I've always been intrigued by the mystery of Dyatlov Pass and I was hoping this graphic novel would shed some light on the mystery. Unfortunately this didn't add to the mystery or try and solve it. This only showed a glimpse of the mystery and then ended with a list of conspiracy theories. Throughout this graphic novel there were hints about some indescribable force that caused the deaths and I wish it had explored that theory instead of teasing at many different theories.
The art in this was amazing though, it really fit the time period and the vibe of the graphic. I would definitely pick up more work by the artist in the future.

The Dyatlov Pass incident was a trekking expedition in which nine Soviet hikers died in the northern Ural Mountains between February 1 and 2, 1959, under uncertain circumstances. The keyword here being 'uncertain'. No wonder, then, that the synopsis of "The Dyatlov Pass Mystery" consists, in its entirety, of questions. The novel itself is also full of questions, with no definitive answers, given that a definitive solution to this mystery still evades scientists and investigators alike, 65 years later. And while it's more or less clear that the author leans towards one particular explanation, I do appreciate that the ending is left open, ambiguous. At the very end there's also a section with supplementary information on several other theories, which I found was a great addition.

The art of illustrator González Jandro, with it's realistic style and somber tones, was a perfect fit for the heavy subject matter at hand.

I will allow myself one petty, nitpicky comment though - I feel like as someone who's lived their whole life in the country of origin of the Cyrillic script, I can be excused. Very early on in this graphic novel there is a panel where Cyrillic letters are mixed in English words, along with Latin ones, with complete disregard of their corresponding sounds - the letter Я isn't R (the sound is closer to a "ya"), and Д isn't A (it's actually "D"). I understand the appeal of using "Russian" letters for a story set in Russia, but it would have been better if the words were in Russian entirely.

This one minor gripe aside, "The Dyatlov Pass Mystery" is still a worthwhile read, both for those who are familiar with the event and those who aren't.

I’ve always been super interested in the mystery surrounding the dyatlov pass death’s and this graphic novel was an interesting read.

The history behind the mystery of the Dyatlov Pass Mystery is very intriguing. Was it aliens? Yeti? Bad weather? I think the real truth is explained by the wind theory presented at the end of this graphic novel but we humans always love a good mystery. The artwork was good but I feel the authors could have drawn different possible scenarios of what might have happened instead of how they ended it. I ended up buying this graphic novel from Amazon because it never downloaded properly to my iPad from NetGalley. Otherwise I don’t think I’d have purchased it.

Fascinating and engaging dual-storyline graphic novel examining the probably experiences of the unfortunate victims in Dyatlov Pass and the later truncated investigations (hampered by politics) by Soviet-era police.

Characters came to life even if readers know little to nothing of Soviet-era USSR and its politics, and it's both a tragedy and a farce to have still so many unanswered questions about this modern mystery within living memory.

Honestly, if proper protocols had allowed the investigation into the deaths to be concluded, Dyatlov Pass would most likely never have spawned all the conspiracy theories it has in the past 50 years.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC of this graphic novel for the purpose of an honest review.

I had never heard of this mysterious case prior to reading this graphic novel. But, it hooked me very quickly. The back-and-forth timelines to drive the plot were brilliant and the mundane acts of our characters really drives home the sick feeling that this happened to real people. By the end I was in disbelief, those characters couldn’t be dead, I couldn’t be finishing the story with still so many questions. I loved that the author included all the extra information at the end. It helped fill in some of the gaps for me and honestly stopped me from only giving the novel four stars. It is still unsettling and frustrating that what happened will never truly be know but that is at no fault of the author. I thank them for opening my eyes to a story I probably would have never paid attention to before. And for those of you squeamish around body mutilation like me, just know that there are some graphic illustrations in the novel that take place on post-mortem corpses. I say this with no negative view, it was necessary to tell the story, but just as a warning for those with weak stomachs such as myself.

