Grim #6: Heart of Darkness

Grim #6 is a strong addition to the overarching plot of the series. The story is given a moment to breath and the art continues its stellar design and color palette as the second arc begins.

The issue kicks off with a set piece from World War I, featuring a darker version of Death than has been presented so far. The use of a historical moment that resulted in large losses of life is fitting for author Stephanie Phillips. No stranger to historical fiction, it is welcomed to see Phillips highlighting a war scene perfectly that matches the tenacity of “Death” in this creator-owned series.

This issue is a much-needed slower paced part of the story that introduces new characters into the structure that is the “afterworld,” as well as signals bigger forces are at play. As of this point, readers have been introduced to “Death,” “The End,” and now “Fate.” All of which are personified aspects of life that play a pivotal role in the world of Grim. Fate is played by three Las Vegas performers and encounter a mysterious character whose psychological influence is hinted to be used for selfish purposes.

Connecting back to the tragic events of issue five, Jessica, Eddie, and Marcel are fish out of water after losing their powers. While exploring, Jessica meets a human who is fixated on starting a fire and walking into it. It’s an eerie and ominous moment that echoes the reminder to the reader this story is about death. The unsettling experience that occurs indicates something even more sinister is at play and is a nice change of tone from the previous issues.

This issue ends with Jessica, Eddie, and Marcel noticing the people around them are acting strange with bizarre symbols on their foreheads. There is not a lot of explanation given, however, this continues the mystery in getting to the answer of who Jessica Harrow is.