War is ugly and Italian cartoonist Igor captures the madness that military aggression inflicts on a population by journaling the invasion of Ukraine during the first months of this recent incursion. Through texts with citizens and newsroom photos illustrating the scenes, the random bombings, arbitrary killings, the lack of food and lodgings, plus all the horrors inflicted on helpless residents under siege is exposed. The rapacity of the invading Russians, many of whom are ignorant about their mission, is described.
Typed on composition paper, the stories of the starving, freezing, frightened seniors, adults, and children are starkly outlined, torture is part of the routine, and ultimately, survival becomes the only concern. Interspersed within the war details, a brief history of past Ukrainian conflicts with Russia are described, such as the loss of Crimea, the Donbas region, and earlier difficulties where Russia imposed mass starvation in the 1930s.
While the title refers to the present siege in Ukraine, it should be noted that this country has a history of battles with Russian aggression as she attempts to increase her sphere of influence. This unusual reportorial style of text and photo-graphics provide an intriguing synopsis of this heartbreaking subject, but the reader needs better connections with the historical background.
