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Putin's Russia: The Rise of a Dictator
Author of more than six acclaimed graphic novels and well-known for his economical drawing and clear, explanatory narrative, Cunningham shows how the West and its leaders have been culpable in aiding Putin's rise - Obama being a particular example. Areas covered include Brexit and Trump; the crackdown on human rights, especially on homosexuality in Russia; and the poisonings-among them, journalist Anna Politkovskaya in Russia, Alexander Litvinenko in London, Sergei Skripal in Salisbury.
By putting all these events into a timeline, Cunningham aims to show that Putin is opportunistic rather than the master manipulator people make him out to be: 'He's essentially a gangster and not a particularly smart one. We need to demythologise Putin if we are to beat him.'
By putting all these events into a timeline, Cunningham aims to show that Putin is opportunistic rather than the master manipulator people make him out to be: 'He's essentially a gangster and not a particularly smart one. We need to demythologise Putin if we are to beat him.'
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2021
36 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Darryl Cunningham
17 books130 followersBritish Artist Darryl Cunningham is the creator of the web-comics, 'Super-Sam and John-of-the-Night' and 'The Streets of San Diablo'. Darryl's work can also be found at his blog and flickr page. His book Psychiatric Tales has been published by Blank Slate in the UK and by Bloomsbury in the US.
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March 7, 2022
Darryl Cunningham’s Putin’s Russia: The Rise of a Dictator had a very timely release mid-February. The book covers the Russian leader’s life from childhood to just a few months before he would order an invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Done in graphic novel format, Cunningham covers a large amount of information very succinctly, making for an accessible and engaging read that would make this an excellent addition to any library. There is nothing groundbreaking to learn here but it is wonderful to see it all clearly laid out and addressed as a complex web of manipulation and power on a trajectory to the present day.
Cunningham notes that much of what we know about Putin’s parents and childhood come from the former KGB man himself and is likely very much self-mythologizing. He notes that everything about Putin’s image is constructed as a symbol of masculinity and strength. Readers see his path through the KGB and into positions of political power. This book covers a depressing load of bribery, intimidation and violence all connected with the man. Particularly the frequent murders of prominent journalists critical of him or his government, such as the murder of Anna Politkovskaya in an elevator on Putin’s birthday just several years after surviving a poisoning.
The book covers military operations such as the horrific Chechen War, the war with Georgia in 2008, and the invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014. Much is made of Putin’s rhetoric of Western influence and intimidation as his reasoning for many laws and actions and Cunningham dives into many of the fears people live under.
Readers will likely be familiar with many of the events discussed, such as when Malaysia Airling Flight 17 was shot down, the jailing of the Pussy Riot, and much more recent issues such as the poisoning and jailing of Alexei Navalny who is currently on trial in Russia. Also remember this?
This is a pretty well done book. As I mentioned, nothing is very new or discussed in depth, but it gives a very good working knowledge of the history and the complexities of his politics and international relationships. This will likely be useful right now as we watch in horror as the people of Ukraine are being murdered and fighting back. The history of the discussions around NATO and Ukraine are included in this book, which just happened to come out right before the invasion. I wish the art was better and often doesn’t serve much of a purpose other that to break up the text, but it is fun and makes for a very engaging read.
Also, it is important to remember that a country’s government and leaders and the citizens of a country are not the same and the people of a country deserve the dignity of remembering this when talking about said leaders. We have to remember how strong disinformation can be as well.
3/5
Cunningham notes that much of what we know about Putin’s parents and childhood come from the former KGB man himself and is likely very much self-mythologizing. He notes that everything about Putin’s image is constructed as a symbol of masculinity and strength. Readers see his path through the KGB and into positions of political power. This book covers a depressing load of bribery, intimidation and violence all connected with the man. Particularly the frequent murders of prominent journalists critical of him or his government, such as the murder of Anna Politkovskaya in an elevator on Putin’s birthday just several years after surviving a poisoning.
The book covers military operations such as the horrific Chechen War, the war with Georgia in 2008, and the invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014. Much is made of Putin’s rhetoric of Western influence and intimidation as his reasoning for many laws and actions and Cunningham dives into many of the fears people live under.
Readers will likely be familiar with many of the events discussed, such as when Malaysia Airling Flight 17 was shot down, the jailing of the Pussy Riot, and much more recent issues such as the poisoning and jailing of Alexei Navalny who is currently on trial in Russia. Also remember this?
This is a pretty well done book. As I mentioned, nothing is very new or discussed in depth, but it gives a very good working knowledge of the history and the complexities of his politics and international relationships. This will likely be useful right now as we watch in horror as the people of Ukraine are being murdered and fighting back. The history of the discussions around NATO and Ukraine are included in this book, which just happened to come out right before the invasion. I wish the art was better and often doesn’t serve much of a purpose other that to break up the text, but it is fun and makes for a very engaging read.
