Danica Novgorodoff

Actual rating: 4.5
Ahh the watercolors in here were so pretty! I really loved Novgorodoff's use of color to portray emotion and the different times of day. I didn't really like how the characters were drawn, but I think the landscapes and buildings balanced out the slightly Burton-esque characters.
There were a couple parts of the story that I thought dragged a bit (like the monks temple) but overall, it was a very entertaining tale. I really enjoyed the folklore-feel of the story. It was show more very atmospheric! I've never read anything quite like it, but would definitely read more! show less

This graphic novel is adapted from Jason Reynolds' award-winning verse novel and is beautifully illustrated by Novgorodoff. It captures the juxtaposition of softness and violence in Will's heart-wrenching decision while preserving the intensity of emotions that Will experiences. The story follows Will in the aftermath of his brother Shawn's tragic death. Will feels bound to the unwritten rules: no tears, no snitching, and seek revenge.

As the elevator opens on each floor, Will encounters show more ghosts from his past, victims of gun violence, who challenge his plan and motives, causing doubt to creep in. This is an absolutely compelling story and the original version was a Newbery Honor, Printz Honor, and Coretta Scott King Honor book. show less

Long Way Down is a compelling, heartbreaking glimpse into the reality of life for too many teenagers today. This beautifully-illustrated graphic novel tells the story of Will, a young teenager who has just lost his brother to gun violence. But instead of planning a funeral and grieving with his family, Will is ready to follow the rules. To seek revenge. Intent to kill the man who killed his brother, Will enters his apartment elevator armed with a gun and a need for justice. This elevator show more ride turns out to be more than Will bargained for, though, when ghosts from his past (including his uncle, his childhood friend, and even his own father) enter the elevator, sharing their stories with him, floor by floor until Will decides his own fate.

I read the novel initially and was obsessed with it. I read it twice in two nights: once on speed read, and once to slow down and enjoy the free verse poetry and beauty of Reynolds' style. I was happy to see, then, that the graphic novel kept the free verse format, keeping lines and stanzas grouped as they were on the initial pages. The illustrator, Danica Novgorodoff, does an amazing job matching the tone and mood of the book to her visuals. Seeing Shawn (Will's brother) in their mother's arms creates an extra layer of heartbreak, but I did find myself more distracted from the words in this format. I was paying so much attention to the pictures and colors, that I don't feel like the words had as much of an impact as they did in the novel. That being said, it's still a beautiful story that I would highly recommend in any format! show less

After witnessing the fatal shooting of his older brother Shawn, 15-year-old Will Holloman must decide whether if he will follow the rules of his neighborhood which demands revenge. Armed with a gun from Shawn’s dresser, Will boards his building’s elevator and it slowly descends as his mind is bombarded with thoughts of what he is considering doing. As Shawn reaches each floor on the way down, a new, deceased individual enters and tells their story. It has to be real, he can feel the show more hugs, see and smell the cigarette smoke.

The artist uses smoky watercolors with rough edges that bleed and blend into each other in this very serious novel in verse. A denim-blue and white mix of color depicts those who have died. Much of the text is internal dialogue, including the conversations between Will and the deceased elevator’s occupants. Guns and death are depicted through a fallen body and the spread of blood. The ones who have lost their lives question Will’s plan and motivation. The ghosts, their truths, and the fact that he has never held a gun before make the decision to enact revenge that much more frightening.

This graphic novel is based on Reynolds’ 2017 award-winning verse novel of the same name. I do recommend you read the 2017 novel before reading the graphic novel version for a more complete picture of a bitter and sad story. Reynolds incorporates some of the original dialogue and narration, though edited to keep the story emotion-packed and the pace swift. show less