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A review by rosseroo
The Russia Shift by Justin Greenwood, Antony Johnston
3.0
This first in a graphic novel series hits a bunch of notes that I typically enjoy: police procedural, near-future sci-fi, gritty urban setting, and graphic storytelling. So why didn't I enjoy it more? The story more or less follows a German detective who's willingly transferred to an undesirable posting on The Fuse. Built as an orbiting energy platform, the five-mile long structure has somehow evolved into a city of half a million people. (I don't really get how energy is supposed to be transmitted between The Fuse and Earth, nor do I understand who would build such an expensive device so inefficiently that you could fit a major city inside it, but I'm more or less willing to suspend my disbelief on those points.)
The detective has a body literally fall at his feet on day one, and he's immediately thrust into a murder investigation with a foul-mouthed older female detective as his partner. The story then unfolds in a series of familiar plot beats and twists and turns, including mayoral politics, secret siblings, infidelity, homeless victims that no one cares about, and the like. It's not that it's bad, it's just far too familiar -- it's like the plot points were taken from a 1950s potboiler and tossed into space. Somewhat predictably, the story ends with a large twist that sets up the next in the series.
Unlike some reviewers -- I really liked the artwork, in fact, I'd say the artwork and coloring were my favorite element. On the whole though, I'm not sure it's one to rush out and pick up. By all means, check it out, just keep expectations in check.
The detective has a body literally fall at his feet on day one, and he's immediately thrust into a murder investigation with a foul-mouthed older female detective as his partner. The story then unfolds in a series of familiar plot beats and twists and turns, including mayoral politics, secret siblings, infidelity, homeless victims that no one cares about, and the like. It's not that it's bad, it's just far too familiar -- it's like the plot points were taken from a 1950s potboiler and tossed into space. Somewhat predictably, the story ends with a large twist that sets up the next in the series.
Unlike some reviewers -- I really liked the artwork, in fact, I'd say the artwork and coloring were my favorite element. On the whole though, I'm not sure it's one to rush out and pick up. By all means, check it out, just keep expectations in check.