Also, it is important to remember that a country’s government and leaders and the citizens of a country are not the same and the people of a country deserve the dignity of remembering this when talking about said leaders. We have to remember how strong disinformation can be as well.
3/5
July 3, 2025
One of the best GN I have read this year. Meticulously researched and documented; to say this GN is timely would be an understatement. Anyone trying to place in context the dangerous situation that is unfolding in Ukraine will gain insight into this dire threat now facing Europe - but the truth may bring very little consolation. Highest recommendation.
April 8, 2022
I knew most of this basic information, but it is a good and succinct introduction to Putin's rise from KGB thug to dictator, documenting some of the journalists and other detractors who opposed him, many of whom he had killed. The criminal enterprise that is running Russia now depends on disinformation and repression, and we can see it happening there even as we recall how Putin and his lackeys influenced right-wing American media (hello, Tucker!) and an American President they had been grooming as their puppet for decades. Cunningham makes it clear that Obama and Bush were also misled by Putin and underestimated the depths of his dictatorial intent.
Chronologically we get a kind of biography of Putin, some of it based on what we now think we know, almost all of it denied by him, and takes us through the Trump regime and the pandemic. We learn of Chechnya and Ukraine and so much more, so it's good to have an historical perspective on current events. I liked the pace, the amount of information and illustration style and recommend it for those seeking a concise and engaging approach.
Chronologically we get a kind of biography of Putin, some of it based on what we now think we know, almost all of it denied by him, and takes us through the Trump regime and the pandemic. We learn of Chechnya and Ukraine and so much more, so it's good to have an historical perspective on current events. I liked the pace, the amount of information and illustration style and recommend it for those seeking a concise and engaging approach.
February 7, 2022
This comes out February 15th and I had a digital copy from Drawn and Quarterly via Netgalley - to read the story of Putin is to better understand the story of Russia, unfortunately. He was born in Leningrad/St Petersburg only eight years after the siege and clawed his way to positions of power and money. He's like the Dick Cheney of Russia, where for every shady situation, you pull back the curtain and there he is.
This is content that probably exists in biographies and other critiques of Putin and his policies, but for me, easier to consume in graphic form. It's really astounding how Putin can have such a high popularity rating when we know about the people he's had killed (goodbye, free press, goodbye, vocal opponents), the countries he's invaded or destroyed, but since we have a person who copies his playbook, it also feels familiar.
In my year of reading Russia I worry I lack the knowledge to understand the subtext of the literature I'm reading, and from that perspective this graphic non fiction book helps provide context about Russia's power and control from the fall of the Soviet Union to the present day. Putin has been there all along....
This is content that probably exists in biographies and other critiques of Putin and his policies, but for me, easier to consume in graphic form. It's really astounding how Putin can have such a high popularity rating when we know about the people he's had killed (goodbye, free press, goodbye, vocal opponents), the countries he's invaded or destroyed, but since we have a person who copies his playbook, it also feels familiar.
In my year of reading Russia I worry I lack the knowledge to understand the subtext of the literature I'm reading, and from that perspective this graphic non fiction book helps provide context about Russia's power and control from the fall of the Soviet Union to the present day. Putin has been there all along....
September 13, 2022
The Rise of Putler
Review of the Drawn & Quarterly paperback edition (February 15, 2022) of the original Myriad Editions paperback (UK) (September 16, 2021)
Darryl Cunningham's non-fiction graphic novel charts the rise of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin from his early days in Leningrad, the years working for the KGB, the first major embezzlements while working for Leningrad's Mayor, the apprenticeship under Boris Yeltsin, the usurping of the Presidency and then the ever increasing list of scams, murders, imprisonments, false flag attacks on his own people and the more recent years of attempting to restore the imperium of the former Soviet Union by either election manipulation or war in former Republics such as Belarus, Georgia, Chechnya and the Ukraine. Presciently the book was published in late 2021 in the UK, and then uncannily in North America just on the eve of the current Ukrainian invasion in February 2022.
As I write this in mid-September 2022 during the current Ukrainian counterattack which is regaining major areas of occupied Ukraine, it remains to be seen whether Putin's miscalculation will be the beginning of his downfall. The ugly precedents with Hitler are most obvious to those who have studied the history of Nazi Germany. These are such as Hitler's false flag torching of the German Reichstag in 1933 paralleled with Putin's KGB/FSB's bombing of Russian apartment buildings in 1999. There is Neville Chamberlain's 1938 appeasement with Hitler and writing off then -Czechoslovakia, paralleled with the shameful groveling of various European leaders to not humiliate Putin and allow his conquering of Ukraine in the current conflict. We can only hope that Hitler's downfall and end will be paralleled as well.
Cunningham's research is extremely thorough and is demonstrated by the extensive list of sources at the end of the book. Those who are familiar with the propaganda iconography of Putin will recognize that drawings in the book parallel real life events recorded on news film and photographs as can be seen in the examples below.
Sample page from "Putin's Russia". Image sourced from Darryl Cunningham Blogspot.
Photograph of Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
Review of the Drawn & Quarterly paperback edition (February 15, 2022) of the original Myriad Editions paperback (UK) (September 16, 2021)
Darryl Cunningham's non-fiction graphic novel charts the rise of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin from his early days in Leningrad, the years working for the KGB, the first major embezzlements while working for Leningrad's Mayor, the apprenticeship under Boris Yeltsin, the usurping of the Presidency and then the ever increasing list of scams, murders, imprisonments, false flag attacks on his own people and the more recent years of attempting to restore the imperium of the former Soviet Union by either election manipulation or war in former Republics such as Belarus, Georgia, Chechnya and the Ukraine. Presciently the book was published in late 2021 in the UK, and then uncannily in North America just on the eve of the current Ukrainian invasion in February 2022.
As I write this in mid-September 2022 during the current Ukrainian counterattack which is regaining major areas of occupied Ukraine, it remains to be seen whether Putin's miscalculation will be the beginning of his downfall. The ugly precedents with Hitler are most obvious to those who have studied the history of Nazi Germany. These are such as Hitler's false flag torching of the German Reichstag in 1933 paralleled with Putin's KGB/FSB's bombing of Russian apartment buildings in 1999. There is Neville Chamberlain's 1938 appeasement with Hitler and writing off then -Czechoslovakia, paralleled with the shameful groveling of various European leaders to not humiliate Putin and allow his conquering of Ukraine in the current conflict. We can only hope that Hitler's downfall and end will be paralleled as well.
Cunningham's research is extremely thorough and is demonstrated by the extensive list of sources at the end of the book. Those who are familiar with the propaganda iconography of Putin will recognize that drawings in the book parallel real life events recorded on news film and photographs as can be seen in the examples below.
Sample page from "Putin's Russia". Image sourced from Darryl Cunningham Blogspot.
Photograph of Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
August 19, 2022
Putin's Russia: The Rise of a Dictator seemed like a timely choice when I saw it in the new section at my local library.
The text reads like a good overview of Putin's biography for a middle schooler. The last few pages veer away from the facts and into opinion on the West's failure to notice Putin's criminal behavior. The art is competent, though nothing special.
It has stirred me enough to question the system that produced this individual and allows him to engage in this type of behavior.
I am looking forward to getting to Catherine Belton's book Putin's People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took On the West to perhaps learn more.
The text reads like a good overview of Putin's biography for a middle schooler. The last few pages veer away from the facts and into opinion on the West's failure to notice Putin's criminal behavior. The art is competent, though nothing special.
It has stirred me enough to question the system that produced this individual and allows him to engage in this type of behavior.
I am looking forward to getting to Catherine Belton's book Putin's People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took On the West to perhaps learn more.
January 4, 2023
Vladimir Putin at heart is a gangster who would have been at home as a character on The Sopranos according to this biography. It's a laundry list of all the murders, false flag operations, political corruption, theft, conspiracies and wars it seems likely that Putin has masterminded in his life from KGB agent to Russian dictator.
The book is a little dry -- caption heavy with static art that mostly consists of floating heads -- but the litany of harm this man has done to the world is still stomach turning. In a dark coincidence, this book was basically published just as Putin began his invasion of Ukraine, so that chapter is missing.
The book is a little dry -- caption heavy with static art that mostly consists of floating heads -- but the litany of harm this man has done to the world is still stomach turning. In a dark coincidence, this book was basically published just as Putin began his invasion of Ukraine, so that chapter is missing.
October 31, 2021
Yet again Darryl Cunningham has covered a topic with his usual clarity. Although I was aware of many of Putin's abuses of power I still found new information.
All a testament to Cunningham's extensive research as evidenced by the long list of sources at the end of the book.
All a testament to Cunningham's extensive research as evidenced by the long list of sources at the end of the book.
Read
April 3, 2022PUTIN'S RUSSIA: THE RISE OF A DICTATOR
Darryl Cunningham
My granddaughter is crazy about any type of graphic novel, I really love the use of that median in providing a historical review of something, in this case, Mr. Putin. This is a short foundational primer on the life of Putin from school days to rule days.
