Arale by Tristan Robot and illustrated be Denis Rodier is an alternate timeline graphic novel of a Russia in 1934 lead by the Czar, but controlled by the Mad Monk Rasputin. The art is beautiful bright, clear and very detailed. The story while interesting lacks explanations of why things are the way they are. Where is the technology from, what is this war that is referred to, where did the magic come from. And so on. The story seems like a chapter in a longer story, but is enjoyable none the less

This is such a weird concept: a Steampunk 1930's Russia with a never-ending war in which magic is real and has meshed with advanced science.
Somehow Rasputin has convinced the people that the Tzar is immortal, surviving multiple assassination attempts. In fact, an attempt has just happened, and the Tzar is a deep coma, so Rasputin has convinced a loyal soldier to use something called a "soul seat" to enter the ruler's subconscious and find a mystical place called Arale, and bring the Tzar back from the brink.
For some reason though, Baba Yaga in her little chicken-shack in the woods has plans of her own, to thwart Rasputin's plans. Things start to unravel and we fins out what the soul chairs actually DO, why so many young people are being recruited into the army, and what happened to a young soldier named Yuri who has been missing for years.

I could rave about the premise of Arale all day. The Russian Revolution has failed, WWI continues into the '30s, and the Czar reigns as an immortal ruler of Russia, and Rasputin and Baba Yaga pull political strings in this alternate history SFF comic. It's the kind of premise I can't help but be pulled in by. The plot throughout is engaging and interesting, with twists and turns that were genuinely surprising and entertaining. The art is easy on the eyes and helps keep the events clear on the page.

I think my only issue with it is that it's far too short. There's a lot going on here, and it's fascinating, and I feel like I wasn't really given enough time to appreciate the finer points as a reader.

I would recommend this to anyone fascinated by the premise or who enjoys alternate history comics. It makes for an enjoyable read, particularly if you're looking for something quick.

Well, Arale is one shot telling a story of alternative Russia, the place where Bolsheviks lost their coup of power tzar is still in power, immortal (is he?) and with his grand shadow ruler Rasputin fights an endless war with enemies on all sides. But the story is not about that war, the story is about one heroic lieutenant wh will change his life (and maybe many other ones) not by war, but by travel to a very special place.
The plot is interesting, but there is so much on so little space. I enjoyed the reading, especially the "travel part", but it ended so quickly it was a bit unsatisfying. The art is something close to what I call "European classic style". Which is great, full of details and lifelike, but for experienced readers, like myself, it can get a bit boring.
Hands on:
- you like alternate history, even if it's a bit fantastical
- Rasputin, gonna catch 'em all (in various comics)
- you like war and fantasy and "mainstream" European comics
Hands off:
- you read too much of "Europe" recently.
- the fast short stories aren't your jam
- you hate recycling "Ghost in the Shell" tropes

Thank you, #europecomics and #netgalley for providing a free digital copy, this one even in a decent resolution.

An alternative graphic history of Russia featuring Rasputin & Baba Yaga in a forte of folklore, mysticism and political power.

This was a beautifully illustrated graphic novel with a very interesting premise with a twist on the Russian Revolution.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed reading this. An interesting story with fun characters. Well written.

A creative retelling of the dark times in Russian history. You don't have to know anything about it for the book provides enough background information in order to get in context, and combines real-life characters and event with Russian folklore, although I would liked a longer and more developed story. Creative, straight to the point, but way too short.

Full review (APR-12): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/2019/04/comic-arale.html

Not historical fiction, rather a fantasy science fiction mix, recreating the Romanov story by magic, Rasputin (brought back from the dead) and new characters. It is not a complete story and ends on a cliffhanger. Recommended for those who enjoy comics and science fiction.

I am not familiar with the Russian history so this was a bit lost on me. I do like the sci-fi aspect of the comic. Some great ideas that I hope bring the artists a good income one day. Thank you NetGalley for giving me a chance to read and review this.

Thank you to Europe Comics for making available via NetGalley a digital edition of ‘Arale’, written by Tristan Roulot with art by Denis Rodier. It was originally published in France and translated by Edward Gauvin.

In this alternative version of history Rasputin survived his assassination with the help of Baba Yaga. He and his Council of Dark Mages have engineered a Russia where there was no revolution and the Great War has continued unabated for twenty years. When the Czar is mortality wounded in an ambush, Rasputin seeks Baba Yaga’s assistance once more in order to locate the Czar’s lost heir for a grim purpose.

This is a dark reimagining of history with a steampunk aesthetic. It manages to convey a powerful message about the tragic nature of war in a concise and accessible manner.

The art is beautiful and dramatic with fantastic detail. I especially loved Baba Yaga’s chicken-legged hut, which was prevented from moving by ankle shackles and her companion crows.

Overall a fantastic use of the comic/graphic novel format to imagine an alternative history blending science fiction, fantasy and mythology.

'Arale' by Tristan Roulot with art by Denis Rodier is a graphic novel of alternate history where Russia never ad a revolution and World War I continues.

The book starts in 1934. Russia is still fighting World War I. A group of mages led by Rasputin keeps a mortally wounded Czar alive. They must keep swapping young, healthy people in to his body to keep the illusion of his leadership alive. The latest victim is Kyril Noskov who finds himself traversing a strange land of the subconcious. Meanwhile, his wife is left to wonder where he has gone to.

I liked this story and the art. I felt a little like I got dropped in to the middle of things and had to figure out what was going on, but I still found the characters pretty interesting. The world and weapons were weird and I liked them.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

Arale by Tristan Roulot (illustrated by Denis Rodier) is a graphic novel taking place in Russia, 1934 in which the Czar is mortally wounded and Rasputin concocts a mind transfer plan. This graphic novel was originally published in France.

It is 1934, Russia has been fighting a perpetual war which demands the lives of its young, and treasure galore. The Russian Czar has been mortally wounded in an ambush, and Rasputin turns to his Council of Dark Mages and Baba Yaga, his former mentor, to find the Czar’s lost heir for a mind transfer.

World War I war hero, Kyril Noskov, has been training soldiers to pilot a new war machine. Unbeknownst to him his trainees will never make it out alive once they graduate.

Arale by Tristan Roulot (illustrated by Denis Rodier) is a dark, gritty, fantasy graphic novel which blends science, facts, myths, and fiction into a rich story, which is as original as it is interesting. The author does a great job telling the story quickly and getting the reader immersed almost from the first panel.

There is much commentary on Russia of the time, the Czar’s rule, the true cost of war and the cost that the war industry demands in blood and treasure. The author sends the reader down a path full of twists and turn, full of familiar, yet unfamiliar, landmarks gradually building an irresistible plot full of strong characters.

The art is fantastic, full of great scenery and expressive battlefields. Mr. Rodier draws very dramatic, expressive and dynamic panels suited for the story that is being told.

A very dark alternative future is imagined in this story. The author sends home a message of caution not only to Russians, but the world in general.
If they will only listen.

An interesting alternate history! Weird that I just finished another alternate history book, After the End of the World by Jonathan Howard.

This was different. It was interesting and curious. I loved the interactions between the Mad Monk and Baba Yaga. But I’m wondering if there was a sequel. What happened?!?

Thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for a copy in return for an honest review.

Alas, my knowledge of the historical events this tale is based on are limited to the lyrics to an all time favourite song: Boney M - Rasputin. Friends tell me I should be ashamed of this. I'm not. Boney M are disco gods!!

The premise teases a faceoff between Baga Yaga and Rasputin for the Czars immortal soul in steampunk Russia!! Yep, it sounds just as batshit crazy as any Boney M lyrics... <interest levels spike X 100 >.

Great story - think it could have used a bit more tension and drama. Disappointingly, the characters were a wee bit subdued. This was an opportunity to go all out, but was more a battle of snarkiness than a villainous showdown of the ages!! That is the power of Boney M. They set my expectations too high.

Superb artwork.

Gorgeous art. Gripping story! Will definitely recommend in my Russia post—great read for people who love comics and people who love historical fiction.

This graphic novel tells a story that begins with the murder of the Romanovs in Russia. In this version of the story, Baba Yaga is involved in sparking the Russian Revolution. I found this graphic novel hard to read, but this is most likely due to the tiny print on the screen. I'm sure that those who read graphic novels on a regular basis will really enjoy this one.

actual rating: 2.5

This wasn't a horrible book by any means, but I didn't really feel very engaged while reading it. The art is good but the story overall feels very rushed and there's not really much explanation for anything that's going on. I feel like this could have been better if it was longer, but as it is I don't feel like it works very hard to put the events into their historical context or to try to provide any kind of explanation for the pseudo science that is heavily featured. Also I would have preferred to see more of Baba Yaga and Rasputin and less of Kyril.

Wow – but at the same time, hmmm… Rasputin and Baba Yaga fight each other for the soul of Russia – a Russia where the Romanov family was more successful in surviving the purge, and the Bolsheviks a lot less successful in 1917. The artwork has some painterly aspects, the drama is a heady mix of ideas from alternative history and steampunk fiction (and head comics, with a visit to limbo by a disembodied mind or two – oh and a commentary on modern warfare) – it's a shame the whole thing needed a bit more life on the page, and a final oomph to make it a winner. Don't mistake 3 stars as being a disaster, mind.

An interesting alt-history graphic novel about Russia. Rasputin rules the government. When the Czar is mortally wounded in an ambush, the mad monk turns to his Council of Dark Mages and his former mentor, Baba Yaga. Stakes are high.

I enjoyed the story, the plot and the art. This one is definitely worth the attention of graphic novels' enthusiasts.