The winner

There are no winners

The winner was first published 56 years ago, but this book might never have been more relevant than it is today. The idea behind the book is very simple: Two men challenging each other to growing demonstrations of power, using the gutter as the border between them.

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At first, we meet the two men, wearing only underpants, standing on each side of the gutter staring at each other. One of the men leaves the page, only to return wearing a top hat, glasses and a cane. The other man´s reaction to this is to go and get a full uniform, sword and flag. This evolves to wordless fight where both men are trying their hardest to outdo the other, getting one ridiculous costume, vehicle, animal and weapon after another. Eventually, the man in the tophat enters riding a giant, blue dragon. For the first time, the gutter is crossed and the other man is eaten. The dragon then turns his head and eats his owner as well. The last spread shows the dragon walk away.

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The illustrations appear to be done in crayons and markers. This simple, almost childlike style, combined with the strong colors and the simple visual construction, creates a striking contrast to the depth of thought behind this book. Ringi´s use of the gutter as a storytelling feature might have inspired later great artists like Suzy Lee and Francois Soutif. The winner effectively demonstrates what happens when humans choose to challenge each other in growing demonstrations of power. With the state of the world today, this book is more relevant than ever, and an important reminder that there are no winners in war.

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Ringi illustrated quite a few picture books in his life time, amongst them several great silent books. We will review more of his books at a later date, so stay tuned!