HugoDécrypte’s Graphic Novel on Russia: A Bold New Way to Understand a Complex Nation
In an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts, French digital media pioneer HugoDécrypte is breaking new ground by blending journalism with the visual storytelling power of graphic novels. The result? HugoDécrypte en Russie, a 208-page bande dessinée (BD) that traces over 1,000 years of Russian history to explain the roots of today’s geopolitical tensions—particularly the war in Ukraine. Released on November 4, 2025, by Allary Éditions, the book marks the first installment in a new annual series aimed at making complex current events accessible to audiences of all ages.
For Hugo Travers, the 28-year-old founder of HugoDécrypte, this project represents more than just a creative pivot. It’s a natural extension of his mission to democratize information through engaging, digestible formats. With over 20 million followers across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, Travers has built a media empire by simplifying the news for younger audiences. Now, he’s leveraging the graphic novel medium to tackle one of the most pressing—and misunderstood—topics of our time: Russia’s historical and political evolution.
“Can we truly understand today’s Russia without knowing its past?” the book’s promotional materials request. The answer, according to Travers and his collaborators, is a resounding no. By weaving together rigorous historical research with the narrative flair of a comic, HugoDécrypte en Russie offers readers a unique lens through which to view the country’s actions on the global stage—including its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Power of the Graphic Novel Format
Graphic novels have long been celebrated for their ability to distill complex ideas into visually compelling narratives. For HugoDécrypte en Russie, Travers teamed up with veteran comic book writer Kris and illustrator Kokopello (the pen name of Antoine Angé) to create a work that is both educational and immersive. The book follows Hugo and Ève, a journalist from his team, as they journey through Russia’s history—from the founding of the medieval state of Rus’ in the 9th century to the rise of Vladimir Putin and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The choice of format is no accident. As Travers noted in an interview with Le Monde, “Young people today consume information differently. They want stories that are engaging, visual, and easy to share. A graphic novel allows us to reach them where they are—on social media, in schools, and even in bookstores.” The book’s 20 x 27 cm hardcover format, priced at €26, is designed to appeal to both casual readers and serious history buffs.
Kokopello, whose background in cinema and political illustration brings a cinematic quality to the artwork, described the creative process as a balancing act. “We had to make sure the history was accurate while keeping the storytelling dynamic,” he told ActuaBD. “Every panel had to serve a purpose—whether it was explaining a key event, introducing a historical figure, or setting the scene for a pivotal moment.” The result is a book that feels both epic and intimate, with a visual style that blends realism with a touch of whimsy to keep readers engaged.
Why Russia? Why Now?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 sent shockwaves through the global community, sparking debates about the country’s motivations, its historical grievances, and its future under Putin. For Travers, the timing of HugoDécrypte en Russie was intentional. “Russia is a country that has been at the center of so many global conflicts, yet its history remains opaque to many people outside its borders,” he explained in a recent YouTube video promoting the book. “We wanted to create a resource that would facilitate people understand not just what Russia is doing today, but why.”
The book doesn’t shy away from demanding topics. It delves into the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, the reign of Ivan the Terrible, the Bolshevik Revolution, and the Soviet Union’s collapse—all while drawing parallels to modern-day Russia. One of the most striking sections focuses on the concept of “Russkiy Mir” (Russian World), a nationalist ideology that has been used to justify the annexation of Crimea and the war in Ukraine. By contextualizing these ideas within Russia’s broader historical narrative, the book provides readers with the tools to critically analyze current events.
“It’s not about justifying Russia’s actions,” Travers clarified. “It’s about understanding the historical forces that have shaped its identity and its relationship with the rest of the world. Only then can we have informed discussions about what comes next.”
A New Chapter for HugoDécrypte
HugoDécrypte en Russie is more than just a standalone project—it’s the first volume in a planned annual series of graphic novels, each tackling a major geopolitical or historical topic. The success of Travers’ previous documentary work, including Ce que j’ai vu en Ukraine (2023) and his 2024 interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has positioned him as a trusted voice in international journalism. With this new venture, he’s expanding his reach beyond digital media to the printed page.
The book’s release comes at a time of significant growth for HugoDécrypte. In September 2025, the media outlet launched local newsrooms in Lyon, Marseille, and Quebec, further solidifying its presence in French-speaking markets. The expansion reflects Travers’ belief in the importance of local journalism, even as his platform continues to attract a global audience. “Information shouldn’t be a privilege,” he often says. “It should be accessible to everyone, everywhere.”
For readers in the United States and beyond, HugoDécrypte en Russie offers a fresh perspective on a country that remains a focal point of global politics. While the book is currently available only in French, discussions about an English-language edition are reportedly underway, according to Publishing Perspectives. If successful, it could introduce Travers’ unique brand of explanatory journalism to an even wider audience.
Where to Find the Book
HugoDécrypte en Russie is available for purchase in bookstores across France and Quebec, as well as online through major retailers like Fnac, Amazon France, and the Allary Éditions website. The book’s ISBN is 978-2-37073-581-2, and it retails for €26.
For those interested in Travers’ other work, HugoDécrypte’s digital platforms offer a wealth of free content, including daily news summaries, deep-dive videos, and podcasts. The outlet’s flagship podcast, Les Actus du jour, has been the most listened-to news podcast in France since 2024, according to the Alliance for Press and Media Figures (ACPM).
Key Takeaways
- A New Format for News: HugoDécrypte en Russie is the first in a planned annual series of graphic novels that blend journalism with visual storytelling to explain complex historical and geopolitical topics.
- 1,000 Years of History: The book covers Russia’s evolution from the medieval state of Rus’ to the modern era, with a focus on understanding the roots of the war in Ukraine.
- Collaborative Creators: The project brings together Hugo Travers, comic book writer Kris, and illustrator Kokopello to create a work that is both educational and engaging.
- Accessible to All Ages: Designed for readers aged 13 to 113, the book aims to make history accessible to a broad audience, including younger readers who may not engage with traditional news formats.
- Expanding Reach: The release coincides with HugoDécrypte’s expansion into local journalism in Lyon, Marseille, and Quebec, reflecting Travers’ commitment to making information accessible at all levels.
What’s Next?
With HugoDécrypte en Russie now on shelves, Travers and his team are already looking ahead to the next installment in the series. While the topic for the 2026 graphic novel has not been officially announced, Travers hinted in a recent interview that it would focus on another region with a complex and often misunderstood history. “We want to tackle subjects that have a direct impact on the world today,” he said. “There are so many stories that need to be told, and we’re just getting started.”
For now, readers can dive into HugoDécrypte en Russie and explore the rich tapestry of Russian history through the eyes of Hugo and Ève. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or simply someone looking to understand the world better, this book offers a compelling entry point into one of the most influential—and enigmatic—countries on the planet.
Have you read HugoDécrypte en Russie? What did you think of the graphic novel format for explaining history? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal for more coverage of innovative storytelling in journalism.