Andy Diggle

---- Re-read, October 15th 2022
There are few books I go back every so often and this book is one of them. It is not that story is complex or unique in itself. It is pretty straight forward tragedy known in literature for ages, how loyal man can be pushed into the very hell where only way out is to chose loyalty to only person hero can believe unconditionally - himself.

It is the atmosphere, very dynamic art (for me on par with the Metabarons works by Gimenez but without Jodorowski's perversions (ironically, my main con when it comes to Metabarons, but hey I guess Jodorowski could not help himself - artist being artist eh!)) that makes this story unique. For me this is one of the books that is very close to serious manga SF experience (and, yes, Japan being being the location does help :) ).

Bring on the mercenaries, military AIs, outlaw cyborgs and robot assassins!

Highly recommended!

---- Original review, May 8th 2020

In the not so distant future in Tokyo we witness continuing conflict between Black Dragon society (referencing the 20th century Amur Society) and the [heavily militarized] national government. In the crossfire we witness Renjiro, member and advisor to the leader of Black Dragon society who is tragically in love with the boss's wife. And she is in love with him. At the very beginning Renjiro gets tricked and declared to be a traitor and conspirator against his very clan. These harsh accusations will cost him his very life in a most gruesome way possible.

And this is from where true story and thriller begins. Cyborgs, spies, weapon-smiths using incredible machinery to build astounding weapons, think-tanks, mercenaries.... Do I need to go on :) And ending .... oh yes, ending is the twist I did not expect at all.
I came across this book first time around 2008 and did not get it then - tremendous mistake on my behalf. It took me several years to finally find it through used book store.

Art is just excellent, extremely detailed and brings all sorts of cyber enhancements - both biological and non-biological - to life just wonderfully.

Highly recommended to all fans of cyberpunk and SF thriller in general.… (mer)

Good story that also marks the return of the Cold-War era main enemy of James Bond, notorious SMERSH.

Good spy story, lots of action and memorable characters.

Only thing is over zealousness of the authors when it comes to portraying James Bond's enemies, in this case arch-nemesis SMERSH. Why is it necessary to link nefarious secret service from Russia with Nazi paraphernalia? And not just in what you might call false flag action by SMERSH in this comic book. I mean, truly.... why? SMERSH was not liked by the Nazi's at all to say the least (SMERSH caused a lot of grief to Nazi intelligence in WW2) and if SMERSH is to be back as main antagonist then don't try adding something to it that does not make sense at all. Or I might be wrong and follow up volumes will give more details on what is actually going on.... We'll see.

Besides this good story and highly recommended to all James Bond fans.… (mer)