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

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

the many deaths of laila starr - w/ ram v's wholly original and clever story, andrade's vibrant and stylish art - is a refreshing graphic novel that's nevertheless a lil short on emotional impact.

the story delves into themes of death and life, mortality and remembering, and does so movingly in almost every chapter, w/ the last one being esp heartfelt. the incorporation of hinduism and its gods, as well as the indian setting, are also clever and refreshingly diverse. the art can be stunning at times as well (esp the establishing panels), detailed yet never suffocating.

however, the pacing can be off sometimes, and focus on laila's search for darius means we dont learn too deeply abt the characters, thus not having much emotional connection w/ them. certain chapters also feel like merely a vehicle to reach the patterned end of laila's death.

still, this book's a breath of fresh air in many respects, and i enjoy it.
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