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Operation Ajax

The Story of the CIA Coup that Remade the Middle East

Illustrated by Daniel Burwen
Foreword by Stephen Kinzer
Paperback
7.52"W x 9.98"H x 0.77"D   | 27 oz | 16 per carton
On sale Aug 18, 2015 | 248 Pages | 9781781689233

Graphic true-life spy thriller about the CIA mission that overthrew Iran’s democracy

The year is 1953. As the value of oil skyrockets, global power brokers begin to take interest in the political regimes of the Middle East. British agents have controlled Iranian oil exports for a generation, but the Shah’s hold on peace is shaky as a charismatic leader enters the scene.

Mohammed Mossadegh’s calls to overthrow the elites resonates among the people, and as rumors circulate of an impending revolt, American, British and Persian agents hatch plans of overthrow. Deals are made behind closed doors. Every actor has a stake. Iran’s oil will flow, by any means necessary.

Operation Ajax is the story of the CIA coup that removed the democratically elected Mossadegh and reinstated the monarchy. Introduced by New York Times–bestselling author of All the Shah’s Men, Stephen Kinzer, Operation Ajax is a thrilling tale of real-life intrigue.
Mike de Seve is an Emmy-nominated animation writer and director who has worked for Dreamworks, Cartoon Network, NBC, the CW, and Warner Brothers on projects such as Madagascar, Shrek 2, and the original Beavis and ButtheadDaniel Burwen is the founder and Creative Director of Cognito Comics.
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“A stunning and truly immersive experience—a story of oil and espionage that details the deceit, action, and intrigue behind one of the biggest blows to Iran's continuing fight for freedom. Aesthetically beautiful.”
—Reza Aslan, author of Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus Nazareth

“Important stories that grab you because of their artistry and their beautiful images.”
—Amy Goodman

Operation Ajax offers a riveting narrative … It’s an excellent introduction to this pivotal moment in modern history, and an important contribution to a fraught historical record.”
PopMatters

“An ambitious work of artistry.”
—Brian Thies, comic book artist, Star Wars: Legacy, Winter Soldier

“Emotionally and politically charged, Operation Ajax delivers a convincing narrative that derives its drama not from its impressive presentation or dramatic fury, but from uncomfortable truths.”
—Kevin Hanna, comic book writer and artist, The Clockwork Girl, Creature Academy

“One of the coolest media experiences I’ve seen on the iPad.”
New York Times (in praise of the Operation Ajax app)

About

Graphic true-life spy thriller about the CIA mission that overthrew Iran’s democracy

The year is 1953. As the value of oil skyrockets, global power brokers begin to take interest in the political regimes of the Middle East. British agents have controlled Iranian oil exports for a generation, but the Shah’s hold on peace is shaky as a charismatic leader enters the scene.

Mohammed Mossadegh’s calls to overthrow the elites resonates among the people, and as rumors circulate of an impending revolt, American, British and Persian agents hatch plans of overthrow. Deals are made behind closed doors. Every actor has a stake. Iran’s oil will flow, by any means necessary.

Operation Ajax is the story of the CIA coup that removed the democratically elected Mossadegh and reinstated the monarchy. Introduced by New York Times–bestselling author of All the Shah’s Men, Stephen Kinzer, Operation Ajax is a thrilling tale of real-life intrigue.

Creators

Mike de Seve is an Emmy-nominated animation writer and director who has worked for Dreamworks, Cartoon Network, NBC, the CW, and Warner Brothers on projects such as Madagascar, Shrek 2, and the original Beavis and ButtheadDaniel Burwen is the founder and Creative Director of Cognito Comics.

Praise

“A stunning and truly immersive experience—a story of oil and espionage that details the deceit, action, and intrigue behind one of the biggest blows to Iran's continuing fight for freedom. Aesthetically beautiful.”
—Reza Aslan, author of Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus Nazareth

“Important stories that grab you because of their artistry and their beautiful images.”
—Amy Goodman

Operation Ajax offers a riveting narrative … It’s an excellent introduction to this pivotal moment in modern history, and an important contribution to a fraught historical record.”
PopMatters

“An ambitious work of artistry.”
—Brian Thies, comic book artist, Star Wars: Legacy, Winter Soldier

“Emotionally and politically charged, Operation Ajax delivers a convincing narrative that derives its drama not from its impressive presentation or dramatic fury, but from uncomfortable truths.”
—Kevin Hanna, comic book writer and artist, The Clockwork Girl, Creature Academy

“One of the coolest media experiences I’ve seen on the iPad.”
New York Times (in praise of the Operation Ajax app)
Penguin Random House Comics Retail