Few things have been referred to as unavoidable. Death is one of those subjects. It can also be said Destiny is in that mix. Jessica Harrow’s life is a combination of both. Being the heir to Death’s throne, Harrow has tried outrunning this path. How will she fare when Time tracks her down?
GRIM #21 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (BOOM! STUDIOS) continues to be “the Coolest Book at the LCS” with its’ latest chapter!
Let’s take a closer look at where events stand now!
GRIM #21 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (BOOM! STUDIOS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Leave it to Phillips and company to throw more surprises into a deeply woven tale. The introduction is very familiar to long-time readers. As it progresses, this changes quickly. Phillips plays off Jessica’s deciphering to bring forth the latest addition to the cast. It also puts Jessica into a unique position. Her avoidance of her destiny has been a main driver for her character. This issue showcases many possibilities (along with great one-liners) as different timelines are shown.
None might be as stronger hitting than the last one. It is a vision that can be unavoidable. The writing vents Jessica’s frustration. As someone who wants her own choices, it seems that might be out of her control. This leads into a very shocking confrontation. Another factor has been thrown into this equation. Phillips places a fantastic twist that will catch readers off-guard. It serves as a perfect cliffhanger for Jessica as she searches for answers but finds more questions waiting. Top level storytelling at its’ finest.
Flaviano, Renzi and Napolitano provide a re-imagining of a classic moment to start events off. If anyone has questions about great lettering, Napolitano instantly reminds everyone why he’s one of the best. This leads into a full page image that is anything but a rewind. From here, the journey for Jessica stops by a new timeline. The “college days” hides the underlying themes while mixing in enjoyable moments.
This is all capped off by a gorgeous two page splash of multiple timelines. There are great easter eggs homages planted in the spread (“Eight Limbs”!). Time and Jessica’s confrontation carries a tension to it that makes the close even stronger. Flaviano and Renzi crafts stellar half page splits of timelines. This builds to the final full page panel. The mic drop moment is guaranteed to lock readers in until the next chapter drops.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.5
Jessica Harrow is confronted with an unavoidable fate in another spectacular chapter of “Grim”. Phillips’ writing blends in a new dynamic while challenging Jessica’s fate. Flaviano, Renzi and Napolitano continue to prove why they’re one of comics best creative art teams with their high caliber work. There’s nothing like this series at the LCS!
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