Ukrainian Comics: Security In Creativity
Ukrainian comics comes in when I thought I was running out of international comics to talk about. With my exposure to Lanstuta Publishing and its local title Phaeton, I just had to know more. It turns out their appearance comes in reaction to the Revolution of Dignity which increases Ukraine's economics. This leads to the development of Ukraine's first major comic book, The Will. That series sparks a creative legacy where creators share the life and teachings of the country. All of which display Ukraine's overall identity.
An American's First Ukrainian Comics
Within the science fiction of Phaeton, readers see a future world that relates to present day cyber crimes along with Ukraine. Anyone who is familiar with the concept of a totally digital world sees how much can be at risk. Even the most sophisticated security system can have flaws once there's a deeper understanding of it. Because all of that data including people's habits, their records, and beliefs can be weaponized by outsiders. For Ukrainian Comics, it's a subtle reminder about the country's conflicts with its neighbors like Russia.
The Revolution of Dignity
Look at a history textbook and almost anyone can find Ukraine's uneasy relationship with Russia. From the Russian Empire to the Soviets, Ukraine struggled for its own identity. Between the country's ties with both Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia and its exposure to their flaws, Ukraine attempts to change for the better. But it would be another 20 years after the fall of the Soviets before Ukrainian Comics appear. I always say that comics are a symbol of a country's economic growth, Ukraine is no different.
In 2014 comes the Revolution of Dignity, a revolt against the Ukrainian government sticking too close to Russia. As protests were beginning to be silenced with pressure from Russia, the people revolted. With the then president Viktor Yanukovych removed from power, Ukraine enters a trade agreement with the EU. Thanks to this deal, free trade with the EU's market and more allows the country to grow out of its dependence on Russia.
The Will of Ukrainian Comics
With this economic growth, Ukraine ushers in comics to show its sense of identity. Most of these comics often reflect historical moments including the steampunk series The Will. Taking place after the Bolshevik Revolution, this series combines Ukraine's historical struggle for independence and the absurdities surrounding it. The fact that such ludicrous machines could come out of this event is a testament to Ukraine's potential. It's also why the inevitable failure feels like a tragedy. With Stalin gaining control of Ukraine, the country loses part of its identity.
Despite this, The Will proves to be a success with Ukrainian President Poroshenko endorsing the comic. That's because while the tragic end lingers in the background, there is a positive spin to it. The characters throughout the series are rather self-confident and the thrills they have with technology are shared with the reader. Even though tragedy will befall them, the potential for greatness lingers on in future generations. It's a potential that series creators Vyacheslav Buhayov and Denis Fadieiev hopes their project fosters.
Sharing The Experience
It seems Buhayov and Fadieiev succeeded with series like Hunting Grounds and Zvytyaga: Savur Mohyla appearing in reaction. Both series involve military groups in more modern settings where conflicts arise. Whether that's in Crimea or the steppes, these Ukrainian comics delve into the country's history through entertainment. This may be a lot of people's first exposure to the efforts of the Cossacks. Along with this are more genres like superhero series Ukrman. That series in reaction to the great potential within Ukraine reminds everyone that great power can be used for evil. So the title character appears to step up when things go out of control.
What Are Ukrainian Comics?
After years of being under Russia's thumb, Ukraine is ready to display their identity in full. While Ukraine has spent a lot of its time fighting Russia, that's not the only thing it needs to face; comics are not exactly booming. Like most countries, the publishing industry isn't willing to humor projects that aren't very successful. The Will creators made their project in their free time while working as game developers. But with major figures backing them, these creators are ready to fight for their place.