The Death of Stalin

This French graphic novel served as the basis for the upcoming film of the same name from Scottish director Armando Ianucci, and it’s easy to see why the political shenanigans within appealed to the creator of Veep. Upon suffering a debilitating stroke that renders him paralyzed, Stalin lays frozen in his bed as ambitious politicos do everything in their power to thwart his recovery and insert themselves into the top spots in the Soviet government. Oozing with sleazy, appalling chicanery, the narrative by writer Nury (I Am Legion) and artist Robin (Death to the Tsar) captures a turbulent and disturbing period with solid visual storytelling. Robin depicts the sordid goings-on with elegant caricatures that give a clear view of the complete and utter awfulness of the cast, adding enough historical flair to nail down the era. It’s proof of the theory that tragedy plus time equals (very dark) comedy. (July)