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docwald's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Minor: Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Dementia, and Child death
readyuhbook's review
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
robinks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I overall enjoyed this collection of stories. There was a huge variety of characters and relationships. My favorites were Ghost Friend, Still Life, and Bone Ink.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Body horror, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Animal death, Medical content, Violence, and Gore
Minor: Pregnancy and Blood
xsamwise's review
I knew what I was getting into with this book, but unfortunately, although some of the stories were really bittersweet and had great storytelling, it was just too much for my anxiety triggers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Animal death, and Child death
ninahuynh's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I have mixed feelings about this anthology. I love reading about death and death-related topics, and I love graphic novels. There were a handful of great stories and drawings, but there were also just as many slow and boring ones. What made it push over 0.5 stars is that there were different perspectives as to what happens when ones dies, what happens after, and how different people grieve. I like the variety of art styles, though there were some that had similar storylines.
My favorites:
Good Mourning: A Look at Proper Mourning Etiquette by Karoline Gronvik
First Law by M.Cat. White
here among the chrysanthemums by luyi bennett
Many Happy Returns by Rhandi Fisher
Favorite Quote
"Gated communities, what can ya do..." Many Happy Returns by Rhandi Fisher
My favorites:
Good Mourning: A Look at Proper Mourning Etiquette by Karoline Gronvik
First Law by M.Cat. White
here among the chrysanthemums by luyi bennett
Many Happy Returns by Rhandi Fisher
Favorite Quote
"Gated communities, what can ya do..." Many Happy Returns by Rhandi Fisher
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death of parent, Dementia, Blood, Death, Grief, Child death, Terminal illness, and Chronic illness
dottiewankenobi's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
3.25 is the median rating, but I'll put individual ratings below. Overall, this book was a bit tough to read because I usually don't read sad things if I can help it, but nevertheless I did enjoy it and don't regret picking it up. I struggled the most with the stories that were trying to be both humorous and sad -- they were pretty hit or miss for me. I teared up and cried a few times but I don't think the book is depressing enough that it would make someone cry the whole way through, which I appreciate.
Individual ratings:
(my apologies if I misspelled any of the author names, I touch typed them :sweat_smile:)
What Eats Us by Letty Wilson - 2.75 stars. I felt like this one was going for a pragmatic but still hopeful tone, but I ended up feeling depressed more than hopeful. Maybe that's influenced by me not liking bugs and not wanting to think about being eaten by them lol
Ghost Friend by Oliver Northwood - 2.5 stars. This was the first one where I felt like the humor ratio was a little off. I enjoyed the friendship between the two girls but it's hard to appreciate the message of "don't stay hung up on me forever, you have to keep living" when the very limited space was also used to make a joke like "Go date that cute girl, she's your type" "I have a type??". In my notes, I wrote 'the characters are in high school, and it feels like it.'
Inanna's Descent to the Underworld by Ahueonao - 3.5 stars. I don't know much about Mesopotamian mythology and I feel like that hampered my enjoyment just a little, but overall I did enjoy the story. The line, "Ereshkigal weeps for you." being repeated really stuck with me. One little complaint I did have was that like, Dumuzid and Geshtinanna were supposed to be really close but then when the deal is made at the end, they don't even hug?? Bro your sister is committing to living in the underworld for half the year for you, say thank you to her lmao
Peat, Bone, Oak by Laura Ketcham - 3.75 stars. I'm personally really interested by bog bodies so this one hit me harder than a lot of the others did, though I did feel it was a little too mystical in places. It included a quote I liked and wrote down to add here: "It will never end. There will always be new questions... Tollund man doesn't care. He's dead. This is all about you and me." - Ole Nielsen
Remember by SE Case - 4.25 stars. This was the first one that made me cry. I have no notes to add other than, the humor didn't overshadow or feel out of place alongside the pain and introspection presented in the work. Very good job.
