Title: The Many Deaths of Laila Starr
Writer: Ram V.
Artist: Filipe Andrade
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Dates Published: April through August 2021

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is an example of why I love comic books as a storytelling medium.

There is so much about this graphic novel that just makes you think about your mortality and the role death plays in your life. Now that’s deep.

For many, comics can just be fun story that doesn’t go anywhere outside of its pages. That’s not the case with The Many Deaths of Laila Starr.

Those who decide to check out this five-issue mini-series from Boom! Studios will be left not only a deep narrative, but gorgeous art that helps accent the points made.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I initially read this one but I am so grateful I took the chance. I know you’ll feel the same if you decide to pick it up.

I will avoid spoilers as much as possible so that if you decide to pick The Many Deaths of Laila Starr up, you can enjoy it the way I did.

Synopsis: No Longer a Need for Death

Darius Shah is born in Mumbai, India at the same time the Goddess of Death is being laid off. The other gods, represented as a corporation, believe that the young Darius will invent a way for mortals to live forever, making Death redundant.

In a fit of spite, Death decides to become mortal and track down Darius so she can kill him thus, in her mind, saving her job. As she descends to Earth, a young woman named Laila Starr dies and Death takes up residence in Starr’s body.

Death encounters Darius at various points in his life including childhood, young adult, middle age, and old age. Each time, she learns more about Darius and begins to question her mission.

Shortly after meeting Darius each time, Laila/Death dies but Pranah, the God of Life, revives her each time though several years down the road. This is how Death/Laila is able to meet Darius throughout his life.

Many of themes include death, its impact on those left behind, one’s attitude toward death, what it means to live, and how to grapple with one’s mortality.

Analysis: What Does It Mean to Live?

What this graphic novel does well is it tells a deep story with two major character developments. The world of Laila Starr is huge and yet V and Andrade do a phenomenal job at making it feel all about Death and Shah.

Story: A Concise Yet Powerful Anecdote

Death and Darius Shah are your two pillars throughout this story. Both see growth and end up in much different spaces than when you first meet them.

To me, these two are essential to the entire success of Laila Starr. The story seeks to define the meaning of life, mortality, and death but rather than telling you about it, V shows it through the two main characters.

The idea of “show don’t tell” is on full display here and that is why the story works so well. Because nothing is explicit, it leaves enough of an opening for me to connect the dots.

Death will hint at what she is feeling but it is her actions that reveal the real story. With that being the case, people will interpret those actions differently, leading to numerous ideas of what is actually going on.

This might frustrate some, but it was a breath of fresh air to me. This idea supports the notion of death meaning something different to each person, displaying this through storytelling.

The story very clearly has a Hindu-inspired world but it leaves many of the religious definitions to the reader.

You can take a look at Darius and relate with him as he, a mortal, tries to decide what death actually means to him. Each time Death/Laila encounters him, death means something different.

On the flip side, Death is a goddess experiencing the consequences of her actions. As a goddess, she never thought twice about taking a life, but as a mortal, that decision weighs a lot heavier than before.

Having the comparison of Death and Darius throughout helps emphasize the idea of multiple answers to this question. Neither Death or Darius are wrong in their assumptions, though their actuals do bring in moral questions, so it is up to the reader to figure out those answers for themselves.

The character development of these two is phenomenal.

The growth of Darius is both physical and in thought since the story opens with his birth. The truly amazing storytelling comes in as you see him at different stages in his life and his attitude toward death.

Laila/Death’s growth is all emotional and mental. Her appearance never changes as she is revived in the same body but she always comes back a bit wiser.

Between the two, I loved watching Laila/Death’s journey the most because her journey is more of understanding and redemption rather than acceptance. Sure, acceptance plays a role in her growth but her ability to truly understand mortals is such a fun journey.

I will not spoil the ending of this but let’s just say it’s open-ended. There is no definite answers and the book literally ends with the V posing questions to the reader.

Still, the final quote does a phenomenal job at wrapping up the points made and leaving it to you to fill in the rest. To me, this is exactly how this type of book should end.

Artwork: A Hauntingly Colorful World

As fantastic as Ram V.’s writing is, it would be nothing without Andrade’s art.

Andrade sets the tone remarkably well with his art. From the very first page, you know this will be a somber story.

The entire book is colorful but the shade are on the darker end, creating a haunted look. It never felt depressing or melancholy, but rather, it felt like there was always optimism despite a dreary setting.

As I’ve explored comics outside of Marvel and DC, I’m finding unique art styles and Andrade’s ranks up there for me.

I can’t imagine this story working in any other style. V and Andrade are truly the perfect combo for this type of story.

Final Score (5 out of 5 Stars)

I tend to be picky when it comes to perfect scores but anything less than five stars would be doing The Many Deaths of Laila Starr a gigantic injustice.

Everything about this story is fantastic from the characters to the artwork. Furthermore, it never overstayed its welcome. It utilized five issues perfectly, leaving you satisfied but still wanting more.

If you want deep, philosophical discussions in your comic book, then The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is for you. Even if the deep aspects don’t interest you, this graphic novel tells a compelling story that is sure to excite comic fans everywhere.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr show how the comic book medium is more than just superheroes. You can tell literary masterpieces through the graphic novel format, creating a work that should be studied and enjoyed.

It truly is a beautiful thing.

Featured Image: Boom! Studios (via Screen Rant)

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