Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this edition, we’re checking out on of the biggest buzz-worthy books at the LCS! Grim #3 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano for Boom Studios has been an absolutely must-read story. The book has already gone into multiple printings out the gate, so the fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Let’s not waste any more time and jump into the latest adventure of comics’ most popular reaper, shall we?

Grim #3 - On Sale July 20th
Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Jessica Harrow’s (after)life has been anything but normal. Jessica is a reaper who guides the departed into the after life. On a recent case, the transfer went awry and Jessica wound up crossing over into the land of the living. This broke a cardinal rule with her boss Adira. While under suspension, Jessica and a few of her friends attempted to find out some answers on how this happened. During this action, Adira discovered them and locked them up. What could be the big secret? And WHAT is that big monster running thru people at the Day of The Dead celebration in Mexico? Maybe we get some answers here?

This issue starts off with a flashback to Mesopotamia to where a ritual is being performed. The result is a younger Adira emerging and gathering souls to “fight in a battle for Eternity”. The story shifts to present time where Adira is confronted by The End, the big monster we saw in Mexico for issue #2. It’s mission: restore balance …. by handling the Jessica Harrow situation personally. Adira throws an idea its’ way which could be a game changer.

As for Jessica, She is trying to assess the situation until time runs out. How does it play out for her and her friends? Who can stop The End if she can’t? And how bout that last panel? You’ll need to read and find out!

Phillips continues to crush it with this series. It might sound repetitive at this point but when the story has such great surprises mixed in, it makes for an engaging story. That is the case with this book. Jessica’s story continues to go in new directions that has me as a reader constantly guessing. There are so many layers to what it happening here and who is really “good” in this world, other than Jessica at this stage. Readers see more characters have their moments here and will enjoy picking this issue up.

Flaviano drops another visually impressive issue on readers. The flashback of Adira locks you in from the jump. The depiction of the afterlife is so well done. Seeing how Adira holds court with The End is a haunting moment with all the other souls around. The action sequences pop off the pages as well, espically with one characters’ “death”. It’s such a compliment to the story. Great last panel to close out one.

Overall, Grim continues to be a must-read series. Phillips, Flaviano, and the rest of the creative team are presenting a very unique story that always impresses. The story of Jessica Harrow is only beginning so jump on board now and don’t miss it at the LCS!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Grim #3. Thanks for reading.

GRIM #3 (BOOM STUDIOS)

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