Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH podcast. For this entry, arguably THE best comic series to debut in 2022 has finally returned to the local comic shops! GRIM #6 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano picks right up where the game changing first story arc ends. Trust me when I say, the life and times of Jessica Harrow has been some of the most complete storytelling you will come across! Let’s not wait an ger ad take a deeper dive into Grim’s return, shall we?

GRIM #6 - On Sale December 14th
Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you’re new to this series, Jessica Harrow is a reaper, helping to guide dead souls to the other side. When a routine assignment goes off the track, Jessica realizes there is more mystery to her than she can even fathom. The journey has shown some insane twists and turns with the current stat quo being she (along with her friends Eddie and Marcel) are now trapped on Earth thanks to Adira. There are so many amazing moments going on with this series that fortunately for readers, GRIM Vol. 1 SC Discover Now Edition is hitting the stores this week as well!

However, this issue kicks off with a trip to No Man’s Land 1917. The scene is intense as war is fully in gear and soldiers mounting attacks. There is a notable red marking on their foreheads. As a solider lines up to shoot, he is killed by opposing fire. His body falls at the feet of a very notable character of the series: DEATH!

From here, the story shifts back to a gentleman walking into a club and catching the act performing on stage. This gentleman is Harold, the messenger, who approaches the singing group after the performance. Harold informs them of changes, but the trio already is aware of the shifting events of the afterlife.

At this stage, the story now shifts to Jessica (as well as Eddie and Marcel) are attending a music festival. This has been the first moment to adjust from the events of last issue and their apparent exile. Jessica takes a break from the music to clear her head with a walk. On this break, she runs into someone with the same mysterious red marking on their forehead like the soldiers at No Man’s Land. What happens next will throw everyone off! What does this stranger do? What is the secret behind the marking? What is going on with the epilogue. Welcome to the new phase of Grim! Readers will have much to be buzzing about with this issue.

Phillips doesn’t skip a beat with the returning arc! The mystery of the red markings should be something big when it’s all said and done. The introduction was pulled off exceptionally well. There are so many questions to guess at (granted,it’s the first issue back), but that’s what makes Grim stand out from other books. It’s constantly keeping readers on edge and not letting things tire. Seeing Harold pass along about the changes happening is another plot point to watch for. Pacing was great as the major players had enough panel time to hook new readers into the story. Seeing how Jessica is processing last issue’s event capped off a strong return.

The art of Flaviano (with Renzi’s coloring) takes this whole story onto other levels. One area that is always noticeable is the way music is incorporated into each issue. The lyrics of the song playing always stand out on the pages. Napolitano’s lettering makes them all pop on each scene. From the club scenes to Jessica zoning out to some Bruce Springsteen, these moments don’t go unnoticed by any reader. The statue scenes with Jessica at the festival really shine. This book has a style all it’s own and visually, there’s nothing like it on the shelves. You need to see it all for yourself.

FINAL POINT: Welcome Back Jessica Harrow! Grim #6 kicks off its’ latest arc with a perfect blend of amazing writing and phenomenal art. Phillips, Flaviano and the team show no sign of slowing down the momentum of this series any time soon. Get this book and vol. 1 TPB at your comic shops this week!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Grim #6. Thanks for reading!

GRIM #6 (BOOM STUDIOS)

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