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Apr 21, 2017forbesrachel rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Will I See? is a powerful, short graphic novel that addresses the ongoing issue of violence against indigenous women across Canada. The narrative, which is loosely connected to a song of the same name by Iskwé, follows May, a young woman walking home. Along the way, she discovers a cat, who in turn draws her attention to objects left on the path. Flashes relate the violent fate that befell the women who previously owned the items. This knowledge leaves you praying that May doesn't encounter the same, even while knowing that inevitably she will. Darker moments are interspersed with those that are meant to comfort and reassure as we see the connection she has with the cat, her grandmother, and her heritage. The illustrations have a rather unique style. They look like photocopies of photorealistic images; these heavy black inks, with their splashes of bloody red, give a raw, emotional quality to the work. Aboriginal syllabics flit through the background (presumably these words are from one of the Cree dialects; at least two of the creators are of Cree descent). This collaboration between singer/songwriter Iskwé, Erin Leslie, David Alexander Robertson (7 Generations), and GMB Chomichuk (The Imagination) is an important piece to share because many indigenous women are currently at risk of abuse and violence, and, of falling prey to men with murderous intentions. Ultimately, this work poses you a question. Will you see? Will you act?