I am impressed with the research put into it. I remember most of this being reported as it happened but it really picks up weight when you see it all together in a concise way. In a few short pages, it paints a very scary picture to consider.
As always I am glad to be in America, be an American and while we might have our political issues and problems it is still better here than there.
4 Stars
Happy Reading!
Darryl Cunningham
My granddaughter is crazy about any type of graphic novel, I really love the use of that median in providing a historical review of something, in this case, Mr. Putin. This is a short foundational primer on the life of Putin from school days to rule days.
I am impressed with the research put into it. I remember most of this being reported as it happened but it really picks up weight when you see it all together in a concise way. In a few short pages, it paints a very scary picture to consider.
As always I am glad to be in America, be an American and while we might have our political issues and problems it is still better here than there.
4 Stars
Happy Reading!
May 18, 2022
A pretty interesting, compact, illustrated overview of Vladimir Putin: his life and dictatorial rise to power, his corrupt path to becoming probably now the richest man in the world, and the disastrous effect his rule has had on Russia, its people, on democracy there and worldwide. Interesting, yes, but depressing too I should add, to be reminded about all the murders Putin has ordered (creative murders, sure, what with the litany of polysyllabic poisons and radioactive doohickeys, but still ...); and to be reminded about the complicity of "our" own Mango Mussolini, Don Sr., in this parade of depravity. How naive, how clueless, (and/or probably corrupt, with skin in the game?) must one be to actually admire (!) such a murderous creature as Vladimir Putin? Answer: Pretty darn fucken naive, clueless,( and so forth.) I knew about some of this, but learned a lot too. This isn't a comic with a smattering of text. There's I guess around 25,ooo words, the length of a novella. The illustrations are basic. Most of them are profiles of people, so it seems photographs might have have served just as well. (Or maybe not.) Still, one can learn a lot quickly from illustrated books like this, as much as from viewing a documentary, no?, and it's more involving to read than to watch. I intend to seek out other non-fiction titles by this author. (About word count: why is it always a guessing game? Why don't publishers let us know? I'd like to know, wouldn't you?).
Almost forgot: I knew about the yacht, but did you know (I didn't) Putin is believed to possess the largest most expensive home in the world? 1.35 Billion U.S. this thing is worth, with 191,000 square feet of living space in the home itself. 191,000 square feet! Man, that's 4.38-- four point three eight(!) acres--ACRES--OF HOUSE. And you can imagine how "tastefully" it's furnished. Don Sr. would go ape for it, you can be sure. I was an high-value home insurance inspector, then a house and commercial property real estate appraiser, in San Diego county for two decades in all, and saw some of the most expensive homes in the U.S., in La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe. The largest house I saw was, as I recall, 18,000 sf. It was enormous. HUGE. Italianate pillars. Fountains everywhere. Felt about as "cozy" as the lobby of a Marriott. And that's only one-eleventh the size of Putin's Palace.
Almost forgot: I knew about the yacht, but did you know (I didn't) Putin is believed to possess the largest most expensive home in the world? 1.35 Billion U.S. this thing is worth, with 191,000 square feet of living space in the home itself. 191,000 square feet! Man, that's 4.38-- four point three eight(!) acres--ACRES--OF HOUSE. And you can imagine how "tastefully" it's furnished. Don Sr. would go ape for it, you can be sure. I was an high-value home insurance inspector, then a house and commercial property real estate appraiser, in San Diego county for two decades in all, and saw some of the most expensive homes in the U.S., in La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe. The largest house I saw was, as I recall, 18,000 sf. It was enormous. HUGE. Italianate pillars. Fountains everywhere. Felt about as "cozy" as the lobby of a Marriott. And that's only one-eleventh the size of Putin's Palace.
April 8, 2022
This was definitely a grim and menacing reading experience, but it absolutely is a great primer for our current geo-political moment. Sometimes, as you live through history, it’s hard to gather context as events unfold and put them into a cohesive story- I’ve often felt like my short-term memory isn’t suited for the rapidity of a news cycle. This graphic history gathers all the stories we’ve followed for the last 10-20 years and shows how we’ve gotten to today, how we’ve failed to uphold accountability and justice time and time again.
July 17, 2022
basic background info, presented clearly. i like the idea of nonfiction graphic novels — makes educational topics more accessible i think. personally, i don’t like graphic novels (they just don’t work with my brain) so i docked a star for that. but i think it’s cool that books like this exist.
February 22, 2022
As I type this, Russia’s action against the Ukrainian territories it claims to recognise have begun.
