Billy Budd, KGB

Inspired by Herman Melville's novella, this graphic novel recounts a gifted and naive young man's recruitment by the Soviet secret service and his adventures in New York City as a spy. The tale begins in the aftermath of World War II, when a Ukrainian orphan with remarkable psychic powers is selected and trained by the KGB. Two decades later he arrives in the United States to lead a double life. Operating under the name Billy Budd, he conducts espionage while working with a construction crew that builds skyscrapers. Billy's rescue of a co-worker and the resulting friendship lead the agent in the direction of a spiritual existence, a previously unimaginable possibility. But can Billy escape his Soviet masters?

This edition features a new English translation by author Jerome Charyn, who previously collaborated with illustrator François Boucq on the acclaimed graphic novel The Magician's Wife . An Introduction by Paul Pope, author and illustrator of Batman: Year 100 , provides additional insights into this Cold War thriller.

Suggested for mature readers.

About the Author

Francois Boucq is a French comic book artist, best known for creating the character Jerome Moucherot. He was awarded the Grand Prix de la ville d'Angouleme in 1998.