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Look Straight Ahead
Jeremy Knowles is a 17-year-old outcast who dreams of being a great artist. But when he suffers a severe mental breakdown brought on by bullying and other pressures at school, his future is called into question - as is his very existence! Can he survive the experience through the healing power of art? And just what does it mean to be "crazy," anyway?
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
About the author
Elaine M. Will
10 books14 followersElaine Will is an illustrator and cartoonist from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, most well-known for her acclaimed graphic novel Look Straight Ahead, a story about mental illness (and one of the last winners of the Xeric Award, from the final grant cycle). She also drew Dustship Glory, adapted from the novel of the same name by Andreas Schroeder. You can find more of her work online at her website, blog.e2w-illustration.com or on Tumblr, lookstraightahead.tumblr.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 27, 2018
4.0 Stars
This was such a powerful graphic novel that told a complex story of mental illness in a very intentional way. I found the narrative gripping and read the entire book in two sittings, even though it's a fairly lengthy for a graphic novel.
I knew this was fiction, yet I felt it read like more a graphic memoir, because it provided such an honest narrative. While I am certainly not an expert on mental health, I believe this was a balanced, sensitive representation of a mental breakdown, stemming from depression and anxiety.
The artwork in this book was fantastic. Prodominently drawn in black and white, the occassional use of colour brought attention to particularly important moments in the story. There was the right balance of pictures and words so the plot flowed easily. While grounded in reality, the images moved into the realm of magical realism as we got insight into the mental state of the protagonist. I definitely feel that the graphic novel format was the best way to tell this particular story.
I highly recommend this thoughtful, intelligent graphic novel that told a very important, unrepresented story.
This was such a powerful graphic novel that told a complex story of mental illness in a very intentional way. I found the narrative gripping and read the entire book in two sittings, even though it's a fairly lengthy for a graphic novel.
I knew this was fiction, yet I felt it read like more a graphic memoir, because it provided such an honest narrative. While I am certainly not an expert on mental health, I believe this was a balanced, sensitive representation of a mental breakdown, stemming from depression and anxiety.
The artwork in this book was fantastic. Prodominently drawn in black and white, the occassional use of colour brought attention to particularly important moments in the story. There was the right balance of pictures and words so the plot flowed easily. While grounded in reality, the images moved into the realm of magical realism as we got insight into the mental state of the protagonist. I definitely feel that the graphic novel format was the best way to tell this particular story.
I highly recommend this thoughtful, intelligent graphic novel that told a very important, unrepresented story.
February 5, 2019
Jeremy is a depressed teenager, until events conspire inside his brain and he suffers a psychotic breakdown. After spending some time in a mental hospital, will going back to high school only cause him to unravel again?
This book brilliantly captures the thought process in someone experiencing psychosis. Somehow it all made sense as Jeremy pulls together the antagonistic forces in his life (bullies, the girl he likes who's dating someone else, his parents) and weaves it all together, coincidences like finding multiple candy wrappers open a doorway to speaking to God. It makes terrifying sense from Jeremy's perspective, while sounding crazy to everyone else. While all that is fascinating, this book also explores how Jeremy's parents and friends fear his mental illness and how they are able to educate themselves and change how they view him, and it also realistically shows the ups and downs of treatment - the experimentation with medication dosage, the formation of a trust with a therapist.
This book brilliantly captures the thought process in someone experiencing psychosis. Somehow it all made sense as Jeremy pulls together the antagonistic forces in his life (bullies, the girl he likes who's dating someone else, his parents) and weaves it all together, coincidences like finding multiple candy wrappers open a doorway to speaking to God. It makes terrifying sense from Jeremy's perspective, while sounding crazy to everyone else. While all that is fascinating, this book also explores how Jeremy's parents and friends fear his mental illness and how they are able to educate themselves and change how they view him, and it also realistically shows the ups and downs of treatment - the experimentation with medication dosage, the formation of a trust with a therapist.
