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ahabegger's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Gun violence
tigger89's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the first graphic novel adaptation I've ever read that I've actually liked. I don't know if it's because it's also the only time I haven't read the original novel(I've heard of it and I know what it's about, but I've never read it) or if it really is just that good, but I was blown away by the quality. In my mind, there's three things that go into a good graphic novel adaptation: the art, whether or not it made use of the strengths of the visual medium, and faithfulness to the original.
Starting with the art, this book was drawn and painted in a beautiful watercolor style by Danica Novgorodoff. The softness of the art was a perfect contrast to the difficult subject matter, providing a cushion for the reader. When moments became sharper the art changed to reflect that, with some parts shown in stark silhouette or drawn as black-and-white sketches. I have nothing but compliments about the art, and I'm glad they didn't choose to go with a more traditional comics-inspired style, because I believe that would have cheapened the violence.
This book also made excellent use of the visual medium to enhance Reynolds's verse. When Will describes the territories in his neighborhood, the thoughts are scattered over a map taking up an entire two-page spread. Lingering effects reach from one panel into another, and silent panels provide a moment for the reader to stop alongside the characters and reflect. Monochrome vs full color is also used to great effect, signifying what's past and present, even as the time periods blur together in the same image.
I can't speak to the faithfulness of the adaptation, because as I said I haven't read the original novel. I did peek at the preview on Amazon, and recognized much of the text. From what I can tell, my conclusion is that this adaptation is different — particularly, the addition of some dialogue to the graphic novel version — but not necessarily unfaithful. I'll leave it to others who have read both to judge for certain, though!
Starting with the art, this book was drawn and painted in a beautiful watercolor style by Danica Novgorodoff. The softness of the art was a perfect contrast to the difficult subject matter, providing a cushion for the reader. When moments became sharper the art changed to reflect that, with some parts shown in stark silhouette or drawn as black-and-white sketches. I have nothing but compliments about the art, and I'm glad they didn't choose to go with a more traditional comics-inspired style, because I believe that would have cheapened the violence.
This book also made excellent use of the visual medium to enhance Reynolds's verse. When Will describes the territories in his neighborhood, the thoughts are scattered over a map taking up an entire two-page spread. Lingering effects reach from one panel into another, and silent panels provide a moment for the reader to stop alongside the characters and reflect. Monochrome vs full color is also used to great effect, signifying what's past and present, even as the time periods blur together in the same image.
I can't speak to the faithfulness of the adaptation, because as I said I haven't read the original novel. I did peek at the preview on Amazon, and recognized much of the text. From what I can tell, my conclusion is that this adaptation is different — particularly, the addition of some dialogue to the graphic novel version — but not necessarily unfaithful. I'll leave it to others who have read both to judge for certain, though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gun violence, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Violence, and Grief
ana21's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Death
pika_chuu's review
emotional
sad
tense
4.75
Powerful read. Illustrations and words were amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Blood, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Death of parent and Gun violence
meemawreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I’ve done it, I’ve hacked it, I know how to read on my phone now!
Graphic. Novels.
It’s like scrolling but more fun. I can’t stand reading hours of print on my phone but these small doses of mostly visual media are perfect. I’ve read Jason Reynolds’s poetry before so I knew I’d like the writing in Long Way Down. The watercolor art for the graphic novel is beautiful. We get to watch our protagonist take the elevator down to avenge his brother, stopping at every floor to pick up someone who has died by gun violence. Obviously content warning, but it’s poignant and a short, visually arresting read. Four taters 🥔🥔🥔🥔/🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔
Graphic. Novels.
It’s like scrolling but more fun. I can’t stand reading hours of print on my phone but these small doses of mostly visual media are perfect. I’ve read Jason Reynolds’s poetry before so I knew I’d like the writing in Long Way Down. The watercolor art for the graphic novel is beautiful. We get to watch our protagonist take the elevator down to avenge his brother, stopping at every floor to pick up someone who has died by gun violence. Obviously content warning, but it’s poignant and a short, visually arresting read. Four taters 🥔🥔🥔🥔/🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
strawberrytheauthor's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I feel like the ending didn’t really have a resolution. I like to think Will broke the rules, but I have no clue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Gun violence, Violence, Murder, and Blood
mrselaineskinner's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I prefer the novel but the art was beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Gun violence
hngisreading's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Murder, Violence, and Gun violence
shaipanda's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Damn - this really packs a punch
Edit: switched from 5 to 4.5 stars though because I feel like it wasn’t as devastating and I didn’t connect with the story as much as I could have if it had more dialogue or was just generally longer - loved the way it is already but just couldn’t keep it at 5 stars
Edit: switched from 5 to 4.5 stars though because I feel like it wasn’t as devastating and I didn’t connect with the story as much as I could have if it had more dialogue or was just generally longer - loved the way it is already but just couldn’t keep it at 5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Death, Death of parent, and Gun violence
kallio08's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence