[3] The choice of comics was due to the fact that as art they are in many ways similar to cinema, but at the same time no big budget is needed.

[7] In the same year he published the Bubble magazine, which contained satirical comics parodying social life, politics and show business.

[13][14][15] Even Aram Gabrelyanov, who is well-known for his pro-Kremlin position, was worried at the time that his son was denigrating the Russian opposition in the comic.

Artyom, in response to the accusations, said that when he was developing the image of the Plague Doctor, he did not plan to make him such a notorious villain, and the white ribbon was added to the plot "by accident, for fun, and for provocation, of course."

According to Gabrelyanov, he received offers from TV companies and producers, although Bubble decided to create the film on its own in order to have full control over the creative process.