Good Mourning by Karoline Gronvik - this one was hard to rate but I gave it 3 stars. This one isn't a story, it's basically an informative non-fiction comic about grieving in the Victorian era. Which is interesting for sure but felt a bit out of place when all of the other short stories here were (to some degree) fictional or had a storyline. In any case, I liked the art
Beyond the Cosmos by James Maddox and Jeremy Lawson - 3 stars. This one was cute and lighthearted... which isn't a bad thing, but I found myself not always enjoying the lighthearted ones. Just not to my taste but there's really nothing to complain about otherwise.
All Soul's Day by Danielle Chuatico - 3.25 stars. Like many of the comics here, this one was really short. However, I think that this one made good use of the time and space it did have, really evoking a sense of melancholy while still being hopeful.
The Spark Divine by Sally Cantirino and Jordan Alsaqa - 3.5 stars. I don't usually read humanity-has-to-flee-to-space stories because the genre as a whole makes me really sad. But I tried this one, and I think while it was sad (dealing with suicidal feelings and later grief and knowing your time is coming... rough), there was a touching sense of humanity that kept it from being too sad. Genuinely, it's comforting to think that the humans in this world didn't have to die alone, even if they had been before. The last images of Bel'eth walking into her arms and looking young again as he was cradled,,, amazing work.
Herd by Shae Beagle - 3.5 stars. I teared up so hard haha. I found it both interesting and pretty realistic that the mom deer was confused about what had happened and took longer to accept their new circumstances, while the baby deer was more casual about it in part because they didn't remember what happened. Of course, I loved the herd too -- it radiated safety.
First Law by M.Cat.White - 3 stars. I liked that this one mentioned different interpretations of the afterlife but I feel like the intended message didn't hit me like it was supposed to. Unlike a lot of the other stories here, this one didn't stick with me even though I only read it last night.
Agnes and Patsy by Holly Adkins - 3.25 stars. The ending confused me a bit but overall this was a nice story. I think the part I liked most was the contrast between the futuristic way of grieving, and how depressingly lonely it was to have no funeral, no goodbye, no place to grieve - vs the more 'earthy' way where Patsy could be mourned and remembered by everyone who'd loved her, and that they could do it with each other and have someone there to mourn with.
Here Among the Chrysanthemums by Luyi Bennett - 3.5 stars. I liked this one up until the ending lmao. I think Bennett did a nice job of tying the story and message together at the end there, but idk am I the only one who's worried the daughter could miscarry from the stress of finding her mom's dead body?? Ma'am I understand you don't want to be a burden to your daughter and her children but idk if this was the best way to go about it...
The Last Wreath by Juliette GMM Lopez - 4 stars. Made me tear up. I've never thought about going to someone's grave as being like, a form of nourishment for the person mourning, but I'm really touched by the idea. Lopez made the characters as well as the nature around them feel very alive. Definitely one of my favorites.
Okaeri by James F. Wright and Jackie Crofts - 3.25 stars. I wish this one had been longer, but in any case I really liked the idea that there could be a moment to say goodbye to a person you loved, in a place well loved. Very touching.
Still Life by Ale Green and Fanny Rodriguez - 3.75 stars. This one made me cry,, it reminded me of all the kids I went to high school with who've died in the 5 years since I graduated, and how their lives were also cut short like this. It's a very realistic portrayal of grief and while the ending was a little predictable, I liked that it was. I'm glad the mom could start to heal.
Many Happy Returns! by Rhandi Fisher - 3.25 stars. This one was cute and had a nice message, plus I liked that it was lighthearted without feeling Too Lighthearted considering the subject matter. (Tho I'm left wondering why Jim/the reader got special treatment to a tour when all of the other souls didn't lol)
Third Option by A. "Miru" Lee - 3.5 stars. This one was fun! It was cool to see two different afterlife options kind of battle it out, but I especially liked that in the end, it's like. You can make what you want of your afterlife, even if you believed in things during life you can still choose a different path.
Funeral in Foam by Casey Gilly and Raina Telgemeier - 3.5 stars. Okay this one made me laugh a lot even though it was gross kdsjhfa but I loved how sweet it was. It was very nice to see the flash forward and see that the pain of losing their dad wasn't so present, and that the laughter and good feelings were able to be his legacy.
