Death is unavoidable. No matter where you are in life, it is always looming. This is the same for Jessica Harrow. The daughter of Death itself and a human has had quite the journey. From confrontations with her Aunt Adira, The End and original Sin itself, it has all left scars on the enigmatic reaper.
Recently, Jessica has been trying to avoid fate. She doesn’t want to mantle of Death. Another has taken the throne by default. This leaves Jessica in new territory. It is one driven be her own choices.
GRIM #24 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (BOOM! STUDIOS) delivers its’ pen-ultimate issue.
Let’s take a closer look at where events land now.
GRIM #24 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (BOOM! STUDIOS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Phillips splits this tale into two separate parts. The first locks in on the new Death. Marcel’s first assignment is bringing in an author. His dialogue with Desmond Pell is filled with compassion and understanding. Pell is very much against accepting his fate. Their interaction mirrors how sometimes one doesn’t get to finish their story. It is very touching as the new approach works to segway into the other side of the morbid coin.
Jessica and Time take center stage here. Under the guise of Jessica “living”, the story walks readers into a future uncertain. Phillips gives the audience a personal look at her new path. It is heart-warming with Marcel’s dialogue lurking in the background. Readers watch as the emotional gamete is covered. Events lead into a perfect ending to where the story needs to go. A final page says very little, while speaking volumes. The chapter adds so much perspective into an already masterful series. It’s another smash success.
As for the art, it’s another huge win as Flaviano and Renzi guide readers into Marcel’s sublime approach. It leads off with an excellent full page image. The conversation feels comfortable knowing the circumstances. The two page splash makes this point hit. Pell is presented as an agitated writer looking for the last line. Marcel shows nothing but compassion as the transition phase commences. This carries into the next section of the book.
Readers watch Jessica’s life play out. It is presented in a series of incredible full page panels. Each showcase Jessica at a new phase of her stat quo. Paired with the dialogue, it is sure to connect on all levels. Even with the brief dash back to Pell’s departure, Jessica’s time steals the show. It leads into the touching closing pages. Knowing how the past brought them to the present, the future will be exciting to see for the finale.
OVERALL GRADE: 10
As the times change, Jessica and her relationship with fate provide an incredible read. Phillips goes into overdrive to deliver an instant classic. The powerful art from Flaviano, Renzi and Napolitano take readers into the deeply emotional journey to the final destination. It is a bittersweet lead into what will be an unforgettable finale.
Let me know your thoughts on Grim #24 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!