We can always count on Eisner Award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan to deliver something truly unique and thought-provoking. This goes for his latest graphic novel, Spectators, illustrated by Pride of Baghdad artist Niko Henrichon.
Hundreds of years in the future, New York City is haunted by many ghosts, including a voyeuristic woman who died in our present day and a mysterious gun-toting man from the distant past. Normally solo travelers, these two specters meet each other just in time to observe what might be the end of the (living) world.
Vaughan has created some fantastic stories over the years and Spectators is no exception. This unconventional supernatural tale dives into the lives of sex and violence from the point-of-view of the life beyond the grave. While ghostly figures are often imagined as passive onlookers, but it never really crossed my mind on when they are viewing in–are they watching us all have sex? Vaughan answers this in the bold and thought-provoking style he’s known for.
While Spectators doesn’t aim to be the most exciting comic on the shelves, it does offer a distinctive experience. Through reflective narration, the story touches on things such as childhood trauma, sexual beginnings and politics. There is also a strong connection to films as the story progresses, a nice connection to spectating. These discussions create a somber yet insightful lens on the fleeting moments that make up our lives. The pacing may feel a bit slow, but it’s an intentional choice that allows the story to sink in and take root.
Henrichon puts the graphic in graphic novel with Spectators. Henrichon’s exceptional and vivid illustrations bring Vaughan’s script to life without holding back. The use of black and white for current time and color for those spectating makes for a visually special comic. The book wastes no time grabbing your attention with a very violent opening sequence, setting the tone for the rest of the story. This is definitely a graphic novel that you might not want to read while sitting in your doctor’s waiting room…
Spectators is a bold exploration of a few taboo topics, wrapped up within a supernatural romance. Brian K. Vaughan constructs a slow but powerful tale, while Niko Henrichon injects this story with intense and emotional illustrations. Together, this pair creates a thought-provoking graphic novel that challenges our notions about viewing, living, and, ultimately, being human. Spectators is a truly spectacular graphic novel.
Spectators hits your local comic shop on September 10, 2025 and bookstores everywhere on September 23, 2025 from Image Comics.
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