Grim #16: The Stories We Tell

Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo

Grim #16 returns with an introspective reminder of death and its many viewpoints. While the world of Grim is in chaos as hell itself has broken loose in the previous arc, this series returns with a message of healing.

Jessica Harrow is a reaper who ferries souls to their final destination despite not knowing how she died herself. Soon, she learns her father is the Grim Reaper and her aunt is a power hungry force to be reckoned with. This changes the balance of power and personified versions of “The End,” “Fate,” and “Life” all make their presence known as the world of Grim goes upside down. Now on the run with her friends Marcel and Eddie, they traverse an earth where no one can die and chaos is everywhere–especially with “Original Sin” terrorizing everyone in its path.

Grim has always been about having a unique narrative and the past 15 issues have been an impressive feat of world building and character development. Writer Stephanie Phillips has crafted a world and rules that take the concept of death and everything about it, and turned it into a unique and refreshing read.

Issue #16, while kicking off a new arc, starts with a somber beginning as Fate, Jessica, Marcel, Eddie, and a Priest with a shotgun are holding out in a diner. It’s a bold beginning considering the blockbuster ending from the previous issue, but it works.

This entry focuses on an unnamed priest who shares a traumatic story of when he was in the military. Deployed in Afghanistan years back, he witnessed his friend's death and is saved by an unlikely pair of good samaritans. The story pulls at heartstrings as Phillips uses it to infuse themes of kindness, acceptance, and striving to be better. It's a unique approach to have such a somber story as this series returns to the shelves, however, it does its job at easing readers back into the world of Grim.

While Phillips' story is engrossing, the art brings out the emotional visuals to shape the overall experience. Flaviano Armentaro’s linework and panel designs are engaging with Rico Renzie’s colors stealing the show. With much of the issue focused on a somber tale and then shifting back to current time with Jessica and crew, the work from Renzi creates a color palette for each story branch that is visually impressive.

A minor aspect that could be improved is keeping the momentum of what’s at stake. As of now most of the core characters are hiding out safely inside, but there is no reference as to what is happening as Original Sin and demons wreak havoc. This takes away from any worry about the safety of the characters and slightly derails the overall plot. However, it is suspected the next issues will bring chaos back to the forefront.

Final Verdict

It’s great to see this series return. Its themes, layers, and introspective narrative continues to impress. While it’s not the rock and roll pacing of previous issues, there is still a lot to appreciate from the creative team.

Criteria	Score
Writing	9.25
Story/Plot	8
Art/Line Work	9.5
Colors	9.75
Final Score	9.1/10

Creative Team

writer: STEPHANIE PHILLIPS

art: FLAVIANO

colors: RICO RENZI

publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS