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Outline
The last year of school before graduation has begun . . . a time when the world seems the same but when everything will change.
For Ben, who is determined to enjoy the end of summer with his girlfriend, Clara, the mood gradually darkens as she begins to withdraw in a similar manner as his best friend, Andreas, had, and without explanation.
While tensions grow between Ben and Clara through the school year, Andreas struggles with his own demons, and suddenly final exams are upon them along with the inevitable questions from friends and family alike: What are you doing after school? Where will you enroll? Will you move out? What’s next? Maybe the answer for Ben and his classmates is to simply slow down and take a deep breath . . .
Outline is creator Michèle Fischels’s impressive graphic novel debut, in which she demonstrates a deep relatability for that special phase in which we cautiously leave childhood behind and look to the future with uncertainty and anticipation.
For Ben, who is determined to enjoy the end of summer with his girlfriend, Clara, the mood gradually darkens as she begins to withdraw in a similar manner as his best friend, Andreas, had, and without explanation.
While tensions grow between Ben and Clara through the school year, Andreas struggles with his own demons, and suddenly final exams are upon them along with the inevitable questions from friends and family alike: What are you doing after school? Where will you enroll? Will you move out? What’s next? Maybe the answer for Ben and his classmates is to simply slow down and take a deep breath . . .
Outline is creator Michèle Fischels’s impressive graphic novel debut, in which she demonstrates a deep relatability for that special phase in which we cautiously leave childhood behind and look to the future with uncertainty and anticipation.
Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 19, 2025
the gays (me) yearn for another skam/druck experience and this was literally It. i obviously never want to be 18 again ever but it genuinely made me nostalgic for some parts of my teenage life. i felt so seen!!!!!!!
May 28, 2026
Outline is fascinating. I had no choice but to read it in one sitting. I love the art style and the use of colors are breathtaking. I enjoy how the graphics extend beyond the comic box to give the scenes even more depth. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer.
June 11, 2026
Review to follow
August 21, 2025
Qualcosa mi è mancato nel racconto di questi tre ragazzi che scoprono se stessi e l’amore lottando con chi vorrebbero essere e chi in realtà sono. Ci sono troppe tavole senza parole che lasciano molto al disegno - tecnica molto apprezzabile, se non fosse che costantemente si ha la sensazione che ci sfugga qualcosa. Amo molto il tratto e questo racconto di indecisione, anche se tante tematiche vengono lasciate in sospeso. Insomma: godibile, ma avrei voluto di più.
December 27, 2024
„was machst du nach dem abi?“ *eye starts twitching*
March 14, 2026
3.5/5
Des très beaux dessins, l’utilisation de la couleur est vraiment magnifique. L’histoire reste un peu en surface, ce qui est un peu dommage, mais les personnages restent touchant.
Des très beaux dessins, l’utilisation de la couleur est vraiment magnifique. L’histoire reste un peu en surface, ce qui est un peu dommage, mais les personnages restent touchant.
May 29, 2026
Partiamo con lo stile dei disegni: molto bello, quasi uno sketch pulito con dei colori desaturati che evocano un senso di nostalgia, in questo caso dell'adolescenza.
Per quanto riguarda la storia, carina ma a volte la narrazione non è troppo chiara: ci sono dei tagli in cui non è chiaro quanto tempo passi (io pensavo fossero all'università a metà libro e invece ops, sono ancora all'ultimo anno di liceo) e spesso dei passaggi importanti (come l'allontanamento dei due ragazzi) non vengono granché spiegati.
Il finale soprattutto l'ho trovato un po' meh rispetto al resto, però nel complesso è una graphic novel che si fa leggere ed empatizzare.
Per quanto riguarda la storia, carina ma a volte la narrazione non è troppo chiara: ci sono dei tagli in cui non è chiaro quanto tempo passi (io pensavo fossero all'università a metà libro e invece ops, sono ancora all'ultimo anno di liceo) e spesso dei passaggi importanti (come l'allontanamento dei due ragazzi) non vengono granché spiegati.
Il finale soprattutto l'ho trovato un po' meh rispetto al resto, però nel complesso è una graphic novel che si fa leggere ed empatizzare.
June 20, 2026
aiii si hagues llegit aquest llibre quan era adolescent… pf mha encantat un grup damics que passen a la uni, les primeres relacions, lamor gei… pf A M O
November 18, 2025
evil and mean and hurtful and mean
January 2, 2026
Oh wow. That was extremely personal.
Jeżeli chcecie wiedzieć jak naprawdę wygląda koniec przyjaźni w trójkę na "pokojowych" warunkach to ten komiks idealnie to odwzorowuje. Serio.
