Member-only story

Straight Ahead: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon, as Told by the People Who Knew Him Best

Kyle Powell

·10.8k Followers· Follow

Published in One Piece Vol 15: Straight Ahead (One Piece Graphic Novel)

5 min read

522 View Claps

100 Respond

Save

Listen

One Piece, Vol. 15: Straight Ahead!!! (One Piece Graphic Novel)

by Eiichiro Oda

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	133399 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	216 pages

Straight Ahead is a graphic novel that tells the story of the rise and fall of an American icon, as told by the people who knew him best. The novel is based on interviews with friends, family, and colleagues of the icon, and provides a unique and intimate look at the life of a man who was both celebrated and reviled.

The icon in question is a fictional character named John Smith. Smith is a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful and influential people in the world. He is a charismatic and visionary leader, but he is also flawed and complex. Smith's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the importance of staying true to oneself.

The novel is divided into three parts. The first part tells the story of Smith's rise to power. He is a brilliant strategist and a master of self-promotion. He quickly gains the trust of the people around him, and he uses his power to achieve his goals.

The second part of the novel tells the story of Smith's fall from power. He becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid. He makes enemies of those who once trusted him, and he eventually loses the support of the people. Smith's downfall is a slow and painful process, but it is inevitable.

The third part of the novel tells the story of Smith's legacy. He is remembered as a great man, but he is also remembered for his flaws. Smith's story is a complex and cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Straight Ahead is a well-written and thought-provoking graphic novel. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American icons.

Characters

John Smith: The main character of the novel. Smith is a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful and influential people in the world. He is a charismatic and visionary leader, but he is also flawed and complex.
Jane Doe: Smith's wife. Jane is a strong and independent woman who supports Smith's ambitions. However, she is also aware of his flaws and she worries about his future.
John Doe: Smith's son. John is a bright and ambitious young man. He follows in his father's footsteps and becomes a successful businessman. However, he is also haunted by his father's shadow.

Themes

The dangers of power: Smith's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power. He becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid as he gains more power. He makes enemies of those who once trusted him, and he eventually loses the support of the people.
The importance of staying true to oneself: Smith's story is also a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself. He tries to be someone he is not, and he ultimately pays the price.
The power of redemption: Despite his flaws, Smith is ultimately a redeemable character. He realizes the error of his ways and he tries to make amends for his past mistakes.

Critical Reception

Straight Ahead has received critical acclaim from both critics and readers. The novel has been praised for its well-written characters, thought-provoking themes, and stunning artwork.

"Straight Ahead is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American icons." - The New York Times

"A powerful and cautionary tale about the dangers of power." - The Washington Post

"A complex and thought-provoking graphic novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it." - Publishers Weekly