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    GVN Talking Comics Exclusive Look: Oni Press ‘In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones’ By Andrea Chalupa And Ivan Rodrigues

    Cover art of the book "In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones," depicting a colorful illustration of a man wearing glasses and holding a camera.

    Defying the Status Quo

    The value of truth and the sacrifices one is willing to make to disclose it represents the quandary faced by many a serious journalist. This is particularly true in nations where truth is written by those who rule and subject to manipulation. Not to mention their willingness to deal harshly with those who dare defy the status quo. Reporter Gareth Jones encountered this very predicament in the 1930s.

    Jones, a young journalist, rose to prominence following a seminal interview with Adolf Hitler and his chief propagandist, Joseph Goebbels. His resulting fame allowed him to travel to the Soviet Union with the aim of interviewing Joseph Stalin. He sought to understand Russia’s economic success but was denied access to this information. Even more troubling however, was Russia’s refusal to allow him to depart.

    Courage Comes with a Cost

    In that period, he came across those who informed him of an escalating manufactured famine occurring in Ukraine, known as the Holodomor. This was thought to be under the direction of the government. With that knowledge, Jones embarked on a journey of discovery. Uncovering suffering, conflict, and a concealment of the deaths of millions. His readiness to challenge the Russian government and his bravery in exposing their misdeeds earned him significant recognition. Particularly from Ukraine. Yet, this act may have also led to his demise. As Jones was found deceased two years after he published his findings.

    ‘In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones’

    Now, in this true and powerful historical graphic novel from Oni Press, journalist and screenwriter Andrea Chalupa and artist Ivan Rodrigues re-examines this story. A tale of bravery and tragedy that first thrust Ukraine into the international spotlight in the years before World War II. All through the real-life heroic exploits of journalist Gareth Jones.

    Thanks to the generous folks at Oni Press, Andrea Chalupa and Ivan Rodrigues, we are pleased to present these exclusive pages from this compelling new graphic novel: ‘In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones’

    Book cover of "In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones" by Chalupa Rodrigues, featuring an illustrated man holding a camera.

    A daytime scene set inside the Metropol Hotel shows a man checking in at the reception desk, conversing with a red-haired receptionist. She informs him that only a two-night stay is available. A comic book page featuring a conversation between several men in suits discussing security and journalism. A comic page showing a conversation between three men in suits. They discuss Metro Vickers holding a conference in a hotel, with one man making a comment about interviewing Hitler. A comic book page shows men in suits discussing espionage at a lively cabaret. One man emphasizes securing a story. Performers in glamorous outfits are seen onstage and around the venue. A suited man talks to a naked man in a dark hallway. They engage in a conversation, and the naked man refers to himself as Mr. Duranty. The scene concludes with the suited man lighting a cigarette. A comic book page features a conversation between two men; one is shirtless, the other in a suit. The dialogue discusses security, a girl missing in the woods, and concludes with thanks for hospitality. Page number 40.

    Coming September 4th

    Oni Press ‘In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones’ by Andrea Chalupa and artist Ivan Rodriguezs hits stands on September 4th. Its relevance is still reflected today as it was back in the 30’s.

     

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