I’m Andreas kinnie
Jeżeli chcecie wiedzieć jak naprawdę wygląda koniec przyjaźni w trójkę na "pokojowych" warunkach to ten komiks idealnie to odwzorowuje. Serio.
I’m Andreas kinnie
April 14, 2026
Je pense que ce qui fait que je n’ai pas vraiment apprécié ma lecture c’est le fait que je ne suis pas particulièrement touchée quand je lis des livres sur l’évolution, le changement, la transition entre l’adolescence, la fin du lycée et les études sup. Et ensuite j’ai peut être trouvé l’approche très simple sans vraiment observer un point qui me fasse m’attacher aux personnages ou à l’histoire…
Cependant je tiens tout de même à notifier que le travail graphique est vraiment intéressant et agréable à lire !
Cependant je tiens tout de même à notifier que le travail graphique est vraiment intéressant et agréable à lire !
March 14, 2026
« Il doit bien y avoir quelque chose quelque part qui me fait vibrer. »
Petite pépite que cette bd au dessin doux, drôle et tendre, qui retransmet à la perfection la fin de l’adolescence.
Avec ses personnages attachants (Andreas mon fils ma bataille), Michèle Fischels nous livre un récit d’une profonde justesse sans jamais tomber dans le cliché. En nous aussi, une petite voix s’élève alors, qui nous rappelle que c’est en vivant, en essayant et en nous perdant que nous nous découvrons chaque jour.
Petite pépite que cette bd au dessin doux, drôle et tendre, qui retransmet à la perfection la fin de l’adolescence.
Avec ses personnages attachants (Andreas mon fils ma bataille), Michèle Fischels nous livre un récit d’une profonde justesse sans jamais tomber dans le cliché. En nous aussi, une petite voix s’élève alors, qui nous rappelle que c’est en vivant, en essayant et en nous perdant que nous nous découvrons chaque jour.
April 7, 2026
j’aime toujours le thème de coming of age/ comment on choisi son futur/ les relations dans cette période de transition, et c’est ce qu’on retrouve dans la bd mais je trouve que le traitement est assez superficiel. au même titre que le triangle amoureux/amicial aurait pu être davantage approfondi surtout que il était intéressant avec le croisement d’orientation sexuel
en tout cas les dessins étaient vraiment différent de ce que j’aime habituellement, j’ai eu du mal avec les visages mais grave aimé avec les paysages !!
en tout cas les dessins étaient vraiment différent de ce que j’aime habituellement, j’ai eu du mal avec les visages mais grave aimé avec les paysages !!
April 7, 2026
c'est con, ça vend un truc sur l'amitié mais on les voit a peine amis
Read
May 20, 2026Grabbed from Netgalley almost entirely for that cover, to which the backgrounds lived up, woods and streets and trains under vast open skies all rendered in a beautifully bittersweet autumnal palette. The foregrounds...well, my impression was that Fischels was trying to shift the style a little to fit the mood and the moment, so a character can go from sparse to regular to cartoony depending on their role in a given panel, and if so that's a great idea, but it didn't always work for me, not least because the exaggerated noses often implied a more comical story than I seemed to be reading. Which may be part of why the story mostly felt like observing the last year of school from outside, wishing the kids would sort themselves out, rather than achieving that feat of artistic transfiguration which makes you remember how all-important it felt at the time. Still worth it for those backgrounds, though.
September 25, 2025
Ich liebe es und kann es nur empfehlen - die Atmosphäre ist so nostalgisch und authentisch, wie ich es selten (wenn überhaupt) in Coming-of-Age Geschichten gelesen oder gesehen habe. Die Charaktere sind allesamt liebenswert und fühlen sich unglaublich echt an.
Dazu kommen zauberhafte, liebevolle Details, die das Graphic Novel für mich zu etwas ganz Besonderem machen <3 Die Wahl der Schriftart (und Verwendung von Schreibschrift für Sarkasmus), die Möwe, der kaputte Regenschirm des Lehrers ("Bei allem Spaß, das hier ist immer noch eine Studienfahrt"), die gemusterten Pommes ("BÄH!! Gib!"), "O Gott ich seh ja schlimm aus" - "Dachte das wäre Absicht"), die muskulösen Jesuskinder, die gruseligen gleichen Gesichter beim Aufschlagen der Abiklausuren, "Da spricht man doch nur Englisch und Fritjes" und noch so viele Kleinigkeiten mehr - ganz ganz großartig!
Dazu kommen zauberhafte, liebevolle Details, die das Graphic Novel für mich zu etwas ganz Besonderem machen <3 Die Wahl der Schriftart (und Verwendung von Schreibschrift für Sarkasmus), die Möwe, der kaputte Regenschirm des Lehrers ("Bei allem Spaß, das hier ist immer noch eine Studienfahrt"), die gemusterten Pommes ("BÄH!! Gib!"), "O Gott ich seh ja schlimm aus" - "Dachte das wäre Absicht"), die muskulösen Jesuskinder, die gruseligen gleichen Gesichter beim Aufschlagen der Abiklausuren, "Da spricht man doch nur Englisch und Fritjes" und noch so viele Kleinigkeiten mehr - ganz ganz großartig!
June 19, 2026
J'ai beaucoup aimé, les dessins sont beaux avec une coloration douce.
Leurs liens sont touchants, on s'y retrouve vraiment, j'aurais juste aimé avoir un peu plus d'explications sur la dispute entre Ben et Andreas.
Leurs liens sont touchants, on s'y retrouve vraiment, j'aurais juste aimé avoir un peu plus d'explications sur la dispute entre Ben et Andreas.
June 9, 2026
I feel like this graphic novel really fell flat. The story line wasn't really there. It was lacking movement and true dialogue to keep everything moving. The illustrations were original but didn't feel very thought out. I wanted to like this book but I just didn't. Not something I would buy for friends etc.
September 18, 2025
merita anche solo per i disegni, meravigliosi!
June 29, 2025
Speravo in qualcosa di meglio.
Non sono impazzita per le tavole, ma nemmeno per la storia. Per me ha troppi non detti e sottintesi che a volte non so nemmeno se ho colto appieno.
Non sono impazzita per le tavole, ma nemmeno per la storia. Per me ha troppi non detti e sottintesi che a volte non so nemmeno se ho colto appieno.
January 26, 2025
„Und das machen wir dann so lange, bis wir wissen, was wir wirklich wollen.“
July 31, 2025
boh, sarà che vengo da un turno stressante di lavoro, e mi dispiace dirlo visto che amo questa casa editrice tanto quanto amo il mio cane, ma forse ho trovato il primo libro non compreso della BAO.
i disegni sono particolari, potrebbero non piacere a tutti, ma di per se è stata la storia a lasciarmi un po' delusa.
ma cosa mi vuole raccontare?
mi sembra di aver saltato 400 pagine della storia, mi sembra di essermi perso un pezzo per strada boh non lo so
i disegni sono particolari, potrebbero non piacere a tutti, ma di per se è stata la storia a lasciarmi un po' delusa.
ma cosa mi vuole raccontare?
mi sembra di aver saltato 400 pagine della storia, mi sembra di essermi perso un pezzo per strada boh non lo so
March 12, 2025
Das letzte Schuljahr vor dem Abitur ist angebrochen… der Ernst des Lebens beginnt, irgendwo in einer größeren Stadt. Eine Zeit, in der die Welt wie immer scheint, die aber doch alles in der Zukunft ändern wird. Zensuren entscheiden; überhaupt, große Entscheidungen stehen an. Wohin wird dich der Weg des Lebens tragen? Studieren, nicht studieren, wenn ja, was studieren – wo bewirbt man sich? Das Zuhause verlassen, die Familie, den Freundeskreis – vielleicht eine Beziehung. Der Umbruch wird dich verändern – alles kann sich verändern.
Für Ben, der den ausklingenden Sommer unverdrossen mit seiner Freundin Clara genießen möchte, trübt sich die Stimmung schleichend, als diese beginnt, sich mehr und mehr zurückzuziehen. Wie sich eine Weile zuvor schon sein bester Freund Andreas ohne eine Erklärung von Ben abgewendet hatte. Während die Spannungen zwischen Ben und Clara sich zuspitzen und Andreas mit seinen eigenen Dämonen zu kämpfen hat, rücken die Abiturprüfungen unweigerlich immer näher – und mit ihnen der ganze andere Quatsch: «Was machst du nach der Schule? Wo bewirbst du dich? Schreibst du dich ein? Ziehst du aus?» Es wird dringend Zeit für ein Durchatmen…
Die Graphic Novel erzählt von der Zeit vor dem Abi, eine voller Anspannung für jeden Einzelnen. Lernen – wird man es schaffen? Wie gut oder schlecht wird man abschneiden? Die Entscheidung, wie es weitergehen soll; sich für einen neuen Lebensweg zu entscheiden, Bewerbungen schreiben, sich überhaupt für etwas zu entscheiden – für den ein oder anderen bereits eine Überforderung. Nach dem Abi trennen sich die Wege. Was wird bleiben? Welche Freundschaft hält? Kann eine Beziehung als Fernbeziehung bestehen bleiben? Planung der Abschlussfeier, und die Planung für einen Urlaub – die Planung für den nächsten Lebensabschnitt, mitten in den Prüfungsvorbereitungen.
Ben, Clara und Andreas – das C in der Mitte, eine klassische Coming-of-Age-Geschichte. Ben hat nun Clara, nun nicht mehr so viel Zeit für Andreas, was den etwas verdrießlich macht; denn er ist schwul und liebt Ben. Aber auch Clara hat ein Problem – was sie mit Ben nicht teilen mag – was wiederum diesen ärgert. Sie hat sich für einen Studiengang in Rotterdam beworben und eine Zusage erhalten. Es nagt an ihr, denn damit hat sie nicht gerechnet; und sie muss sich entscheiden, Studium in den Niederlanden oder Ben, oder geht beides? Ben spürt die Spannungen; aber er ahnt von beidem nichts. Clara, die Zielstrebige, Ben der Zurückhaltende, der noch nicht genau weiß, was er will; Andreas, der Coole.
Michèle Fischels arbeitet mit zarten Strichen am Tablet, pointierter Zeichenstift mit klarer Linie. Zoomansichten der Gesichter oder mal Haare, Hände, Füße, eine Tafel, eine Menge von Schülern, leere Stühle. Dazu gibt es flächige Kolorierung in zarten Farben, teils Schraffuren, die sich atmosphärisch der Situation anpassen, Naturtöne in Orange und Grün – es kann aber auch mal schwarz werden. Neben üblichen Panels werden auch ganzseitige, stimmungsvolle Naturbilder eingesetzt. Erzählerisch wie zeichnerisch setzt Michèle Fischels die letzte Phase vor dem Abitur hervorragend um. Die Illustrationen des Comics zeigen eine klare eigene Handschrift. Den Namen muss man sich merken! Der Reprodukt Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 16 Jahren – passt für mich. Empfehlung!
Michèle Fischels studierte Design an der FH Münster und arbeitet als Illustratorin und Comiczeichnerin.
Für Ben, der den ausklingenden Sommer unverdrossen mit seiner Freundin Clara genießen möchte, trübt sich die Stimmung schleichend, als diese beginnt, sich mehr und mehr zurückzuziehen. Wie sich eine Weile zuvor schon sein bester Freund Andreas ohne eine Erklärung von Ben abgewendet hatte. Während die Spannungen zwischen Ben und Clara sich zuspitzen und Andreas mit seinen eigenen Dämonen zu kämpfen hat, rücken die Abiturprüfungen unweigerlich immer näher – und mit ihnen der ganze andere Quatsch: «Was machst du nach der Schule? Wo bewirbst du dich? Schreibst du dich ein? Ziehst du aus?» Es wird dringend Zeit für ein Durchatmen…
Die Graphic Novel erzählt von der Zeit vor dem Abi, eine voller Anspannung für jeden Einzelnen. Lernen – wird man es schaffen? Wie gut oder schlecht wird man abschneiden? Die Entscheidung, wie es weitergehen soll; sich für einen neuen Lebensweg zu entscheiden, Bewerbungen schreiben, sich überhaupt für etwas zu entscheiden – für den ein oder anderen bereits eine Überforderung. Nach dem Abi trennen sich die Wege. Was wird bleiben? Welche Freundschaft hält? Kann eine Beziehung als Fernbeziehung bestehen bleiben? Planung der Abschlussfeier, und die Planung für einen Urlaub – die Planung für den nächsten Lebensabschnitt, mitten in den Prüfungsvorbereitungen.
Ben, Clara und Andreas – das C in der Mitte, eine klassische Coming-of-Age-Geschichte. Ben hat nun Clara, nun nicht mehr so viel Zeit für Andreas, was den etwas verdrießlich macht; denn er ist schwul und liebt Ben. Aber auch Clara hat ein Problem – was sie mit Ben nicht teilen mag – was wiederum diesen ärgert. Sie hat sich für einen Studiengang in Rotterdam beworben und eine Zusage erhalten. Es nagt an ihr, denn damit hat sie nicht gerechnet; und sie muss sich entscheiden, Studium in den Niederlanden oder Ben, oder geht beides? Ben spürt die Spannungen; aber er ahnt von beidem nichts. Clara, die Zielstrebige, Ben der Zurückhaltende, der noch nicht genau weiß, was er will; Andreas, der Coole.
