Review of 'The Many Deaths of Laila Starr'

The first issue of The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is one of those rare comic books where you keep reading, knowing that it has to end at some point, but wishing it would keep going.

Even knowing that it will only last five issues depresses me because what Ram V and Filipe Andrade create in this first issue feels like a world that begs to be explored much like Neil Gaiman’s Sandman has been.

Ram V continues his hot streak (writing Catwoman, Swamp Thing, Justice League and Carnage in this month alone) with this Boom! Studios published mini-series, releasing April 21st.

The story follows Death after being let go in a very modern office environment (I need a mini-series exploring how Taxes got a corner office, take my money with that line alone). Death is then sent to live a mortal life in the body of Laila Starr.

I could go more into the plot but it’s best to leave it at that captivating premise alone. Not only did I not want this issue to end but I think I’ve read it a dozen times since I’ve had the pleasure of previewing it.

A great necessity of comic book storytelling is the careful pairing of the story to the art. Sometimes, it just doesn’t meld and other times they sing together in harmony. With The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, I’m happy to report that Ram V’s writing pairs so splendidly with Filipe Andrade’s art style in this book.

Andrade’s illustrations (and with excellent color assisting by Inês Amaro) feel so write for the world we are visiting. It is dreamlike yet brutal in the best ways. Much like the late, great Steve Dillon, Andrade skillfully conveys both a wide array emotions on all characters and vibrant action that comes off so well in this book.

As you can tell by now, I was extremely impressed by this first issue. I’m looking forward to the next four issues and I am praying to those gods in that office building that we can get more than four issues of this amazing premise.