Look Out is what you get when you blend of incredible prose and stunning, painted illustrations. Written by Dan Baillie and illustrated by Tim Bradstreet, this debut graphic novella from the Future of Fear collaboration between AWA Studios and Vertigo Entertainment plunged me into an unsettling tale set deep in the isolated wilderness. Equal parts haunting and visually captivating, Look Out redefines horror storytelling.
When Oscar, recuperating from a divorce, takes a job as a fire lookout in a remote forest outpost, he unearths a mangled sheet of paper inscribed with a strange set of rules that promise to keep him safe during his watch. Oscar laughs it off as a prank – a bit of light hazing from the other fire lookouts in the area – but when night falls, he discovers that the rules, and the threat they protect against, are all too real.
Over recent years, mainly fueled by the endless doom scrolling on Instagram, I found myself envying those lucky enough to work as fire lookouts in the vast, untamed forests of this incredible country. However, if there’s one book that has managed to shatter that dream and replace it with a haunting nightmare, it’s Look Out.
Dan Baillie’s writing doesn’t just evoke fear, it’s chilling on so many levels. With each page turn, Baillie adds to a tale that initially seems like a fresh start, but turns to an eerie and unsettling tale in the vast woods. This is more than a novella; it’s a brilliantly unsettling horror reading experience that redefines what it means to be truly terrified.
From the very first page, I felt a connection to the protagonist, especially having experienced a divorce myself. His isolation, with no friends, family, or even a pet, really made me feel for him. That profound sense of loneliness made Oscar’s struggle feel deeply personal. All throughout the book, I found myself rooting for his survival, fully invested in his story and hoping he’d find his way forward.
Look Out incredibly delivers an eerie, atmospheric tone that lingers far beyond the pages themselves. Rarely have I felt so genuinely frightened while reading a novella. I’m glad I cracked it open for the first time seated next to my wife in our well-lit living room, as every page turn seemed to pull me deeper into an unsettling world. Honestly, it scared the shit out of me.
Look Out is truly a unique horror experience with a blend of two of my favorite mediums. While the novella itself is a thrilling story, it’s really Bradstreet’s perfectly placed illustrations that elevate the book to new heights. Meanwhile, the prose format allows for deeper storytelling than traditional graphic novels or comics. Together, these elements combine into something truly special. I’m eager not only for more from these fantastic creators but also for additional stories in this format.
Look Out isn’t just one of the best books I’ve read in 2025; it’s also one of the most wonderful comics I’ve come across so far this year. Each page turned feature incredible storytelling, thanks to Dan Baillie’s amazing writing paired with Tim Bradstreet’s stunning illustrations. This unique graphic novella format seamlessly brings together the world of prose novellas with stunning imagery, making it a must-read for horror fans everywhere.
Here’s to hoping Look Out gets adapted into a feature film. With Vertigo Entertainment at the helm, I’m ready for them to scare the shit out of me all over again.
Look Out hits shops on May 7, 2025 from AWA Studios.
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