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trashfae 's review for:
A cute little comics anthology with themes surrounding mortality and the cultural ideas surrounding death. As someone who is very into the idea of death positivity, I enjoyed most of the comics, all of which had many varying ideas not only about death, but about the afterlife. Some of the entries were a little too cutesy and cliche for me. There were a lot of sci-fi entries - which I didn't hate, but some of them didn't give me enough context about the setting and world.
I think I enjoyed more the comics that focused on the aftermath for the dead person's platonic or familial loved ones, rather that the ones that explored a potential afterlife, or focused on a romantic relationship. For me, part of death positivity is the acceptance of mystery and nothingness that dying holds. I also enjoyed the entries that were about different cultural rituals surrounding death, like "All Soul's Day" by Danielle Chuatico and "I Promise" by A. Shinozaki and Cheryl Young.
Some Other Highlights:
"Inanna's Ascent to the Underworld" by Ahueonao -
Mythological tale of a goddess's ascent to the underworld. I expected it would have more to say philosophically than it did, but I was incredibly engaged by this one - perhaps because it was longer than the other pieces or was easier to follow than many of them. Also really liked the artwork.
"Herd" by Shae Beagle - Beautiful artwork and emotionally devastating. Almost made me cry.
"The Last Wreath" by Juliette GMM Lopez - My favorite artwork in the anthology. Had so many little enchanting details like the reaper's finger being a key to the lock. Also the most meaningful to me in its ideas about death, and the relationship to those left behind.
"Funeral in Foam" by Casey Gilly, Raina Telgemeier, and Jen Hickman- Relatable, and captured an excellent ratio of grief, sadness, and humor, akin to Tyler Feder's "Dancing at the Pity Party."
"Bone Ink" by Grace Fong and Rhiannon Rasmussen - Really interesting concept. I love the idea of tattoo ink made with the ashes of a loved one. The mystical elements of physical sacrifice/destruction through art, and the eternal cycle of re-creation are compelling.
On a physical note, some of the comics' text was very hard to read, although that may be due to the unfinished nature of an ARC and not necessarily the finished product.
ARC received from Iron Circus Comics through Edelweiss
I think I enjoyed more the comics that focused on the aftermath for the dead person's platonic or familial loved ones, rather that the ones that explored a potential afterlife, or focused on a romantic relationship. For me, part of death positivity is the acceptance of mystery and nothingness that dying holds. I also enjoyed the entries that were about different cultural rituals surrounding death, like "All Soul's Day" by Danielle Chuatico and "I Promise" by A. Shinozaki and Cheryl Young.
Some Other Highlights:
"Inanna's Ascent to the Underworld" by Ahueonao -
Mythological tale of a goddess's ascent to the underworld. I expected it would have more to say philosophically than it did, but I was incredibly engaged by this one - perhaps because it was longer than the other pieces or was easier to follow than many of them. Also really liked the artwork.
"Herd" by Shae Beagle - Beautiful artwork and emotionally devastating. Almost made me cry.
"The Last Wreath" by Juliette GMM Lopez - My favorite artwork in the anthology. Had so many little enchanting details like the reaper's finger being a key to the lock. Also the most meaningful to me in its ideas about death, and the relationship to those left behind.
"Funeral in Foam" by Casey Gilly, Raina Telgemeier, and Jen Hickman- Relatable, and captured an excellent ratio of grief, sadness, and humor, akin to Tyler Feder's "Dancing at the Pity Party."
"Bone Ink" by Grace Fong and Rhiannon Rasmussen - Really interesting concept. I love the idea of tattoo ink made with the ashes of a loved one. The mystical elements of physical sacrifice/destruction through art, and the eternal cycle of re-creation are compelling.
On a physical note, some of the comics' text was very hard to read, although that may be due to the unfinished nature of an ARC and not necessarily the finished product.
ARC received from Iron Circus Comics through Edelweiss