Michèle Fischels arbeitet mit zarten Strichen am Tablet, pointierter Zeichenstift mit klarer Linie. Zoomansichten der Gesichter oder mal Haare, Hände, Füße, eine Tafel, eine Menge von Schülern, leere Stühle. Dazu gibt es flächige Kolorierung in zarten Farben, teils Schraffuren, die sich atmosphärisch der Situation anpassen, Naturtöne in Orange und Grün – es kann aber auch mal schwarz werden. Neben üblichen Panels werden auch ganzseitige, stimmungsvolle Naturbilder eingesetzt. Erzählerisch wie zeichnerisch setzt Michèle Fischels die letzte Phase vor dem Abitur hervorragend um. Die Illustrationen des Comics zeigen eine klare eigene Handschrift. Den Namen muss man sich merken! Der Reprodukt Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 16 Jahren – passt für mich. Empfehlung!
Michèle Fischels studierte Design an der FH Münster und arbeitet als Illustratorin und Comiczeichnerin.
January 3, 2026
Czy Was czasem też bierze taka jesieniarska nostalgia za dawno minionymi szkolnymi czasami? Jeśli tak, to "Outline" Michèle Fischels pozwoli zaspokoić to melancholijne ssanie.
Nawet kolory są tu charakterystyczne dla tej refleksyjnej rdzawo-złotej pory roku - co jeszcze dodatkowo uruchamia pokłady jakiejś niezaspokojonej "trzewnej" tęsknoty. Do tego ta paleta stonowanych jesiennych barw daje taki vintage'owy werniks, jak byśmy zanurzali się w rozpamiętywaniu przeszłości (choć akcja jak najbardziej dzieje się w teraźniejszości i dotyczy grupy licealistów, którzy coraz bardziej zbliżają się do egzaminu maturalnego i niepokojących pytań: "Co dalej?").
Mamy tu trójkę głównych bohaterów: Dwóch przyjaciół i tę trzecią, która dołączyła do nich na końcu. Domyślamy się, że spędzali ze sobą dużo czasu, dorastali razem, zmieniały się ich relacje i afekty wewnątrz tej małej grupy. W przededniu matury Ben i Clara są już parą, a Andreas dobrowolnie skazuje siebie na "banicję" i zaczyna trzymać z dala od dwójki swoich dawnych przyjaciół. Te niewypowiedziane emocje, napięcia i rozterki meandrujące między tą trójką są tu właściwie osią napędową akcji i nadają tej opowieści pewnego szczególnego zabarwienia, bardzo przejmującego i jedynego w swoim rodzaju. Bez tego "ukrytego poziomu" autorka nie osiągnęłaby takiej emocjonalnej głębi i rozedrgania.
I gdyby nie dość sztampowe, "poprawne" zakończenie, z uwznioślającą przemową na zakończenie roku szkolnego, ten komiks byłby utworem naprawdę niezwykłym. W tym miejscu artystka jednak poległa i nie wymyśliła nic, co zamknęłoby tę historię w sposób mniej dydaktyczny i ugrzeczniony.
Jednak mimo wszystko jest to i tak historia warta poznania, szczególnie dobrze wchodząca o tej porze roku.
To niezdecydowanie, niepewność, pewne rozmemłanie i zagubienie "starych dzieciaków", które los powoli wypycha coraz bardziej na samodzielność, jest tu dobrze uchwycona.
Podoba mi się również to jak Fischels pokazuje młode kobiety - już niekoniecznie chłopak i związek są na pierwszym miejscu, przede wszystkim liczy się, co one naprawdę zrobią ze swoim życiem same, co same wybiorą dla siebie, bez presji "tego jedynego".
Styl artystki idealnie współgra z przedstawioną historią - jest bardzo szkicowy, rysunek jakby zrobiony od niechcenia, choć ta niedbałość jest w rzeczywistości bardzo dopracowana.
Nawet kolory są tu charakterystyczne dla tej refleksyjnej rdzawo-złotej pory roku - co jeszcze dodatkowo uruchamia pokłady jakiejś niezaspokojonej "trzewnej" tęsknoty. Do tego ta paleta stonowanych jesiennych barw daje taki vintage'owy werniks, jak byśmy zanurzali się w rozpamiętywaniu przeszłości (choć akcja jak najbardziej dzieje się w teraźniejszości i dotyczy grupy licealistów, którzy coraz bardziej zbliżają się do egzaminu maturalnego i niepokojących pytań: "Co dalej?").