Putin has not long given a fiery speech, rewriting history to help justify his actions. He’s an indomitable figure, and looks as if he’ll once again get what he wants with little come-back. He’s mysterious, powerful, ruthless and defiant. However, it just so happens that the brilliant Darryl Cunningham has penned a new book that helps us understand how Putin rose to power, and how he clings to it.
Starting with his early life, we quickly see what sort of environment shaped Putin, and it wasn’t a cosy one. He aspired to be in the KGB and made sure he got noticed by them. But what seemed to cement his future was an internal situation just prior to the fall of communism. Failing policies saw food production crumble, with long queues and rising prices. In Leningrad, Putin was given the job of overseeing contracts to buy food from outside the USSR in return for access to natural resources. $92,000,000 was discovered to be missing and a further $900,000,000 was suspect. With that sort of prize at stake, exposing it was difficult, even deadly. Through bribes, threats and force, Putin’s rise had begun.
Putin’s actions, again and again, are self-serving, enriching him, and solidifying his position at the expense of all others. Cunningham charts several incidents where poisoning ends the lives of those that pose a threat, or heavy-handed military action leaves countless innocent individuals dead, such as the Moscow theatre siege. As long as power is secured, that’s all that matters.
This is superb journalism, presented clearly and creatively to hammer home every point made. Much of what you’ll learn you’ll recall snippets of from the news at the time. It's only when it’s stitched together across the entire book that you realise the sheer brazen audacity and utter ruthlessness of the man who has led Russia for so long.
You can’t help but admire the author’s diligence and determination, either. As the book reminds you throughout, its subject matter is not afraid to tackle his critics head-on, and on foreign soil, too. It’s a brave individual who takes up the challenge to map the dictator’s life.
Regardless of what happens in Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, it is unlikely that anything will unseat Russia’s leader anytime soon. As you’ll learn, he’s always willing to do the things that other nations aren’t, and although sanctions hurt, they do little when your fortune is so vast and your control so crushingly tight. Like it or not, Putin overshadows us all, but at least this book shines some light on him and his actions. An utterly hypnotising and accessible read throughout.
Putin has not long given a fiery speech, rewriting history to help justify his actions. He’s an indomitable figure, and looks as if he’ll once again get what he wants with little come-back. He’s mysterious, powerful, ruthless and defiant. However, it just so happens that the brilliant Darryl Cunningham has penned a new book that helps us understand how Putin rose to power, and how he clings to it.
Starting with his early life, we quickly see what sort of environment shaped Putin, and it wasn’t a cosy one. He aspired to be in the KGB and made sure he got noticed by them. But what seemed to cement his future was an internal situation just prior to the fall of communism. Failing policies saw food production crumble, with long queues and rising prices. In Leningrad, Putin was given the job of overseeing contracts to buy food from outside the USSR in return for access to natural resources. $92,000,000 was discovered to be missing and a further $900,000,000 was suspect. With that sort of prize at stake, exposing it was difficult, even deadly. Through bribes, threats and force, Putin’s rise had begun.
Putin’s actions, again and again, are self-serving, enriching him, and solidifying his position at the expense of all others. Cunningham charts several incidents where poisoning ends the lives of those that pose a threat, or heavy-handed military action leaves countless innocent individuals dead, such as the Moscow theatre siege. As long as power is secured, that’s all that matters.
This is superb journalism, presented clearly and creatively to hammer home every point made. Much of what you’ll learn you’ll recall snippets of from the news at the time. It's only when it’s stitched together across the entire book that you realise the sheer brazen audacity and utter ruthlessness of the man who has led Russia for so long.
You can’t help but admire the author’s diligence and determination, either. As the book reminds you throughout, its subject matter is not afraid to tackle his critics head-on, and on foreign soil, too. It’s a brave individual who takes up the challenge to map the dictator’s life.
Regardless of what happens in Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, it is unlikely that anything will unseat Russia’s leader anytime soon. As you’ll learn, he’s always willing to do the things that other nations aren’t, and although sanctions hurt, they do little when your fortune is so vast and your control so crushingly tight. Like it or not, Putin overshadows us all, but at least this book shines some light on him and his actions. An utterly hypnotising and accessible read throughout.
January 24, 2023
Putin is essentially the kingpin of an organized crime syndicate. Putin's criminal acts in Russia, in the furtherance of widespread corruption -- from the murder of political rivals and pesky investigative journalists, to the wholesale theft of public funds and private property -- is essentially no different than the mafia's criminal acts in Sicily, or NYC, in the furtherance of Mafioso widespread public and private corruption.
