WHITE FACED LIES

A graphic novel looks at race and foreign relations in China’s fraught job market.

Flanagan and Voutas’ graphic novel tells a story of a modern Chinese workplace that employs “face jobbers”—mostly White, middle-aged American men who act as the public faces of the Asian companies and corporations to instill faith and trust from racist international consumers who’d respond negatively to non-White employees. These workers get paid solely for their presence at functions without actually doing any meaningful work for the company. Stan, the protagonist, is hired on for different gigs, appearing in photos and attending meetings. On the surface, the story is about Stan’s face-job gigs and his relationship with a man he tricks into accompanying him, but it also explores the gritty world of deceit, con-artistry, and prejudice that goes along with the practice. The juxtaposition of social commentary and McEvenue’s muted artwork in a comic-book style adds another intriguing layer: Dialogue is limited, so the drawings take center stage, allowing their bleak mood to shine through. Despite the drabness, the characters’ expressions are particularly impressive, conveying subtle undertones that aren’t stated in dialogue. The conversations are funny and relatable, which gives the story nuance and dimension. Flanagan and Voutas’ commentary about the real-life career at the heart of the story comes across as well researched and realistic; the American authors and Australian artist all spent time living in China. Overall, this work is informative, genuine, unflinching, and original in its examination of race and privilege, and how con artists can thrive in corrupted environments.

A work with vivid characters, engaging humor, and heavy discourse about Chinese society.