Organized crime is one of those subjects that people both fear and love at the same time. Who can watch the Godfather or Goodfellas, ad not fall in love with these characters and their lifestyles. Even in real life, such figures as John Gotti and Al Capone are pretty much immortalized in the public sphere. What most of the media sometimes fails to realize, is just about every culture has organized crime.

In Japan, the Yakuza is almost just as glorified in myth as Samurai. In Eastern Europe, their roots are just as deep, and even falls into politics. The movie, Eastern Promises, gave us a view of organized crime that had rarely been seen until now. This is where we pick up Alpha in his adventures, as he gets into just how deep the Russian Mob is entrenched the the Russian government.

In Alpha: Clan Bogdanov, we’re brought to Russia, where there are country wide protests against the government leading to the assassination of the Finance minister. Assia, is back in the country, asking her husband for answers while he lets her in to find out just how deep this partnership goes. Alpha is in country as well, where he uncovers ties between the Bogdanov family, the biggest crime family in the country and their connections to just about every enterprise. By the end of this volume, we find a confused and scared Assia needing Alpha’s help.

Overall, a story that seems pedestrian at first, but will surprise the reader on how complex a crime story it is. The story by Pascal Renard continues to give the reader a reason to keep coming back, as the story becomes one more complex than some Bond movies. The art by Youri Jigounov is pure eye candy, as the way he draws characters is a lesson in style. Altogether, a study in geopolitics and crime that will not soon leave the reader.

Story: Pascal Renard Art: Youri Jigounov
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy