A review by sahanac
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love graphic novels. I think they can be incredible mediums for message and sometimes the art + story combo just hits on a level that just words or just image could never. This is one such graphic novel. The art style is what hooked me first - a dreamy, vibrant, expansive world that is so close to ours but so much more colorful. I loved the way deities were drawn vs mortals, I adore the illustration of the in-universe “magic” and I think there was perhaps no better option to pair alongside the story. And the story is so exquisitely done too - there is a hint of Hinduism in there, and the titular “many deaths” are sorts of reincarnations, but for those unfamiliar with Hindu gods, they’re just cool looking forces of nature in a now-familiar corporate setting (I feel like people love putting gods in cubicles in art nowadays - what does that *say* about us, if not that man made god in his own image or is that too existential for bookstagram lmk). The whole story too, following Death as she becomes human, with teachable moments making her more human UGH it was gorgeous. Please read this graphic novel if you see it, it’s not long but it will force you to sit down and breathe for a moment longer than you may be used to.