A review by readalert
Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds

5.0

It's been a couple years since I read the book, but as far as I remember, nothing has been changed or reduced in this version, just visuals added. The water color style of the art lends a greater bleeding of emotionality to the already heartfelt text, and I particularly enjoyed the occasions in which the book forces you to just sit with the art and pause to take in the emotion without any words. The text itself is just as well crafted and gut wrenching as the original, and did still make me cry. The exploration of cycles of violence and the "rules" of masculinity and protecting/avenging your loved ones furthering that violence is extremely well done for how short the work is, and I love the open endedness forcing the reader to examine what they believe to be the best and/or most likely choice for William.

I originally listened to the audiobook and as poetry is often best when read aloud, I do still ultimately recommend that version, but this version is also excellent. 5⭐️