I was underwhelmed by this graphic novel about the quest to understand the deaths of the Dyatlov Pass incident. The hikers were fairly well differentiated and each had a few characteristics to give them life, but the material about them remained thin and uneven. In the story presented the authors say they wanted to focus on--the fight to conduct a full investigation of the incident--there is no such character development, and again, the telling feels rushed and superficial. The long note at the end discusses the incident, theories about it, and sources, but doesn't weed out the unreasonable from the more-likely, doing readers a disservice.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of the book for a honest review

‘The Dyatlov Pass Mystery’ was good it was well written and the art looked good

Rating 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There is a critical mistakes made here in my opinion… so before I get into what that is let me tell you about the countless hours I’ve spent reading about this very mystery. As a Canadian, who literally just experienced the coldest day in my life only 5 days ago (-39C, windchill of -47C), I’m fascinated by snow, winter and cold. I believe people constantly underestimate Mother Nature and how deadly cold can be.

The illustrations and writing here are wonderful. The choice to end this graphic novel without an explanation of what happens is intriguing. But I’m good with it as it encourages folks to research further the details of the Dyaltov Mystery.

However, the additional supplemental information given, after the graphic novel ends, is incomplete. And thus I only give this three stars.
Missing from the scenarios and theories given is the one I believe to be quite plausible; not that I can or would discount the avalanche theory, but I just don’t see how anyone would have made it anywhere further than their immediate area after the avalanche stopped in the conditions of that day. Yet some of them did manage to trek back a distance. Thus, I fall back to the infrasound theory by Donnie Eichar as discussed in his 2013 book Dead Mountain.

Now as I get into why I believe this theory I want to explain; I’ve been on the side of mountains in winter conditions. Nothing this epic (obviously, who has?) but ones where decisions were made that were poor. I’ve also felt the undeniable power of the wind making noise that completely unsettles everyone. It’s creepy, it’s weird, and I might sound crazy; but I swear it’s the truth of my experiences. Angles, degrees, snow (is an odd substance), severe cold, and wind (undeniably strong wind) can create moments where you act with paranoia, panic and fear. Those infrasound moments have been scientifically proven to make people do crazy things. Actions against their training, common sense, or intelligence. This is what I believe happened on Dyaltov Pass.
I have experienced it twice before. Both times in the Rocky Mountains (Canadian side) where I live.

Once when my girl guide troop was lost on the side of the mountain (our leader missed the loop turn while we were cross country skiing). We were on the side of the mountain in -10C, not everyone had appropriate winter gear, with limited food and water (skiing was supposed to be 1.5 hours, we skied for 6.5 before making a fire/shelter and hoping for rescue in the cold dark of the forest). Why didn’t we turn back? Why did the adults keep us moving up the mountain for hours on end? It makes no sense… until you think that maybe we weren’t quite able to make coherent decisions that day. I was 12 years old; so I did what the adults told me. And (obviously) we were all afraid… but to venture so far and up the mountain when our path was meant to be short and at the base of the mountain? It makes no sense, until you consider infrasound theory.
The other time I was in a tent in winter. It was not on the side of a mountain but in a mountain valley with a large river nearby. I was 22 years old, a highly experienced winter camp and a leader of the Scout troop camped that night. I got up out of my tent around 3am with my tentmate and fellow female leader, we had no boots or jackets, it was snowing at the time. We found other boys outside their tents. I still can’t explain what made me leave the cozy, safe tent that night. Thankfully whatever it was didn’t last long and within minutes we were all getting boots and jackets, etc on and huddled up in our cookhouse for the rest of the night. No one talked much. The teenage boys included. Just like my previous experience when I was their age, we all knew we did something outside our training; but no one could explain why.

In both instances the wind was strong and I myself was irrationally scared. But not because I thought the cold, which I know is deadly, would kill me. Instead it was like an unseen force triggered my fight or flight response. Both instances, and others I’ve heard from winter mountain campers, skiers, and hikers; mirror the Dyaltov Pass groups reactions. Gear was left behind, irrational decisions were made, and within minutes of getting out of the immediate area, and making those decisions, no one could figure out why they had done what they had done.
Luckily I wasn’t in extreme danger like our Russian team, and didn’t have -40C snowstorm on the side of an open mountain to fight against to get back to my gear and safety.
Thus I’m disappointed that at least a mention of this theory is not included at end of this graphic novel. It’s great to tell the story still, get people thinking about this mystery, and keeping the memory alive of the hikers. I just wish the last couple pages had included the other ‘most likely’ scenario (besides the avalanche) of what happened that day in 1959.