The Ankou by Isabelle Melancon and Megan Lavey-Heaton - 3 stars. Honestly I really liked the art but I was confused the whole time about the story. If I was rating the writing only, I'd say 2.5.
You Called To Me by Nadia Shammas and Lisa Sterle - 3.25 stars. This one also confused me (did both of the women die?? Is that how Charlie the bird was suddenly the dead wife??) but I felt like it was an accurate portrayal of grief and I liked that they got to say goodbye. Feel bad for all those other birds tho :((
I Promise by A. Shinozaki and Cheryl Young - 3 stars. Despite having a grandmother in a somewhat similar situation, idk I felt like the emotions of this one didn't really click with me that much. However, I did like the story and I'm glad that the grandma got to be with both of her families in the end.
Hive Mind by Dani Colman and Maddie Kathleen - 4 stars. I usually don't care about robots but somehow the author made me really emo about them. Really crushing to see the progression of the grief, all of the stages they went through, and how not everyone handled it well. The 'mean' robot asking for help,,, oof that hurt.
Bone Ink by Grace P. Fong and Rhiannon Rasmussen - 3 stars. This one was nice and I liked how her mom's legacy was going to be literally written in her skin and stay with her until she's ashes too.
Individual ratings:
What Eats Us by Letty Wilson - 2.75 stars. I felt like this one was going for a pragmatic but still hopeful tone, but I ended up feeling depressed more than hopeful. Maybe that's influenced by me not liking bugs and not wanting to think about being eaten by them lol
Ghost Friend by Oliver Northwood - 2.5 stars. This was the first one where I felt like the humor ratio was a little off. I enjoyed the friendship between the two girls but it's hard to appreciate the message of "don't stay hung up on me forever, you have to keep living" when the very limited space was also used to make a joke like "Go date that cute girl, she's your type" "I have a type??". In my notes, I wrote 'the characters are in high school, and it feels like it.'
Inanna's Descent to the Underworld by Ahueonao - 3.5 stars. I don't know much about Mesopotamian mythology and I feel like that hampered my enjoyment just a little, but overall I did enjoy the story. The line, "Ereshkigal weeps for you." being repeated really stuck with me. One little complaint I did have was that like, Dumuzid and Geshtinanna were supposed to be really close but then when the deal is made at the end, they don't even hug?? Bro your sister is committing to living in the underworld for half the year for you, say thank you to her lmao
Peat, Bone, Oak by Laura Ketcham - 3.75 stars. I'm personally really interested by bog bodies so this one hit me harder than a lot of the others did, though I did feel it was a little too mystical in places. It included a quote I liked and wrote down to add here: "It will never end. There will always be new questions... Tollund man doesn't care. He's dead. This is all about you and me." - Ole Nielsen
Remember by SE Case - 4.25 stars. This was the first one that made me cry. I have no notes to add other than, the humor didn't overshadow or feel out of place alongside the pain and introspection presented in the work. Very good job.
Good Mourning by Karoline Gronvik - this one was hard to rate but I gave it 3 stars. This one isn't a story, it's basically an informative non-fiction comic about grieving in the Victorian era. Which is interesting for sure but felt a bit out of place when all of the other short stories here were (to some degree) fictional or had a storyline. In any case, I liked the art
Beyond the Cosmos by James Maddox and Jeremy Lawson - 3 stars. This one was cute and lighthearted... which isn't a bad thing, but I found myself not always enjoying the lighthearted ones. Just not to my taste but there's really nothing to complain about otherwise.
All Soul's Day by Danielle Chuatico - 3.25 stars. Like many of the comics here, this one was really short. However, I think that this one made good use of the time and space it did have, really evoking a sense of melancholy while still being hopeful.
