Alpha Book 4: Sanctions
Alpha Book 4: Sanctions, by Jigounov & Mythic, Cinebook
CINEBOOK HAVE presented a number of quality thriller style graphic novels, but the previous volume in this series did not grab me. With Sanctions however, its post cold war scenario provides the mannequin upon which Mythic and Jigounov can justifiably hang their finery.
Jignouv in particular excels visually, attention to clothing and hairstyles in both sexes, the generally bigger-better opulent nature of the times is also cast well regards to buildings, landscapes and general props; but even more so sequentially: not only is each frame a finely rendered illustration, they work in tandem with each other telling the story cinematically, and also as a whole page in terms of design (save some of those where talking head circumstances force the issue). It encapsulates events with class and distinction.
More importantly, Mythic offers a story I become engaged in: Alpha is suave, cool and intelligent that’s obvious; that he can be smug and possibly a pain in the neck at times is indicated by his interaction with fellow CIA operative Sheena, whereby she both coyly rebukes him and puts him down too, as only those who know each other well can. There’s a sexual frisson between them, but their collective on-page time is kept to specifics and she is in fact the most well developed, and likeable, character of the two. Thus personalities exist where they didn’t in Book 3 for me.
As for the plot, again the spy-related aspects are the pre-requisite angle to get the story rolling, whereas the way it plays out as a straight detective story; less flash and car crash more procedural and motive lead with red herrings and a McGuffin thrown in make this a tasty feast.
The premise is that a former double agent The Griffin has returned to the USA, possibly part of a Russian delegation, and is killing off those Americans he thought betrayed him. Alpha and Sheena while pretty much forced into the roles of tourist guides to the Russians slowly begin to integrate with those working the murder case and then find that to resolve the matter they must take affairs into their own hands.
This would work well as a TV movie, as a comic book it is exceptionally well put together and all the better for being presented in that medium.
Based on Alpha Book 4: Sanctions I am pleasantly forced to reappraise my views on the series, and will chance my arm by giving the earlier books a read.
For more information on Alpha visit Cinebook.
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