By Levi Remington
It couldn't be more fitting that this comic begins with Becka, our main character, completely ignoring her Fine Art university class in favor of a good ogle at her goth classmate, Kim, a part-time grim reaper. To say Kim Reaper ignores any attempts at being fine art would be an understatement. Sarah Graley doesn't just sidestep the profound, she proudly smothers it with the quirky, pulsing heart of a caffeinated millennial. Read ahead for my thoughts on this week's debut issue while I grow a six-pack on my forehead.
Continuing the trend of random stories featuring eccentric characters doing silly things in an arguably cute way, Kim Reaper embraces the peculiar and stands overjoyed among a sea of tedium -- shuffling buns while others choose to walk, making funny noises while the rest remain silent, assembling a defense barrier of kittens onto the macho body of a tweaked out gym rat while other comics, well, other comics don't do that.
You see, I have yet to reach my upper limit of consumption for the loud and strange flavor of comedy where this series has firmly planted its roots. So the humor is fresh, it's stylish, and most importantly fun. It all depends on how you personally tolerate the particular and wacky brand of absurdity that's on display here. Whether or not this twisted river runs dry depends on how Graley handles her characters from here on out. As of now, these characters serve as much more than just vehicles for the ridiculous. They have distinct personalities, desires, disagreements, attitudes, and strong contrasting visual designs, making their story one I'm excited to follow.
Sarah Graley illustrates and colors the book herself, and the results are fabulously endearing. Faces will rue the day they are not interpreted by Graley's riotous pencil work. The facial expressions are abundant and clear, effectively delivering the visual punchline for every bit of humor. There's not much in the way of backgrounds, but the lucid purple and orange undertones give the book an enchanting quality.
The success of Kim Reaper rides firmly on the hinges of your sense of humor. If your heart has grown cold and weary of the outlandish and juvenile, then maybe take a pass. But for those who gravitate toward the odd and amusing, this is a worthy and delightfully silly diversion.
Score: 4/5
Kim Reaper #1
Written, Drawn, and Colored by Sarah Graley
Lettered by Crank!
Published by Oni Press