What interested me the most was the author's conclusion that Putin and his financial front-men cronies launder their stolen funds (for further, clean, personal use), through anonymously owned real estate investment companies in the UK and the United States. Yet, the author did not connect these facts:
* Trump is accused of being Putin's puppet
* Trump's behavior favored Putin at the expense of US national interest
* Trump favors cash and material wealth, and would sell out his own flesh and blood for money (ask Mary Trump)
* Trump made millions in real estate and sits atop an empire of hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of LLCs
* Putin launders his ill-gotten gains through US real estate deals.
Connecting the dots: was the Putin-Trump "love fest" in fact a Putin "money laundering, through Trump real estate deals, corruption carnival?" This arrangement would leave Putin with clean money and Trump with an ego boost, and skimmed profit, to feed that Trump need for greed.
I have to keep reading more about this topic. This graphic novel has a terrific bibliography to allow me to do just that. Recommend: it is a good Putin Primer. 4 Stars.
What interested me the most was the author's conclusion that Putin and his financial front-men cronies launder their stolen funds (for further, clean, personal use), through anonymously owned real estate investment companies in the UK and the United States. Yet, the author did not connect these facts:
* Trump is accused of being Putin's puppet
* Trump's behavior favored Putin at the expense of US national interest
* Trump favors cash and material wealth, and would sell out his own flesh and blood for money (ask Mary Trump)
* Trump made millions in real estate and sits atop an empire of hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of LLCs
* Putin launders his ill-gotten gains through US real estate deals.
Connecting the dots: was the Putin-Trump "love fest" in fact a Putin "money laundering, through Trump real estate deals, corruption carnival?" This arrangement would leave Putin with clean money and Trump with an ego boost, and skimmed profit, to feed that Trump need for greed.
I have to keep reading more about this topic. This graphic novel has a terrific bibliography to allow me to do just that. Recommend: it is a good Putin Primer. 4 Stars.
January 10, 2023
An excellent overview of the rise of Putin which makes the argument that he's not a legitimate leader but a ruthless criminal dictator.
The art is pretty bad. Lots of simple tracing of photographs, recycled images (some just copy+pasted and obviously zoomed in). Darryl is not great at drawing faces that aren't based on photos, hands, and books. On top of that, the art is very inconsistent. Some pages actually look quite nice, others are glaringly awful. But... I think most people aren't here for the art. They're here for a quick, bit-sized summary on Putin - and it delivers on that.
The book has a mostly Western (USA) perspective and spends a lot of time on Trump/Russia relations.
Crazy timing of the publication of this book just before Putin invaded Ukraine and the whole world now clearly sees him in a bad light. The argument Cunningham puts forth is way easier to digest now, you'd be hard pressed to find someone in the West that would disagree.
The art is pretty bad. Lots of simple tracing of photographs, recycled images (some just copy+pasted and obviously zoomed in). Darryl is not great at drawing faces that aren't based on photos, hands, and books. On top of that, the art is very inconsistent. Some pages actually look quite nice, others are glaringly awful. But... I think most people aren't here for the art. They're here for a quick, bit-sized summary on Putin - and it delivers on that.
The book has a mostly Western (USA) perspective and spends a lot of time on Trump/Russia relations.
Crazy timing of the publication of this book just before Putin invaded Ukraine and the whole world now clearly sees him in a bad light. The argument Cunningham puts forth is way easier to digest now, you'd be hard pressed to find someone in the West that would disagree.
October 13, 2022
Terrifying. So much back history that is not publicized in the west - or not much. His rise to power. The author warned the world and wondered why everyone was not doing more against him. The book was published on Feb 15, 22. Russia invaded Ukraine Feb 24.
March 3, 2025
This biography follows Vladimir Putin from his birth to sometime in 2021 (near the end, it's mentioned that this was being written while Alexei Navalny was still recovering from his 24-day hunger strike in prison).
As a graphic novel, this isn't particularly good. It's extremely text-heavy, with much of the artwork based on photographs from news articles and videos. Could this have been a short, text-only book? Probably. Still, the format makes it somewhat easier for folks (like me) who prefer to tackle their nonfiction in audio or graphic novel form to trick themselves into being less daunted by the content, so there's that.
This was not an easy read, and I could feel my hands shaking in anger during parts of it, particularly when I recalled the many instances of Trump praising Putin. This isn't something I'd recommend if you want to feel particularly positive about the next few years.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
As a graphic novel, this isn't particularly good. It's extremely text-heavy, with much of the artwork based on photographs from news articles and videos. Could this have been a short, text-only book? Probably. Still, the format makes it somewhat easier for folks (like me) who prefer to tackle their nonfiction in audio or graphic novel form to trick themselves into being less daunted by the content, so there's that.
This was not an easy read, and I could feel my hands shaking in anger during parts of it, particularly when I recalled the many instances of Trump praising Putin. This isn't something I'd recommend if you want to feel particularly positive about the next few years.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
August 13, 2022
3.5. This is a good introduction to some of Putin's crimes. It is very general, which was good for me as someone who doesn't know much about Russian politics. There were some new-to-me things, but a lot of the things mentioned are things I've seen on the news contextualized to show the larger story of what Putin and those around him do. The author/illustrator does insert his beliefs, which I thought was unnecessary as Putin's actions speak for themselves in my opinion. There was also a typo and some general segues that were uninspiring. I will check out Cunningham's other work, Billionaires.
March 6, 2023
"The world needs to stop pretending that Putin's regime is a normal state. He should not be considered an internationally respected leader, but a murderous KGB mafia boss with an assassination squad and a chemical weapons lab."
April 30, 2023
A concentrated view into the rise of putin and his regime’s countless crimes in a reader-friendly form. None of the events covered in this graphic novel were particularly new to me but it is a fine tool to perhaps obtain a more clear timeline. It is well-documented and also has a few links to other sources for those who wish to go deeper.
December 16, 2025
Comic book cels for a bio on essentially an international gangster/ mob boss is a surprisingly apt form
May 20, 2022
Escrito com muita clareza e extremamente bem ilustrado, retrata resumidamente estes últimos anos da Rússia, a ascensão de Putin, um ditador que quer a todo o custo restabelecer a época do império soviético.
Recomendo.
Recomendo.
Read
February 21, 2024this was very well researched and i feel like it’s super accessible, but the end veered more towards opinion rather than facts
December 19, 2022
"C'est un choix simple. La démocratie ou la dictature. Il nous revient de décider."
September 27, 2022
Very informative and well worth a read.
Unfortunately Cunningham fails to acknowledge almost any of the deplorable conditions that existed in Russia during "the fall of communism" that could lead a people to choose stability over virtue. And the references to the gobbling up of national resources and the subsequent creation of oligarchs, is mentioned more as background to show how Putin eventually went after many of those oligarchs who didn't fall into line with his government.
That's not to say that the book isn't without some shades of gray as Cunningham does show some of the white nationalist past of Putin critic Alexie Navalny, though Cunningham then takes the time to argue that Navalny is still worth supporting.
There is plenty of damning evidence that paints Putin as a dangerous dictator, but a slightly broader look would have strengthened the book.
That being said, given Putin's penchant for killing detractors (even those located outside of Russia) makes this at least a small act of bravery on Cunningham's part.
Unfortunately Cunningham fails to acknowledge almost any of the deplorable conditions that existed in Russia during "the fall of communism" that could lead a people to choose stability over virtue. And the references to the gobbling up of national resources and the subsequent creation of oligarchs, is mentioned more as background to show how Putin eventually went after many of those oligarchs who didn't fall into line with his government.
That's not to say that the book isn't without some shades of gray as Cunningham does show some of the white nationalist past of Putin critic Alexie Navalny, though Cunningham then takes the time to argue that Navalny is still worth supporting.
There is plenty of damning evidence that paints Putin as a dangerous dictator, but a slightly broader look would have strengthened the book.
That being said, given Putin's penchant for killing detractors (even those located outside of Russia) makes this at least a small act of bravery on Cunningham's part.
August 28, 2022
Darryl Cunningham specializes in these comic book documentary accounts of great sociopolitical relevance that are as good as they are alarming…and sadly, as they are likely to be ignored by the people they need to reach the most.
That’s the thing with living in a dumbed down society during dumbed down times – all the shouting from the rooftops in the world isn’t enough to get the right attention for the right reasons. The wrong reasons, though – like wildfire.
And so, there’s no way to know if this exceptionally well researched and well crafted account is ever going to have a proper audience or if it’ll just be another instance of a well intentioned preaching to the choir.
But it is difficult to imagine how someone reading this book would not be disturbed by its contents. I’m a huge horror fan and this book was easily scarier than most horror out there. Because it’s true. Because it’s going on right now. Because I’m reading it in a country that can’t stop flirting with dictatorship (and the concomitant authoritarianism) of its own.
I would definitely recommend reading this book to everyone. It isn’t an easy read. It isn’t a conventionally enjoyable one. But for anyone wishing to be informed on current politics, this is as entertainingly educational as it gets. Accessible text and great (really great, minimalistic yet eerily accurate portraits and all) graphics. Read and learn some frightening facts about the world. Recommended.
That’s the thing with living in a dumbed down society during dumbed down times – all the shouting from the rooftops in the world isn’t enough to get the right attention for the right reasons. The wrong reasons, though – like wildfire.
