When Mona struggles with the encroaching darkness or being drowned in her own tears, the images on the page reflect these challenges (sometimes having her face off against a literal version of the darkness she faces within). The art never shies away from more impressionistic images when the story calls for them, particularly as the story advances and Mona finds herself facing greater internal challenges. Gulledge has a singular art style that utilizes minimal color and meticulous shading.
While the climax does involve an outside event, the core of the story is about how Mona is able to navigate the darkness within herself, emerging with a better understanding of herself, how her feelings work, and how to use those feelings in order to create something positive that connects with other people. A considerable portion of the story takes place in her mind, as she explores and catalogs the darkness she has inside and better understands how she can use that darkness for more constructive ends.
While the supporting characters are reasonably well developed, this is Mona’s story. Meanwhile, she visits a series of medical professionals, some of which offer advice that helps Mona get a better handle on her mental health. As she begins navigating school without the benefit of her best friend by her side, she faces a plethora of challenges, even in conjunction with her favorite teachers, and building on the foundations of a new friendship proves more difficult that Mona imagined.
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