Mamy tu trójkę głównych bohaterów: Dwóch przyjaciół i tę trzecią, która dołączyła do nich na końcu. Domyślamy się, że spędzali ze sobą dużo czasu, dorastali razem, zmieniały się ich relacje i afekty wewnątrz tej małej grupy. W przededniu matury Ben i Clara są już parą, a Andreas dobrowolnie skazuje siebie na "banicję" i zaczyna trzymać z dala od dwójki swoich dawnych przyjaciół. Te niewypowiedziane emocje, napięcia i rozterki meandrujące między tą trójką są tu właściwie osią napędową akcji i nadają tej opowieści pewnego szczególnego zabarwienia, bardzo przejmującego i jedynego w swoim rodzaju. Bez tego "ukrytego poziomu" autorka nie osiągnęłaby takiej emocjonalnej głębi i rozedrgania.
I gdyby nie dość sztampowe, "poprawne" zakończenie, z uwznioślającą przemową na zakończenie roku szkolnego, ten komiks byłby utworem naprawdę niezwykłym. W tym miejscu artystka jednak poległa i nie wymyśliła nic, co zamknęłoby tę historię w sposób mniej dydaktyczny i ugrzeczniony.
Jednak mimo wszystko jest to i tak historia warta poznania, szczególnie dobrze wchodząca o tej porze roku.
To niezdecydowanie, niepewność, pewne rozmemłanie i zagubienie "starych dzieciaków", które los powoli wypycha coraz bardziej na samodzielność, jest tu dobrze uchwycona.
Podoba mi się również to jak Fischels pokazuje młode kobiety - już niekoniecznie chłopak i związek są na pierwszym miejscu, przede wszystkim liczy się, co one naprawdę zrobią ze swoim życiem same, co same wybiorą dla siebie, bez presji "tego jedynego".
Styl artystki idealnie współgra z przedstawioną historią - jest bardzo szkicowy, rysunek jakby zrobiony od niechcenia, choć ta niedbałość jest w rzeczywistości bardzo dopracowana.
June 4, 2026
A moody and nostalgic story of three teens in their final year in high school.
Outline is a graphic novel first released in German back in 2024 that is now to be released in English. It tells the story of three seniors — Ben, Clara, and Andreas — who were once friends with each other but have since diverged as Ben and Clara got together and Andreas drifted away presumably due to his unrequited feelings for Ben. The uncertainties of the final year in school will produce individual and interpersonal issues that they'll have to figure out before graduating.
I'd like to highlight the art first. The pages are rendered in evocative duotones, colors in accordance to the mood of the scene, with the deep maroon and orange of autumn being the default and my favorite. This is paired with wiry and expressive character art that gave distinct profiles for the main characters. There's an absence of narration and dialogues are sparse so the art does the heavy lifting, which I think it succeeded in as it aptly captured the melancholia of that period in life before graduation. My favorite panels include those of class parties, bondings, and conversations about the future.
As for the plot, it follows some familiar beats of coming-of-age stories such as what becomes the main conflict between Ben and Clara. There's an small-town indie teenage film vibe attached to it. On the characters, I believe there was a missed potential on further contextualizing their individual identities and friendship with each other before the events of the book that could've added tension and tragedy to their current situation. I would've love to see who Clara and Andreas were outside of their relation to Ben. There's also a weird lack of adults in the story.
Overall, Outline is a love letter to that period of our lives. There would always be issues that would feel larger than they actually are, and not everything can be resolved as soon as you leave the school and its environs. I think I would've loved this more if I read it during my teenage years. It still managed to endear me, nonetheless.
Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the eARC of the English version!
Outline is a graphic novel first released in German back in 2024 that is now to be released in English. It tells the story of three seniors — Ben, Clara, and Andreas — who were once friends with each other but have since diverged as Ben and Clara got together and Andreas drifted away presumably due to his unrequited feelings for Ben. The uncertainties of the final year in school will produce individual and interpersonal issues that they'll have to figure out before graduating.
I'd like to highlight the art first. The pages are rendered in evocative duotones, colors in accordance to the mood of the scene, with the deep maroon and orange of autumn being the default and my favorite. This is paired with wiry and expressive character art that gave distinct profiles for the main characters. There's an absence of narration and dialogues are sparse so the art does the heavy lifting, which I think it succeeded in as it aptly captured the melancholia of that period in life before graduation. My favorite panels include those of class parties, bondings, and conversations about the future.
As for the plot, it follows some familiar beats of coming-of-age stories such as what becomes the main conflict between Ben and Clara. There's an small-town indie teenage film vibe attached to it. On the characters, I believe there was a missed potential on further contextualizing their individual identities and friendship with each other before the events of the book that could've added tension and tragedy to their current situation. I would've love to see who Clara and Andreas were outside of their relation to Ben. There's also a weird lack of adults in the story.
