Ukrainian Graphic Novel Shows the Stories of ATO Fighters and IDPs in Artistic Color

Modern superheroes “Protectors of the country.” The graphic novel about the ATO fighters has been presented in Kyiv.

This is the 4th issue of the Ukrainian comic, out of 10 planned issues. The first three issues cover the events in Donbas. The new issue is about the occupied Crimea.

“It is a graphic novel, which tells about the confrontation of the country Krayina with the country Taigan. There is a struggle for artifacts. The artifacts have their special purpose: when they are in different parts of the world, they preserve peace and tranquility all over the world,” says Ihor Rohovoy, Author of ‘Protectors of the Country’.

Such is the plot of the comics ‘Protectors of the Country.’ The main characters are modern Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar warriors. They have historical names that recall the founders of Kyiv: “Kyi”, “Shchek”, “Khoryv” and “Lybid”. There is also- Asker, Dzenike, and Mustafa. The last mentioned is modeled off of the leader of the Crimean Tatars, Mustafa Dzhemilev.

“This is a person through whose eyes everyone learns about Crimea. His whole life is a struggle for his people. He spent 15 years in Soviet camps for his principles. And yet he is still deprived of the opportunity to be in Crimea, the place for which he fought all his life,” says Emine Dzhaparova, First Deputy Minister of Information Policy of Ukraine.

Other characters are inspired by a blend of ATO fighters. They fight for the freedom and integrity of the country. All the characters, as well as the storyline itself, are approved by users of social networks. Every issue ends with the victory of good over evil. In order to prop up the morale of active soldiers, some volunteers send comics to the front line.

“It is for our guys who sacrifice their lives, which we see in the news bulletins every day. And these comics might help them resist the enemy. It is a small kind of achievement but it still can do good,” explains Leonid Krasnopolskiy, Designer and Producer of Graphic Novel ‘Protectors of the Country’.

Fictional stories in comics are based on true stories that took place in Ukraine. Distribution of the comics at schools has been planned, for the young generation to know about, and to be proud of the real modern super-heroes, who defend their native land. The next issue, the 5th, will be released in September. In total, 10 issues are planned.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!