Still a worthwhile read. And now as I sit in my warm home (where outside it’s a balmy -21C, which seriously feels warm after the coldest day of my life just a few days ago) I have slightly spooked myself. Lol. But not in a way where I can’t make logical, common sense decisions (thankfully). As there is no wind, creating infrasound here in my home, to trigger the brain to think irrationally.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

I wanted to love this, but the ending was SO dissapointing. I prefered the photos, theories and interviews more then book itself, but maybe this isnt just my cup of tea.

The art was super cool, and that was primarily the reason I choose it.

A group of mountaineers disappears during an excursion.
A detective tries to discover the mystery of their disappearance.

The graphics, the difference in color between the expedition and the investigation, the lettering, and the narrative are all good parts of the story. What did I dislike? Nothing, besides not knowing what happened to the group :)

The context presented in the end, with more information about this story, it's a great addition. We can learn some more about this true story and it gives us the means to search about it and learn even more.

I think it’s great to use graphic novels for nonfiction, as not everyone likes reading nonfiction but may like the topic. So I’m always excited to see these. This was well done - I especially liked the visual differentiation between the past and present through color scheme.

My only criticism is personal: one of the reasons I don’t read true crime and such is that I don’t like learning about subjects that are unsolved. I find it frustrating because I want an answer. Again, this is a personal thing, but I end up getting stuck when I don’t have a solution to something.

I have never heard of the Dyatlov Pass Mystery before (yes - my sister said that I had obviously been living under a rock) and was very interested in easing myself into this mystery through a graphic novel.
Although a graphic novel does not necessarily allow for presentation and explanation of all facts and theories surrounding this event, the images and character interactions did help me to build an understanding of those involved in the mystery, as well as the sentiments and culture of Russia at the time. I understand that much of this novel would probably have been conjecture and hypothesis on the part of the author, having imagined many of the conversations that the fated group had, it showed that regardless of what actually happened, we need to remember the people that were impacted by the event, not just the mystery that surrounds it.
Had I a better understanding of the mystery, I may have been able to immerse myself in the story even more, but I did appreciate the ‘Dossier’ that the author included at the end, which presented further information from a variety of sources to support my understanding further.

Thank you to NetGalley, Europe Comics and Cedric Mayen for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Four and a half stars.
Wow did this hit me hard! I have recently developed a new interest in graphic novels/stories. When I saw one based on Dyatlov Pass, I snapped it up. Boy what a mystery, and with so many answered questions. There is a sinister, suspenseful feel around the facts of what is known to have happened to the nine mountaineers who lost their lives.
This graphic novel captured this feel and added to it. I was sucked in and it was like nothing else existed around me for the time I was reading this. The graphics are beautifully done and the writing is great. We get the facts and also some wonderful conspiracy theories from being able to see the thinking of the prosecutor employed to investigate this tragedy at the time. The author did a really fabulous job with this. And keeping up the slightly scary and also incredibly poignant atmosphere the entire way through. Bravo.
I also loved the addition of the dossier at the end with the interviews from some of the leading scientists and other professionals who have examined the Dyatlov Pass incident. It was fascinating reading what they believed could have happened. It was also incredibly touching to me that one of them noted that he believed that the final group of three could have survived if they had just worried about themselves. Instead, they stayed and did their best to help their friends and ended up succumbing themselves. We will never know exactly what happened out there, but wow is it extremely sad and fascinating.

Thank you Netgalley and Europe Comics for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the authors for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

4.25⭐

Due to my interest in both history matters and winter/mountain sports and expeditions, this graphic novel was something that quickly caught my eyes. The way in which the investigator operates in order to solve the mystery is captivating and the historical references are informative.

I enjoyed how the scenes alternated before present and past and the art (especially the colouring) is also great. The notes presented in the end, about the actual case, are also of great aid to anyone who wants to read further. I also liked that the book is dedicated to the victims and that it sticks to the actual invesigation, not being fictional. The only downside is that it's easy to get lost in the multitude of characters and events.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. I didn't realize this was a comic/ manga style book. I've always been fascinated with The Dyatlov Pass incident. This a comic and images are great

This graphic novel focuses on the story of the Dyatlov Pass incident and the nine mountaineers who tragically lost their lives during this expedition. This incident has baffled people for years, especially conspiracy theorists. The campsite and surrounding area where the bodies were found has raised more questions than provided answers, some of which were touched on in this graphic novel.

As someone who knows quite a lot of the theories and reports surrounding this incident, it was wonderful to experience this story told through such a captivating art style. This graphic novel really captured the vast mountain range so beautifully as well as the characters and their personalities. The emotions and tensions were expressed so vividly to the readers, who pulled in by the expressive and hauntingly beautiful visuals.

I really loved how this story brought to life the mountaineers and their personalities. Often times this is not mentioned when discussing the Dyatlov Pass incident, the people before the tragedy. It was wonderful to see how these individuals may have interacted with each other, who they were before this tragedy and how they came together on this trip.

I was slightly disappointed that the campsite and the bodies were not discussed in more detail and the questions around these that left so many baffled. These were the areas that had raised so many questions as to what had happened, were there others involved? Conspiracies, aliens, the government and a secret Communist agenda? There are so many theories and possibilities that have been thrown around and it would have been great to have some of these touched on within this novel. There was too much of a focus on the legal aspect and the build up to the incident, rather than the mysterious factors to this incident, which is what it is widely known for.

The scientific research at the end of this novel was extremely fascinating! It focused on the theory that is widely agreed on to be the reason for this tragedy. The first hand interviews and detailed descriptions added a sense of closure to the case, while also highlighting that there are still many questions that are still left unanswered. Having this article style of writing discussing not only one theory, but several, as well as the conspiracies would have been a wonderful, rounded ending, continuously creating that sense of mystery that follows this incident.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel, from both a visual and story telling point of view. It was a different approach to the infamous Dyatlov Pass incident, one which is captivating and educational. I do wish there was a lot more information provided in regards to the theories and details of the site. Overall, an entertaining read, especially for anyone who has delved deep into the story of the Dyatlov Pass incident, my fellow conspiracy theorists!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Europe Comic for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars
🌕🌕🌕🌕

Thanks NetGalley, Europe Comics and the author for a great copy of the book!

Before reading this comic, I have never heard about this Dyatlov Pass incident before. The comic is not too short and not too long that makes it pleasant to read. It was educational and gripping me from start to end. The artwork was very nice to look at. At the end, the authors included some real and related facts as well as interviews from enthusiasts. The additional information was really interesting to read and analyze.

There was just a minor drawback that I can think of. Due to the fact that there were many people involved in this mystery, it was pretty confusing to follow. The characters had real names and nicknames. However, there were not enough clarifications in the book.

✨️What makes me interested in reading this?
Firstly, thank you to Europe Comics for making this available on NetGalley. Actually, I saw this comic when scouring the ‘Read Now’ section of NetGalley. I just suddenly remembered I have heard about this incident in the past (I think maybe in a documentary but I am not sure) and decided to read this.

✨️How about the drawing?
The drawing feels so gloomy to me, like it's kind of foreshadowing or mirroring the incident and the investigation after it. The graphic novel is a fictionalized version of the story based on the investigation. However, I have some difficulty in recognizing some of the persons involved in the incident. Maybe a summary of the mountaineers can be put in the beginning of the novel.

✨️What I like the most about the comic?
For me, I truly appreciate the final section of the comic. It contains the background information and the current progress of investigation of this mystery.

✨️What is my conclusion?
I actually feel a little bit sad after reading this because I think this incident is highly unlikely to be solved (but, we do not know the future, right?). The answer to the incident may be forever buried in time when the last victim succumbed to death on that fateful night.

I found this straightforward and informative. The art is not gory, but would be best suited for high schoolers and older with a content warning.