Overall, Outline is a love letter to that period of our lives. There would always be issues that would feel larger than they actually are, and not everything can be resolved as soon as you leave the school and its environs. I think I would've loved this more if I read it during my teenage years. It still managed to endear me, nonetheless.
Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the eARC of the English version!
June 3, 2026
I was so sad that I didn't like this graphic novel. I thought the synopsis was compelling, given it's focus on the senior year of three teens. The art style on the cover is stunning. However, when I read the novel, I felt a bit surprised by the quality of the story inside. To preface the rest of my thoughts, I am not totally sure about the setting of this story, which would likely better inform some of what I'm detailing in this review.
First, I thought the plot was messy overall. I struggled to understand what was going on between Andreas, Ben, and Clara. No context is given for the tension in their friendship. I suspect it is because of Ben and Clara's relationship, but that is never explained or contextualized. There is a time jump between the beginning and the core part of the story, but that only made things more confusing. It was difficult to distinguish this time jump. I didn't actually register it until later in the story when Clara's POV is somewhat centered.
Second, I barely understood the characters and their motivations. At times, this book had some wonderful artistic frames, but it didn't matter to me. I didn't know what was going on between the characters (the core of the story). I understood each of them had things going on individually, but I didn't see the pulling away described in the synopsis. There was also very little emotional investment on the part of the characters or the reader, in my experience.
Finally, the art style felt extremely inconsistent. As mentioned above, I thought there were a few spectacularly drawn frames. This part of the review is extremely subjective, but I found that the art went from scribbly doodles to well-detailed and artistically styled pieces that reflected the personality of the author. Overall, it contributed to the messy vibe of the book I noticed. It felt rushed.
First, I thought the plot was messy overall. I struggled to understand what was going on between Andreas, Ben, and Clara. No context is given for the tension in their friendship. I suspect it is because of Ben and Clara's relationship, but that is never explained or contextualized. There is a time jump between the beginning and the core part of the story, but that only made things more confusing. It was difficult to distinguish this time jump. I didn't actually register it until later in the story when Clara's POV is somewhat centered.
Second, I barely understood the characters and their motivations. At times, this book had some wonderful artistic frames, but it didn't matter to me. I didn't know what was going on between the characters (the core of the story). I understood each of them had things going on individually, but I didn't see the pulling away described in the synopsis. There was also very little emotional investment on the part of the characters or the reader, in my experience.
Finally, the art style felt extremely inconsistent. As mentioned above, I thought there were a few spectacularly drawn frames. This part of the review is extremely subjective, but I found that the art went from scribbly doodles to well-detailed and artistically styled pieces that reflected the personality of the author. Overall, it contributed to the messy vibe of the book I noticed. It felt rushed.
June 10, 2026
Outline is a painfully tender story about ending of school, and the decisions you need make it after it.
Ben and Clara are a picture perfect couple who love each other and everyone else loves. And then there’s Andreas, their old friend who has been distancing him self from them, and everybody else, these past few years. All three of these “friends” are coming to the end of their schooling journey, and have to answer the question of, what’s next? University? Career? Gap year? All scary prospects.
I thought that this graphic novel was phenomenal. The story is heart-wrenching and real. Everybody knows the dread, the anxiety, the terrifying unknown of what comes after the end of school. The art style was loose and helped exaggerate the characters emotions in their pivotal emotional moments. Also the coloring was great, I loved it. The author uses colors in such an engaging way, I felt the warmth of the sunny day, the cold, darkness of a rainy evening, and the seriousness of the depressing grey tones. It really made me feel more connected with the characters.
I loved this. A nice, no cutesy summer read is needed sometimes, and this checks that box.
Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Ben and Clara are a picture perfect couple who love each other and everyone else loves. And then there’s Andreas, their old friend who has been distancing him self from them, and everybody else, these past few years. All three of these “friends” are coming to the end of their schooling journey, and have to answer the question of, what’s next? University? Career? Gap year? All scary prospects.
I thought that this graphic novel was phenomenal. The story is heart-wrenching and real. Everybody knows the dread, the anxiety, the terrifying unknown of what comes after the end of school. The art style was loose and helped exaggerate the characters emotions in their pivotal emotional moments. Also the coloring was great, I loved it. The author uses colors in such an engaging way, I felt the warmth of the sunny day, the cold, darkness of a rainy evening, and the seriousness of the depressing grey tones. It really made me feel more connected with the characters.
