Last Time

In our last encounter with Sanction, Detective Boris Domitrovich had taken on a new case. One that Detective Pavel Smirnoff had abandoned. Possibly out of boredom or a hangover, despite being the first detective to arrive at the scene. Smirnoff believed he was doing Boris a favor. The case appeared straightforward: a drug-addicted working girl had met a tragic fate. Surely, even Boris could close this case swiftly.

However, Domitrovich’s attention to detail made him suspect there was more to it, especially when he recognized something familiar in the case. The coroner’s misidentification of the body only deepened his suspicions. Coupled with potential KGB involvement, Boris was convinced that the case was more complex than Pavel had anticipated. A murderer was at large, one with a history of killing and the likelihood of killing again. Boris knew it was time to delve deeper.

On the Case

As if responding to Boris’ suspicions, the scene opens with a man in search of the appropriate tool. He sifts through various instruments, ordinary to a woodworker’s eyes. Eventually, he selects a hatchet, one familiar yet previously not very effective. Maybe this time, it would serve him better.

In the meantime, Boris pursued any leads he could find. His investigation led him to the Kirov Ballet, where he sought out Lyudmila Zaitseva. It turned out that Irina, the victim, was employed by Lyudmila. Upon being questioned about her, Lyudmila reacted defensively, troubled by the inconvenience of being understaffed. She even alleged that Irina had taken a dress, an accusation that ceased only when Boris informed Lyudmila of her demise.

Comic book cover titled "Sanction" shows a man in a suit holding a gun in an empty theater. The issue is labeled #02 by Fawkes, Fuso, and Lecce.

A comic strip depicting a man in a forest talking to someone unseen. He finds a hatchet and examines it, with a cabin in the background. The text suggests a conversation about not being alone. Comic book page showing an exterior view of the Kirov Ballet theatre in winter, followed by scenes of a person in a car reading a note, and people walking in the snow. The date is January 7, 1987. Comic book page showing a man walking through an empty auditorium, then talking to a man backstage about props. The backstage crew is preparing for a show, discussing the readiness of props and scenes.

 

She Made People Smile

Lyudmila became noticeably more somber after hearing the news. She wondered what could have happened to Irina. She always appeared so joyful, often speaking of love and beautiful things, her demeanor bringing smiles to those around her. Regarding the dress in question, (pay attention to when it is shown), it was common for the girls to borrow clothes for their dates to feel lovely, yet they invariably returned them. That night, Irina had a date, but not with the man Boris had encountered at the bar, her alleged fiancé. Instead, Lyudmila asserted that Irina was seeing a different man, one with “refined tastes.”

After speaking with Lyudmila and hearing her description of Irina, Boris felt compelled to call his wife, Sophie. She had a similar effect on people, always bringing smiles to their faces, especially his. Even something as simple as leaving a post it note on his sandwich brightened his day. Overwhelmed by affection, he decided to call her and assure her that he would be home for dinner.

Leningrad is a Paradise

Back at the station, the police held their monthly detectives’ meeting, reviewing arrest records and case completion rates. December proved to be a successful month, boasting a 96% case resolution rate. Leading the charge was Detective Smirnoff, with an impressive 99% of cases closed. Meanwhile, Detective Domitrovich received no accolades, yet at that precise moment, he was diligently working on a case. Probably the sole detective doing so, while his colleagues congratulated each other on their commendable performance. Because of them, Leningrad is a paradise.

After the meeting, Pavel found Boris at his station working. The victim Irina was having an affair with some mystery man. One who apparently had some Black-Market connections. Pavel didn’t want to hear any of it. All he wanted was for Boris to close the case. But before he could complain any further, a disturbance was happening in the lobby. One of their prisoners was making a break for it. It took Boris to take the man down while Pavel took it upon himself to teach the escapee a lesson. He was already in a bad mood from a hangover. This didn’t help. Despite the positive detective’s review.

Tangled up in Red Tape

Later at the precinct, Boris was conversing with Eva from the records department. He sought access to the unsolved case files of 1982 and 1983, believing they bore similarities to his current case. However, Eva was constrained by regulations, requiring Boris to obtain authorization before she could grant him the files he sought. Despite having accommodated such requests previously, a past reprimand prevented her from doing so again. While she was certain Boris required the files and wished to help, this time, he would need to secure the necessary clearance. But as Boris was still trying to convince Eva, Pavel rushed toward him. They had received a report about an incident at his wife Sophie’s pharmacy.

Thoughts

In “Sanction, Issue 2,” Boris’s quest to uncover Irina’s killer continues. As he delves into the victim’s life, the enigma only deepens. It’s clear she was involved with someone besides her “fiancé,” a man of considerable resources, though the legality of his wealth is questionable. Lyudmila’s portrayal of Irina draws parallels to Boris’s wife, Sophie, potentially fueling Boris’s determination to find the perpetrator. Despite Pavel’s hopes, this case promises no straightforward conclusion.

Not Mirror Images

Regarding Pavel, despite being a respected member of their precinct and the envy of many, he appears quite unhappy. His excessive drinking and neglect of his well-being contrast sharply with Boris, who, despite being disparaged for his less-than-stellar record, seems to be the happier of the two. Perhaps the difference is Sophie, who stands by Boris regardless of his track record. She understands that Boris seeks not just to close his cases, but to ensure they are conclusively resolved. Although it may not enhance his resume, Boris can rest easy at night, secure in the knowledge that he has thoroughly done his job. It’s also why the possible loss of Sophie would be devastating to Boris.

Law and Order

I had mentioned a comparison to “True Detective” in the first issue. The transitional flow of Issue 2 has a “Law-and-Order” Vibe. With each scene change, I almost hear the “Dun, Dun.” From the visit to the Ballet, the transition to the Detective Meeting and the confrontation in the lobby. “Dun, Dun!” The possible problem at the Pharmacy would lead to a commercial, or the teaser for the next episode. Which it does. “Dun, DUN!!” Sanction is a slow build addictive page turner. Now I eagerly await the next episode…I mean issue.