With this special issue, we commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the character of Ivan Karine, which first appeared in February 1963, under the pen of the great Italian artist Vincenzo "Enzo" Chiomenti.
Those ignorant or gullible enough to believe the current Russian propaganda to the effect that Ukraine was merely an administrative division of Russia, and not a people in their own right, with their own culture and tradition, should reflect upon the fact that 63 years ago, between drawing two western series, an Italian artist felt sufficiently inspired by the great Ukrainian people to devote an entire series to the adventures of one of their heroes.
Ivan Karine takes place in 17th century Ukraine and Russia, two vast lands populated by Russians, Tartars, Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, Turks, Romani and Cossacks, all ruled by the Tsars. It is in this exotic setting that its hero, Kochevoy (Captain) Ivan Karine, a Zaporozhian Cossack, seeks to uphold justice and protect the proverbial widows and orphans. Ivan also operates as a secret agent for Tsar Peter the Great (1672-1725). Ably assisted by the gigantic Cossack Piotr Mironov, and the young and ingenious Pavlo Gavrile, he undertakes mission after mission, each one more dangerous than the last, in the service of good.
Now travel back in time to the turbulent 17th century and let's enjoy the adventures of the first, the original Captain Ukraine!