May 13, 2014
This was the first graphic novel I ever read. I never fully appreciated before the way a picture on a page could tell what was going on in the story better than words ever could. There are things words can't describe-especially with mental illness. There were graphics that I stared at for...I don't know how long. They were just so perfect, so accurate that at times I had to stop and catch my breath. The novel was beautiful, true, captivating-I read it in a day-and, in my opinion, an absolutely amazing piece of work.
September 27, 2017
Look Straight Ahead is a glimpse in to the World of Mental Health, but what separates this from the plethora of pre-existing literature on the subject? Well, quite frankly, it's unique perspective on the subject.
This unique perspective hits us almost immediately, in the form of visual metaphor for Psychosis (the experience of persistent delusion and/or hallucination), which brings us in to the story at the full-speed of the In Medias Res writing technique. From this point on, it's a white-knuckle ride as our protagonist, Jeremy Knowles, is pulled between the wills of his Family, the reckless laissez-faire of his only friend in the Saskatoon regional mental health facility and the powerful grip of his delusions.
The visual aspect of the Book brings the reader closer to the first-person experience that the patient feels, even if at times through visual metaphor; a method stemming from Will's own experience of mental ill-health and something that quite frankly has other Books on the topic beaten hands-down.
The story, a fictionalised retelling of Will's own experiences, comes as the classic redemption story; seeing our downtrodden hero, Jeremy, fighting (figuratively) for recognition, acceptance and, eventually, self-betterment. This story progression is incredibly well-written, seeing the conflict act extended, just as we think the resolution is coming, with a relapse story arc that draws out more emotional turmoil.
A fantastic read for anyone looking to understand more on the topic, but a great read in general.
This unique perspective hits us almost immediately, in the form of visual metaphor for Psychosis (the experience of persistent delusion and/or hallucination), which brings us in to the story at the full-speed of the In Medias Res writing technique. From this point on, it's a white-knuckle ride as our protagonist, Jeremy Knowles, is pulled between the wills of his Family, the reckless laissez-faire of his only friend in the Saskatoon regional mental health facility and the powerful grip of his delusions.
The visual aspect of the Book brings the reader closer to the first-person experience that the patient feels, even if at times through visual metaphor; a method stemming from Will's own experience of mental ill-health and something that quite frankly has other Books on the topic beaten hands-down.
The story, a fictionalised retelling of Will's own experiences, comes as the classic redemption story; seeing our downtrodden hero, Jeremy, fighting (figuratively) for recognition, acceptance and, eventually, self-betterment. This story progression is incredibly well-written, seeing the conflict act extended, just as we think the resolution is coming, with a relapse story arc that draws out more emotional turmoil.
A fantastic read for anyone looking to understand more on the topic, but a great read in general.
November 9, 2015
Look Straight Ahead is a fictionalised version of a true story – that of author Elaine Will’s struggles with mental illness. Indeed, the book is extremely realistic in my view, but then I have first-hand experience of a few of the issues that it covers and second-hand experience of a few more. Loosely speaking, it follows the story of 17-year-old Jeremy Knowles, an aspiring artist, as he suffers from a mental breakdown, and the book examines the way that society deals with him, and how he deals with society.
Will’s graphical style is pretty clean and mostly in black and white, although she does use colour for great effect – she’s also very good at evoking a mood by going a couple of pages without dialogue, reminding me of the mood boards that my colleagues sometimes use for graphic design projects. There’s not too much detail and not too little, and it’s interesting to see how the imagery reflects Jeremy’s state of mind throughout the story.
I sped through this in a day because I was hooked from start to finish, and I reckon I might just re-read it again in a couple of weeks. It’s one of those books – y’know, the kind you can re-read and re-read, without getting bored of it? And because it’s a graphic novel, you’ll see new things in the visuals as well as in the story line. Go get it!
Will’s graphical style is pretty clean and mostly in black and white, although she does use colour for great effect – she’s also very good at evoking a mood by going a couple of pages without dialogue, reminding me of the mood boards that my colleagues sometimes use for graphic design projects. There’s not too much detail and not too little, and it’s interesting to see how the imagery reflects Jeremy’s state of mind throughout the story.
I sped through this in a day because I was hooked from start to finish, and I reckon I might just re-read it again in a couple of weeks. It’s one of those books – y’know, the kind you can re-read and re-read, without getting bored of it? And because it’s a graphic novel, you’ll see new things in the visuals as well as in the story line. Go get it!
March 12, 2017
4.5 stars from Brad, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Over the years, I’ve found that more and more I seek out unique black-and-white comics that, most often, are written and drawn by female creators. And I have a particular interest in any books dealing with mental illness. For example, one of my favorite graphic novels is Ellen Forney’s Marbles, a memoir focusing on her learning to live with bipolar. I was pleased to find recently another book that addresses the topic of bipolar — Elaine M. Will’s Look Straight Ahead.
Writing a review for Look Straight Ahead leads me to write two reviews in one. First, I am writing for those who will read the book because they are looking for a graphic novel that is a great work of fiction with fantastic art. Secondly, I am writing for those who are interested in reading it as a work of fiction dealing with mental illness, specifically bipolar....4.5 stars from Brad, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Over the years, I’ve found that more and more I seek out unique black-and-white comics that, most often, are written and drawn by female creators. And I have a particular interest in any books dealing with mental illness. For example, one of my favorite graphic novels is Ellen Forney’s Marbles, a memoir focusing on her learning to live with bipolar. I was pleased to find recently another book that addresses the topic of bipolar — Elaine M. Will’s Look Straight Ahead.
Writing a review for Look Straight Ahead leads me to write two reviews in one. First, I am writing for those who will read the book because they are looking for a graphic novel that is a great work of fiction with fantastic art. Secondly, I am writing for those who are interested in reading it as a work of fiction dealing with mental illness, specifically bipolar....4.5 stars from Brad, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
January 1, 2015
Unbelievable. Could not put it down.
January 9, 2017
Loved it!
Fast-paced story with incredibly emotive and immersive illustrations.
Fast-paced story with incredibly emotive and immersive illustrations.
June 27, 2024
This novel depicted mental illness in a very interesting way. While the majority of the novel was done in black and white, the splashes of color to represent mania were impactful and showed just how bright the world becomes during mania.
The best part about this novel is how it doesn't demonize bipolar disorder like in other media. Even when the protagonist is experiencing delusions, it masterfully shows the logic behind the character's actions. Digging up the yard at 3 a.m. makes sense if your mind is telling you there is a bomb that might hurt your loved ones.
When Jeremy asks his doctor why he never argued with him on his delusions, the doctor replies, "Because I knew they were real to you. And that was important." This sentence really stuck with me because I had done a mental health first aid course that helped me better understand how to support someone experiencing psychosis. For people who have never experienced it, we must understand just how real it is for the people going through it and be compassionate towards them.
The best part about this novel is how it doesn't demonize bipolar disorder like in other media. Even when the protagonist is experiencing delusions, it masterfully shows the logic behind the character's actions. Digging up the yard at 3 a.m. makes sense if your mind is telling you there is a bomb that might hurt your loved ones.
When Jeremy asks his doctor why he never argued with him on his delusions, the doctor replies, "Because I knew they were real to you. And that was important." This sentence really stuck with me because I had done a mental health first aid course that helped me better understand how to support someone experiencing psychosis. For people who have never experienced it, we must understand just how real it is for the people going through it and be compassionate towards them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
I picked this up at TCAF because of the great art, but my God, it's a moving story. I haven't gone through a serious mental breakdown like the protagonist, but, I have had a couple friends go through that and end up needing serious help - this book feels like such an accurate and beautifully, painfully expressive experience of it. It's really impressive, heartfelt and gives hope without being cute about it. Love to read more from her.
