Share this
Jessica Harrow’s (after)life has always been complex. Being the daughter of Death comes with many strings attached. As the heir apparent, Jessica has inherited some enemies. The manipulations of her aunt have now led to Hell On Earth. Is there any hope left?
GRIM #20 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (BOOM! STUDIOS) sets forth a new direction for the coolest book at the LCS!
This series is a fan favorite at the N.I. Bullpen. Teaming up for this review is Marty Stoked (N.I. ast. editor) and yours truly (Ken – ODPH podcast/N.I. editor In Chief). Let’s not wait any longer and check the latest chapter out! *** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
LET’S TALK STORY!
KEN:
Since its’ return from a brief hiatus, the direction of Grim has been spotlighting featured characters. Delving into their backstories has provided many new layers to each involved. This issue focuses on a relationship many have been waiting to find out about: Death and Lilah. Phillips orchestrates this with many twists and turns before hitting readers with an emotional punch.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW
Death is portrayed as a lovestruck soul questioning all he knows. On the other hand, Lilah is very comfortable in her sexual preferences as his “partner”. It is a unique dynamic that stretches through this chapter. Even with the assist of the world’s best in psychoanalysis, Death struggles to sort his feelings. The resolution is a tremendous punch. It’s paired perfectly to Depeche Mode’s “Strangelove”. Relationships are complex enough. Factor in their circumstances and the story is unapologetic in handling the fallout.
It sets a stage for a present day reveal which harkens on the uncomfortable sins of the past. Readers watch as a reunion unfolds which has mixed results. There isn’t much time to process this event as the story heads into its’ close. Once here, Phillips leaves readers with another reveal that is sure to raise more eyebrows as Jessica continues to journey into mystery.
MARTY:
Phillips does a phenomenal job of slowly unraveling the backstory, giving readers just enough to build anticipation. By weaving flashbacks throughout the issue, she allows us to piece together key moments while staying grounded in the present. The pacing strikes a balance between character development and world-building, giving us more insight into why Lilah is the way she is and deepening the mystery of Life’s vendetta against Death. The dialogue is sharp, emotional, and revealing—particularly in the way Phillips explores Death’s internal struggles. This issue feels like a setup for something monumental, leaving readers eager to see how it all unfolds.
HOW ABOUT ART AND LETTERING?
KEN:
Flaviano and Renzi bring the intimacy and strain of Death and Lilah to the pages flawlessly. The panels take readers on a journey into their doomed union. Using a offset color range for the therapy session works to make each panel pop. From here, the art heads back into displaying the range of feeling between the lost lovers. It builds towards a strong image of Death with the song lyrics swirling around him. Nobody does this better than Tom Napolitano. This carries to the full page closing image. The art team drops one more reveal before parting with this very impactful chapter.
MARTY:
Flaviano’s artwork shines in this issue, especially during the flashbacks. His use of shadows adds depth to the emotional beats, highlighting the intensity of Death and Lilah’s forbidden connection. There’s a sense of intimacy and tension in every panel where they interact, heightened by subtle details like shadowy figures pulling them apart or snuggling close in their most vulnerable moments. It’s a visual representation of the push-and-pull dynamic between duty and desire.
Rico Renzi’s color palette is another standout, particularly on Life’s island. The vibrant colors add an air of mystery and unpredictability, making it feel like anything could happen at any moment. The colors also shift depending on the emotional tone of the scene—from the soft, muted tones in the intimate moments between Death and Lilah to the bright, almost unsettling hues on Life’s domain.
Tom Napolitano’s lettering complements the story well, guiding us through multiple flashbacks without confusion. The way the letters flow with the emotions of the characters is impressive, enhancing the intensity of the conversations and helping to pace the narrative smoothly.
FINAL GRADES:
KEN: 9.4
Delving into the secret past of Jessica’s parents take readers on quite the journey. Phillips crafts a mature and frank look at their union with excellent writing. Flaviano, Renzi and Napolitano deliver on huge moments and heartbreaking images. After reading this, there is no doubt on why this book stands out from the rest.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN
MARTY: 9
Grim #20 is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, with stunning visuals and a plot that continues to evolve in intriguing ways. With its well-crafted backstory and emotional depth, it sets up key pieces that promise an exciting future for the series.