And so, there’s no way to know if this exceptionally well researched and well crafted account is ever going to have a proper audience or if it’ll just be another instance of a well intentioned preaching to the choir.
But it is difficult to imagine how someone reading this book would not be disturbed by its contents. I’m a huge horror fan and this book was easily scarier than most horror out there. Because it’s true. Because it’s going on right now. Because I’m reading it in a country that can’t stop flirting with dictatorship (and the concomitant authoritarianism) of its own.
I would definitely recommend reading this book to everyone. It isn’t an easy read. It isn’t a conventionally enjoyable one. But for anyone wishing to be informed on current politics, this is as entertainingly educational as it gets. Accessible text and great (really great, minimalistic yet eerily accurate portraits and all) graphics. Read and learn some frightening facts about the world. Recommended.
August 28, 2022
I am pleased with Cunningham's graphic novel. In broad strokes he introduces readers to many of the facts we know about V. Putin. The art featured is dynamic and attention grabbing. Still, I think the reader should consider their expectations going into this work. For those more knowledgeable about Putin and his impact on the Russian Federation / international relations, this book might feel a little too familiar. If, however, you're looking for a refresher or introduction, this is an excellent guide. I recommend and hope this lays bare the atrocities Putin and his followers commit. A special thanks for showing Trump-Putin links and details.
July 23, 2022
The cunning, horrific rise to power as told through straightforward graphic narrative. Cunningham's a storied investigative comics writer, and this most recent release comes at the opportune moment for a quick, useful account of the Putin administration--such as it can be called. The pacing here is excellent, while at no time sacrificing authorial credibility. Illustrations are fantastic throughout, with particular praise for a depiction of Donald Trump's mouth that is worth the price of the book alone.
On a slightly more critical end, comparing his domestic ascent to the subterfuge and intelligence operations here in the U.S. feel a bit muddied in the third act. There is a lengthy and discursive look into the Mueller investigation and Donald Trump's connections to Russian crime lords that--while undoubtedly interesting--feel less relevant than, say, the Chechen Wars. Incredibly, Bush Jr. sees less space here than Paul Manafort. I don't know about that one.
Altogether, a worthwhile read that has the benefit of prescience this year.
On a slightly more critical end, comparing his domestic ascent to the subterfuge and intelligence operations here in the U.S. feel a bit muddied in the third act. There is a lengthy and discursive look into the Mueller investigation and Donald Trump's connections to Russian crime lords that--while undoubtedly interesting--feel less relevant than, say, the Chechen Wars. Incredibly, Bush Jr. sees less space here than Paul Manafort. I don't know about that one.
Altogether, a worthwhile read that has the benefit of prescience this year.
April 11, 2022
This is an interesting and informative overview of the recent history of Russia centered on the rise of Vladimir Putin. It's disturbing, as it should be, and very timely in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine going on right now. The writing is straightforward, clear, and concise, and the author is good about making clear what information is known fact and what is informed speculation. It's a bit mind-boggling when presented all at once; I'm vaguely familiar with a lot of the material presented here, but I learned about the various events at the time, so it was spread out over decades. Reading this and having everything stacked up together at one time is just...wow.
A little dry maybe, but definitely a recommended read.
#PutinsRussia #NetGalley
A little dry maybe, but definitely a recommended read.
#PutinsRussia #NetGalley
March 26, 2022
I first met with the author Darryl Cunningham by his book called "Supercrash".
The author's latest book, who writes in the style of graphic novels, is abiut Putin, which is at the top of the world agenda these days. Putin's journey from his youth to his KGB spy days and then to the presidency of Russia is the subject of this graphic novel. Of course, recent historical events, including the collapse of the USSR and the establishment of Russia, the wars with Georgia and Chechnya, and the Ukraine crisis also take their place in the book. A detailed bibliography is also available at the end of the book. It has not been translated into Turkish yet. I hope it will be translated into our language as well.
In the meantime, I would especially recommend "Supercrash", which deals with the events that prepared the 2008 economic crisis, to those who are interested in economy and finance.
The author's latest book, who writes in the style of graphic novels, is abiut Putin, which is at the top of the world agenda these days. Putin's journey from his youth to his KGB spy days and then to the presidency of Russia is the subject of this graphic novel. Of course, recent historical events, including the collapse of the USSR and the establishment of Russia, the wars with Georgia and Chechnya, and the Ukraine crisis also take their place in the book. A detailed bibliography is also available at the end of the book. It has not been translated into Turkish yet. I hope it will be translated into our language as well.
In the meantime, I would especially recommend "Supercrash", which deals with the events that prepared the 2008 economic crisis, to those who are interested in economy and finance.
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