A new horror title from BOOM! Studios, Grim #1 begins with the lyrics of a 70s rock song, apparently quietly included without special thanks to lyricists Blue Öyster Cult.
The story chapter, “Don’t Fear The Reaper”, written by Stephanie Phillips, also begins with a man who has apparently just died in an auto accident.
It’s all about Jessica Harrow, and she’s a reaper. So she and the newly dead go on a ferry ride to the other side. And the story continues, without mentioning the Chris de Burgh song “Don’t Pay The Ferryman”, nor Gerry and the Pacemakers’ 1965 pop hit “Ferry Cross The Mersey”.
So it begins, as we’ve established, as a mostly straight forward journey tale, with long missives and monologues. Questions and answers, theories and speculation. Artist Flaviano gives us closeups and medium shots, as the narrative progresses. Colour is by Rico Renzi, letters by Tom Napolitano.
While the extended ‘ferrying’ scenes seem to be languid and bittersweet, things DO pick up. We are upgraded to better locales, with better lighting and some interesting twists and turns. So bear with the Grim beginnings, as I think it could develop into something deep and delicious.
Grim #1, $3.99 for 28 pages of content. Teen 13+