I loved this. A nice, no cutesy summer read is needed sometimes, and this checks that box.
Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.
April 1, 2026
Catturata dai colori, rimasta per la trama.
"Outline" è una graphic novel dolce, ma che pizzica come il limone sulle ferite aperte se riesci a empatizzare con i personaggi e con le loro storie.
Se mi fossi imbattuta in questo fumetto all'epoca della mia maturità, avrei molto probabilmente impregnato le pagine di lacrime - il ché sarebbe stato un enorme peccato, visto che le tavole sono meravigliose!
È pur vero, però, che a 29 anni ho ancora tanti dubbi e domande sulla mia vita e sul mio futuro, quindi si può dire questa storia ha comunque colpito "a casa".
Durante il corso della narrazione ci sono tanti non-detti, salti temporali e sguardi che comunicano in silenzio.
Personalmente, amo quando viene lasciata a noi lettori la possibilità di colmare le lacune, immaginare quali conflitti abbiano portato ai cambiamenti e ipotizzare cosa tormenti i nostri protagonisti.
Davvero una storia splendida che mi sento di super consigliarvi!
Anche solo per l'edizione e i disegni, è una chicca da avere nella propria libreria.
"Outline" è una graphic novel dolce, ma che pizzica come il limone sulle ferite aperte se riesci a empatizzare con i personaggi e con le loro storie.
Se mi fossi imbattuta in questo fumetto all'epoca della mia maturità, avrei molto probabilmente impregnato le pagine di lacrime - il ché sarebbe stato un enorme peccato, visto che le tavole sono meravigliose!
È pur vero, però, che a 29 anni ho ancora tanti dubbi e domande sulla mia vita e sul mio futuro, quindi si può dire questa storia ha comunque colpito "a casa".
Durante il corso della narrazione ci sono tanti non-detti, salti temporali e sguardi che comunicano in silenzio.
Personalmente, amo quando viene lasciata a noi lettori la possibilità di colmare le lacune, immaginare quali conflitti abbiano portato ai cambiamenti e ipotizzare cosa tormenti i nostri protagonisti.
Davvero una storia splendida che mi sento di super consigliarvi!
Anche solo per l'edizione e i disegni, è una chicca da avere nella propria libreria.
June 5, 2026
Outline by Michèle Fischels is a graphic novel following a group of friends in their final year of school, grappling with complicated friendships, new relationships, and doubts about their futures.
The art style in this novel is fantastic - it’s loose and a little messy at times, but that adds to the utter charm of this story. The simple color pallet gave everything a cozy vibe that I adored sinking into.
The story itself was delightful and reminded me of both why I miss high school and would never want to revisit those years. The dynamics between the characters were so effectively conveyed in very little panels, which helped the story flow effortlessly.
The ending left me feeling a little hollow, in a sad and aching sort of way that you don’t always get with stories like this. I loved that it didn’t feel the need to give a happy ending with everything tied up nicely in a bow.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest and fair review
The art style in this novel is fantastic - it’s loose and a little messy at times, but that adds to the utter charm of this story. The simple color pallet gave everything a cozy vibe that I adored sinking into.
The story itself was delightful and reminded me of both why I miss high school and would never want to revisit those years. The dynamics between the characters were so effectively conveyed in very little panels, which helped the story flow effortlessly.
The ending left me feeling a little hollow, in a sad and aching sort of way that you don’t always get with stories like this. I loved that it didn’t feel the need to give a happy ending with everything tied up nicely in a bow.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest and fair review
June 20, 2026
Outline by Michele Fischels is one such graphic novel that profoundly covers the uncertain period of college life and uncertainty of the future that hovers over students. Or a surface level, this book is quite general, covering nothing much but growing years and bonds between Ben, his girlfriend Clara and their best friend Andres. While Ben and Clara find solace in their emerging relationship, there's more to the story when Clara starts changing her behaviour and showcase withdrawal, eventually it turning out to be enrolling in the college of Netherlands for future studies with possible long distance relationships. Andres's story arc has much more to offer from the emptiness within the uncertainty of career while exploring his sexuality, the author portrays him pretending to be strong but vulnerable within.
The artwork stands out, with warm shades of Blue, Red, Oranges and Green, that significantly adjust according to the need of the atmosphere of the study. It's as if offering a sense of calmness in chaos and at times pausing just to adore those beautiful frames on some pages.
The artwork stands out, with warm shades of Blue, Red, Oranges and Green, that significantly adjust according to the need of the atmosphere of the study. It's as if offering a sense of calmness in chaos and at times pausing just to adore those beautiful frames on some pages.
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