Comic Book Review - Grim #1

Rob reviews Grim #1...

Grim is the newest original release from BOOM! Studios. Brought to (after) life by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi, and Tom Napolitano, Grim follows reaper; Jessica Harrow who has the task of ferrying deceased souls to their resting place. With a strong sense of mystery and plenty of gorgeous art, BOOM! Studios have yet another hit on their hands. 

Grim #1 opens up with Jessica meeting  Bryan Andrews - a driver who's recently been involved in a fatal car crash. Bryan's suffering the shock of finding out that he's dead, and much to the annoyance of Jessica - he has a lot of questions. As Jessica ferries Bryan to the afterlife we get plenty of world-building as Jessica fills Bryan in on her job, who Death is, and that he is dead. Their journey along the river soon comes to an end as Bryan is introduced to a vast waiting room filled with hustle and bustle.

This waiting room is the tip of the death iceberg and gives everything a bureaucratic feel. The recently deceased are given a number and have to sit and wait for their number to be called. What happens afterwards is left unanswered, but this vast waiting room does ask a lot of questions  

Leaving Byan, Jessica then heads to the Reaper version of a staff room to then realise that her scythe is missing. Here Phillips introduces us to other members of her cast in the form of fellow Reapers Marcel and Eddie as Jessica conscripts them to help her track down Bryan, who happens to be in New York. 

These events in New York then serve to set up what's to come. As the trio tracks Bryan down, Jessica laments the poor soul on what it means to be dead. It's here where we learn that Jessica doesn't remember her death, and we meet this series' main antagonist - the menacing Miss Adira. 

Grim #1 sets this new story off on a strong footing. Phillips' script has quite a pace to it as we follow Bryan in his journey to the afterlife and meet Grim's cast of colourful characters. Jessica is portrayed with the fairly laid-back attitude of someone who's been doing this job for years. She's comfortable in her abilities, and even though Bryan's constant questioning does start to annoy her she still treats him with dignity. Away from Jessica and the rest of the cast are also well presented. There's already a strong dynamic building between glam-rocker Eddie and the aristocratic Marcel, and I'm hoping the duo play a part in things to come. 

The artwork is also well presented with plenty of strong character work and gorgeous scenery. The opening scene of Bryan's death is a somewhat peaceful, serene intro to the story that's set along with Blue Öyster Cult's (Don't Fear) The Reaper. This then transitions into a strong use of red and black as we're shown insight into Jessica and her world. Character design is also strong with each having a fashionable - yet unique style. At times of heightened stress, Jessica's facial work transitions to the more familiar demonic skull design that's synonymous with the Grim Reaper. 

Overall, Grim #1 is a comic that I would highly recommend. Its story sets off on the right foot with an enchanting plot and a very likeable cast of characters. If every subsequent issue is like this one, then Grim is going to be a major talking point! 

Rating: 10/10 

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Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev