphic novel and is definitely worth the read.
#ThxNetGalley #SzymonKudranski #NoMansLand
This is a serious, suspenseful graphic novel and is definitely worth the read.
#ThxNetGalley #SzymonKudranski #NoMansLand
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this! It's short but still captivating. The art is gorgeous and it was perfect for plot - a murder mystery in a secluded location with ties to the Cold War. I wish the ending was more solid but that's my only critique.
Thank you to Szymon Kudranski, Image Comics, and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.
Thank you to Szymon Kudranski, Image Comics, and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.
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