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The graphic novel has been steadily evolving for a few years now, moving away from the stigmatic “comic book” subject matter towards a broader, fine art consciousness. Victor Hussenot is an established French artist in his own right, and his first ever English language publication The Spectators brings all the gravity and nuance one would expect from such a unique talent.

The art alone is not what makes this graphic novel stand out so brilliantly, but also the main theme Hussenot dives into: the philosophical idea of everyone being a spectator in their own lives. “What if we are merely shadows, our characters defined by a simple inflection of light?” This question is printed on the back of the book itself, but resonates powerfully throughout the pages. The idea that we, as a man or woman of the human race, view the world through our own lens and perceive others and our surroundings very differently. This is told beautifully through many different examples and metaphors within the book, and accented by a classical narrative artistic interpretation.

"That is the true strength of the story: Seeing the small vignettes of different observers and different parts of the city gives readers their own interpretation of what exactly Hussenot is trying to convey, making them spectators in their own right."

One clear example posed on the page is two men, sitting on a bench overlooking the city of Paris. They sit only centimeters apart from one another, yet their perception of their surroundings are profoundly different. One observes the Métro go by, and the other gazes up at the rooftops. With each different view of that vantage point, they observe a larger piece of the whole, while the illustration subtly bridges the gap between the two men. Hussenot never mentiones whether they are friends or even know each other --- that information is not needed. Rather, the reader is meant to take this example at face value, along with the rest of the book. That is the true strength of the story: Seeing the small vignettes of different observers and different parts of the city gives readers their own interpretation of what exactly Hussenot is trying to convey, making them spectators in their own right. It is a meta-question, self aware, that is asked incessantly throughout the graphic novel, yet it’s done with a simple grace and elegant pace that allows for a deeper understanding. A true testament to the talent behind the story, and the editing as well.

The warm, flowing color palate used adds to the heightened sense of lyricism within the story. There are very few words on the whole, and as such, the panels act as an overarching narrative at times, weaving in and out of the central idea of all characters only being spectators. Some of the most striking and memorable pages are not done in the classic graphic novel panel form, or even a full page artistic piece; rather, they depict a shadow, moving between characters in fantastical ways. Sometimes you find a shadow jumping from one body to the next, or being passed off willingly, or being transferred by an idea --- or even putting on the guise of another character. These pages have absolutely no dialogue, but act as a bridge between a previous scene of a character observing a specific part of the city, and then transitioning into a different character and a different perspective. Very inventive in nature, they all work wonderfully in adding to the mystique of the narrative. As colorful nature imagery bleeds into the greys and blues of the city at night, it is almost a trick on the mind as to which is more vibrant. The art tells its own story parallel to the one laid out within the dialogue, each working in symbiosis with the other. 

A philosophical idea on its own is very hard to explain, and even more so with few words and pictures. Hussenot shows how it can be done right with this book, and as a result, readers all become spectators of something magical. Nobrow produced this graphic novel in their gorgeous bound hardcover editions, with intense detail to color and presentation, and they have created a beautiful addition to anyone’s collection. 

Hopefully, after achieving a masterful artistic accomplishment such as The Spectators, we will see more from Victor Hussenot in English language volumes. As much as this book touched my sense of self, and made me echo the questions brought up on its pages, I am even more intrigued to impart this graphic novel onto other readers. What I took away from it was my own perception of what was laid out before me, but what will happen when you do the same? “ Man questions the world, it answers in riddles, forcing him to continue searching for unattainable truths.” Truly a wonderful read, to think upon and to take in --- and one you will cherish for looking at on multiple levels.

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