Left Turns
An aspiring comic book artist tries to preserve his dream in the graphic novel Left Turns.
David is twenty-five and working in a comic book shop; he’s looking for an opportunity to break into the comics industry. He maintains a close circle of friends and family. His dedication to his goals leads to difficult situations, but he maintains his resolve.
As the book begins, he’s moving in with his brother after breaking up with his girlfriend, Rebecca. Through flashbacks and present-set narratives, David’s relationships with Rebecca and his first love, Katie, are revealed. Later, he’s introduced to a new love interest, Violet.
The artwork is natural and expressive, grounding David’s tale in reality. Here and elsewhere, the book devotes significant time to developing its characters, building emotional investment in David. In time, it reaches a thunderous, heartbreaking climax in which Rebecca’s decision to end their relationship is unveiled. David’s emotional tumult makes his determination seem all the more inspiring.
With insightful observations about making art and “trying to create a meaningful record that lasts,” Left Turns is a heartfelt graphic novel focused on the trade-offs between love, life, and artistic endeavors.
Reviewed by
Peter Dabbene
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
