By Jason Reynolds, art by Danica Novgorodoff
Danica Novgorodoff has adapted Jason Reynolds’ masterpiece, Long Way Down, as a graphic novel. It is a beautiful piece of art. Watercolors create a stormy background for the somber tone of the story. Flashbacks are done in shades of moody blue and white. The emotions and the details and the personalities of each character are tangible. The illustrations bring the story to life.
On the down side, the beauty of Jason’s words are not the focus of the book. His words are exquisite and impactful in the original. Words you want to remember. In the graphic novel, the words just don’t stand out as much. The graphic novel is again, beautiful and powerful, but does not take the place of the original.
Any fan of Jason Reynolds will adore this book as will graphic novel lovers.
