Ukrainian comics (комікси’ Komikcs) 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.
Edit: In light of the Ukrainian War, I will highlight a few other subjects popping up.
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.
Before Ukrainian Comics Went Mainstream
As common in Western civilizations, before local comics could regularly appear in Ukraine, it has to deal with stigma. According to one source, Ukrainian comics have been around since the 90s before and after the fall of the Soviets. Most if not all of these are aimed at children with folk tales and Cossacks. Unfortunately, that’s also why the medium as a whole gets its children’s only label; and why the most manga Ukrainians could find are translated in Russian.
Even great ones like Daohopak are still seen as children’s books. Which is really stinks because this is an inspirational piece takes combines action manga and high art bande dessinee with his homeland’s martial art of Combat Hopak. If anyone reads this, they would know the biggest audiences are older than twelve. Did the way it tells readers how to read a comic encourage that label? Because I’ve met adults who still have trouble reading comics.
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. Remember Ukraine had to rely on Russia for manga.
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. Arguably that includes America’s general exposure to Ukrainian history, Mahkno thanks to Humanoids’ translation. All of which deal with Ukraine’s military exploits especially for its independence. 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.
The Ukrainian War Times
Which brings up the tragedies that befall Ukraine in 2022 as political turmoil starts a Russian invasion. As such Ukrainian publishers are at risk and preoccupied with surviving the onslaughts to their country. Fortunately some artists like Vlad Legostaev are working with people to raise money for humanitarian aid. Besides this, American publishers like Mark Siegel are using fundraisers to aid Ukranian publisher Irbis Comics. Even if the ad unintenionally backs the stereotype that comics are a kids medium.
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 that doesn’t mean Komikcs are backing down; Fireclaw, Irbis, and Ridna Mova wouldn’t be professional translators for Westerns Comics with occasional original. But more importantly there wouldn’t be small presses like Vovkulaka with Among The Sheep or Northern Lights with ParaBlog. These creators are ready to fight for their place in the world, no matter the odds.