Aljosha Klimov was a painter and graphic artist in Munich, Germany. He graduated from the Art Academy in Munich. The creation of "First Squad" influenced his favorite childhood Russian book series "Pioneer Heroes" Misha Shprits worked as a user experience designer in New York City. He graduated from the Art Academy in Munich. Together he and his childhood friend Aljosha Klimov created and wrote "First Squad". The Russian film, "Ivan's Childhood" was a major influence behind Misha's co-creation of "First Squad". Enka Sugihara was born 1976 in Kyoto, Japan. He worked as a manga artist, illustrator, and video artist. In year 2000, Sugihara received the "Afternoon Four Seasons Prise - Winter Contest" (Publishing house "Kodansha") award. Enka Sugihara passed away in 2012.