September 16, 2025
I thought the plot was kinda jerky despite the mental health crisis our protagonist was dealing with. I thought the scenes kinda jumped around. I wasn't too heavily invested in the characters. I feel like this covers an important topic and I was interested in how it ended. Overall, I feel it was just your average graphic novel and will be pretty forgettable.
October 6, 2017
A really insightful graphic novel that did a great job of taking me inside the mind of someone suffering from mental illness. That it is autobiographical makes sense give how vivid the episodes of delusion are. Recommended for anyone with an open mind.
May 13, 2020
I really like when graphic novels can show how mental illness is different for everyone.
March 9, 2024
I wish this delved further into how the protagonist dealt with his mental illness. The majority of the focus was just showing his struggles.
March 9, 2026
4.7
Nie ma w tej opowieści o depresji niczego na tyle odkrywczego i poruszającego, aby z podekscytowaniem śledzić losy bohatera i mu kibicować. Historia jakich wiele, i w dodatku nie jakoś szczególnie fantazyjnie narysowana.
Nie ma w tej opowieści o depresji niczego na tyle odkrywczego i poruszającego, aby z podekscytowaniem śledzić losy bohatera i mu kibicować. Historia jakich wiele, i w dodatku nie jakoś szczególnie fantazyjnie narysowana.
December 27, 2013
At first, this was a tough graphic novel for me to get into. The beginning of the story was jarring and disjointed. The worst parts about Elaine Will's art style were front and center: weak expressions on the characters, and an inability to really draw eyes. But as the story progressed, I was drawn in. The battle between real, unreal, subconscious, and mind against mind was fascinating and overall led to an enjoyable read. The ending tied things up a bit too neatly for my tastes, especially a recovery from mental illness going so smoothly. My favorite part was how well Will portrayed Jeremy's inner struggle, and how fantastic she was at illustrating mental imagery and the fantastical images that were inside Jeremy's brain. A solid debut, enough to give me hope that Elaine Will continues to create and find her voice. I look forward to more.
May 25, 2016
Quite simply, Look Straight Ahead is essentially reading for those with mental health issues, or those who know someone who has. By telling Jeremy Knowles' story in graphic novel form, you really get an insight into the mind of someone with mental health issues, and how they struggle to deal with the bad, but also how they overcome it as well. Inspiring, beautifully drawn, and wonderfully told, this will take pride of place in my book collection, as well as helping me through a few things of my own.
November 20, 2013
Really excellent depiction of depression and dealing with mental illness. I really appreciate that the victory is hard-won, and the symptoms believable. It gets a little muddled towards the end and the grace note was a little too chipper - but I can understand wanting readers dealing with similar issues to have that as a takeaway. Another warrior against the Dark. Art's very nice as well, but I would have liked even more explorations of layout and form as Jeremy's journey progresses.
July 5, 2015
Being a employee of the mental health world, I found this graphic novel insightful and a great ride. The story follows Jeremy, a junior in high school that's having a lot of trouble coping with the everyday stressors of being a teenager. In response, he can't go to sleep which causes him to endure psychosis which is wonderfully drawn by the author of the story Elaine M. Will. This is a great short read and I would recommend it to those who are having a hard time in life.
January 25, 2015
Fascinating look at mental illness, from the inside. The swirling illustrations and blending of fantasy and reality helped me get a small glimpse into delusion and raised a slew of questions about how all of us differentiate perception from reality (and what is reality, if it isn't what we perceive).
November 15, 2015
This is the first graphic novel I've read. I think I was attracted to this one because it deals with mental illness, which is something I observe at work every day. I definitely saw some behaviors and attitudes that I see every day. My heart hurts for the individuals and families that struggle with this disease all their life.
June 7, 2016
A fascinating look at mental illness. I read the webcomics version for the podcast: http://comicsalternative.com/webcomic....
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July 28, 2015Read my review at http://noflyingnotights.com/2014/02/0...
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews