I dont get what the deal between Sergey and Oleg is now.. are they actually interested in each other? or just good pals? what relationship do they have
It’s a complicated thing to explain, my dear Anonymous :D
Though this topic is not very well covered in the canon, let me make a compilation of the authors’ comments, official extras and fragments of comics for you.
Be warned: the following are spoilers!
So, the character named Oleg Volkov appeared in the Bubble comics significantly later than Sergei Razumovsky. Initially, the authors were planning to introduce him into the story only as a head of Sergey’s mercenaries, but then his mission as a character was enhanced: he was meant to be “someone who would be painful for Razumovsky to lose”. So he developed from an ordinary military contractor hired by his old pal to an important figure in Sergey Razumovsky’s life.
This is what Anastasia “Phobs” Kim, who is one of the creators of Oleg Volkov’s image, says: At the very beginning Oleg was designed as a nameless leader of mercenaries hired by Razumovsky in order to avenge Grom. But it soon became clear that it would be boring and pointless to make the antagonist interact with a no-name for as long as 9 issues. Moreover, the death of a bunch of faceless soldiers in the end would have no emotional effect and can’t be compared to the loss that Grom was to suffer (in the comics, Grom’s beloved girlfriend Yulia Pchelkina was sacrificed)”, so we came to the conclusion that Razumovsky also needs someone whose loss will be sorrowful for him.
Yes, that’s how it’s going. Can this be considered as canon? Like, Igor Grom loses his beloved, while Sergey loses Oleg, which was designed by the authors as kind of a balance. Wow.
Now let’s rewind back, cause you need to know WHY losing Oleg hurt Sergey and why he was so important for him.
Sergey and Oleg first met in an orphanage when both were around 8. We have little information on this period, but it is likely that their friendship was rather close, judging by this official artwork that depicts Oleg carrying Serioja’s (diminutive of Sergey) schoolbag.
Well, at least they definitely were buddies :D
Phobs once wrote that they carried each other’s schoolbags. Isn’t it cute? As for the Bubble chief editor, he sees the reason of the two boys’ friendship in ordinary gravitation of the opposites.
But the fandom is a loose cannon! The artwork of Oleg covered in band-aids gave a rise to an unofficial fanon that Oleg protected the little weirdo Serioja and taught him to fight. It actually
makes sense, because the canon Oleg not only is a good shot, but is perfect at hand-to-hand combat.
Just look at this comics frame that depicts Oleg guarding Sergey’s sleep…
...and standing behind his back like a faithful dog.
Oh yes, it definitely looks like Oleg’s had the habit of protecting his friend since their very young age!
Okay, we are a bit getting off track.
Their relationship has lasted for quite a long time: since the guys were 8 they had been inseparable till they entered a university. Together they went through their orphan childhood, adolescence and tough 90’s (which was a rather dark period in the history of Mother Russia), they graduated from school at the same time and went to Moscow, the Russian capital. You can imagine how strong these bonds were, for the guys spend almost 10 years side by side! Given that the canon Sergey doesn’t tolerate stupid and prosaic people by his side (or, to be honest, he hardly tolerates people at all), Oleg was the only person whose company Sergey considered bearable for so many years. And keeping in mind that both of them had no families, they became kinda a family for each other.
As we’ve mentioned previously, Sergey entered a university to become a programmer. Oleg’s specialty is unknown, but anyhow it wasn’t his cup of tea, as he has only studied for half a year. He dropped out of the university and fully threw himself into the army, which was for the first time that they parted ways. After all this time, they finally said goodbye to each other.
After a couple of years, the guys’ lives completely changed. Oleg has completed his mandatory army service and joined the special forces under contract. As for Sergey, he was deeply engrossed in his studies, advancing as a software developer, winning a number of international programming contests and persistently moving towards creating his own social network.
They aren’t those kids from the orphanage anymore, are they? Grown personalities, and their goals and interests grew as well. But one thing has remained unchanged – their interaction.
Soon they parted ways once again: Oleg opted for a career of a military contractor and took part in military action in a number of hot spots all over the world, while Sergey soon worked his way up to the state of Russia’s youngest billionaire after launching the “Vmeste (Together)” social network. Both are around 23 – 24.
A billionaire and a soldier – what might they even have in common? However, their paths cross again, and the two of them enjoy a summer city festival and each other’s company.
They even see in the New Year together. Look, how cosy this apartment of theirs looks! (Yep, these are still official artworks)
Shortly thereafter, they kiss goodbye again (c’mon guys, why not just be together already?!). This time parting is long and crucial, for next time Oleg meets Sergey it’s not his old friend he used to know but a serial killer. After he went to prison, Razumovsky steals his psychiatrist’s mobile and calls the most reliable person he’s ever known – Oleg Volkov. Volkov immediately assembles a team that will break into Kresty (“Crosses”, a jail in St. Petersburg), swipe the prisoner and escort him to Venice.
*the long-awaited reunion*
*and the flight on a private jet to Venice after the jailbreak*
And then… what happened, happened. Sergey slowly goes insane. His conscience is being torn apart between the Bird (his alter-ego) and an ancient deity named Kutkh (btw you can read about Sergey and Kutkh in “The Time of the Crow” crossover, which has been translated into English). Volkov doesn’t recognize his old friend:
But he still trusts him and asks no questions. This is what Phobs says on Oleg, perfectly describing his attitude:
“If there is one quality that can fully describe Oleg, it is his unconditional dog-like devotion. It is the cause of all his misfortunes, and it’s a tool Razumovsky uses to commit his evil deeds. Not once during the whole story does Oleg question Sergey’s actions (or at least he doesn’t voice them), and it’s an important moment”.
It brings Oleg to his sad demise.
Yes, the Bird (Razumovsky’s alter-ego) completely took over Sergey’s body and pulled the trigger, putting five bullets in his best and only friend. The person with whom Oleg grew up and socialized, the man with whom they always reunited no matter how far from each other they were. Looks like this last goodbye is finally the point of no return.
Does Sergey feel remorse? Well…
Personally I think he does. What do you think?
As the authors said, Oleg’s death is one of the reasons why Sergey surrended his body to the ancient deity Kutkh, who had promised him peace and sweet oblivion. So the answer is Yes. The killing of his best and only friend filled Sergey with grief and guilt.
But fate wouldn’t be fate if it didn’t bring them together yet one more time! Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? But in the epilogue of the crossover “The Time of the Crow” Volkov, who turns out to be alive, again takes on the role of Razumovsky’s savior. He kidnaps Sergey, who has been recently possessed by the mighty deity, and keeps him locked in a mystery tower away from everyone else.
That’s all, Anonymous. The current location of Sergey and Oleg is now unknown and the only thing we’ve learnt is that Oleg avoids any contacts with his murderer and old friend, who begs forgiveness.
As you can see, their relationship is a really complicated thing that is hard to describe briefly. Officially, they are childhood friends and are closer to each other than anyone else in their lives. But what lies behind this and if it can be considered as romantic interest – it’s up to you to decide.
Thank you for your question!
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