The Spark Divine by Sally Cantirino and Jordan Alsaqa - 3.5 stars. I don't usually read humanity-has-to-flee-to-space stories because the genre as a whole makes me really sad. But I tried this one, and I think while it was sad (dealing with suicidal feelings and later grief and knowing your time is coming... rough), there was a touching sense of humanity that kept it from being too sad. Genuinely, it's comforting to think that the humans in this world didn't have to die alone, even if they had been before. The last images of Bel'eth walking into her arms and looking young again as he was cradled,,, amazing work.
Herd by Shae Beagle - 3.5 stars. I teared up so hard haha. I found it both interesting and pretty realistic that the mom deer was confused about what had happened and took longer to accept their new circumstances, while the baby deer was more casual about it in part because they didn't remember what happened. Of course, I loved the herd too -- it radiated safety.
First Law by M.Cat.White - 3 stars. I liked that this one mentioned different interpretations of the afterlife but I feel like the intended message didn't hit me like it was supposed to. Unlike a lot of the other stories here, this one didn't stick with me even though I only read it last night.
Agnes and Patsy by Holly Adkins - 3.25 stars. The ending confused me a bit but overall this was a nice story. I think the part I liked most was the contrast between the futuristic way of grieving, and how depressingly lonely it was to have no funeral, no goodbye, no place to grieve - vs the more 'earthy' way where Patsy could be mourned and remembered by everyone who'd loved her, and that they could do it with each other and have someone there to mourn with.
Here Among the Chrysanthemums by Luyi Bennett - 3.5 stars. I liked this one up until the ending lmao. I think Bennett did a nice job of tying the story and message together at the end there, but idk am I the only one who's worried the daughter could miscarry from the stress of finding her mom's dead body?? Ma'am I understand you don't want to be a burden to your daughter and her children but idk if this was the best way to go about it...
The Last Wreath by Juliette GMM Lopez - 4 stars. Made me tear up. I've never thought about going to someone's grave as being like, a form of nourishment for the person mourning, but I'm really touched by the idea. Lopez made the characters as well as the nature around them feel very alive. Definitely one of my favorites.
Okaeri by James F. Wright and Jackie Crofts - 3.25 stars. I wish this one had been longer, but in any case I really liked the idea that there could be a moment to say goodbye to a person you loved, in a place well loved. Very touching.
Still Life by Ale Green and Fanny Rodriguez - 3.75 stars. This one made me cry,, it reminded me of all the kids I went to high school with who've died in the 5 years since I graduated, and how their lives were also cut short like this. It's a very realistic portrayal of grief and while the ending was a little predictable, I liked that it was. I'm glad the mom could start to heal.
Many Happy Returns! by Rhandi Fisher - 3.25 stars. This one was cute and had a nice message, plus I liked that it was lighthearted without feeling Too Lighthearted considering the subject matter. (Tho I'm left wondering why Jim/the reader got special treatment to a tour when all of the other souls didn't lol)
Third Option by A. "Miru" Lee - 3.5 stars. This one was fun! It was cool to see two different afterlife options kind of battle it out, but I especially liked that in the end, it's like. You can make what you want of your afterlife, even if you believed in things during life you can still choose a different path.
Funeral in Foam by Casey Gilly and Raina Telgemeier - 3.5 stars. Okay this one made me laugh a lot even though it was gross kdsjhfa but I loved how sweet it was. It was very nice to see the flash forward and see that the pain of losing their dad wasn't so present, and that the laughter and good feelings were able to be his legacy.
The Ankou by Isabelle Melancon and Megan Lavey-Heaton - 3 stars. Honestly I really liked the art but I was confused the whole time about the story. If I was rating the writing only, I'd say 2.5.
You Called To Me by Nadia Shammas and Lisa Sterle - 3.25 stars. This one also confused me (did both of the women die?? Is that how Charlie the bird was suddenly the dead wife??) but I felt like it was an accurate portrayal of grief and I liked that they got to say goodbye. Feel bad for all those other birds tho :((
I Promise by A. Shinozaki and Cheryl Young - 3 stars. Despite having a grandmother in a somewhat similar situation, idk I felt like the emotions of this one didn't really click with me that much. However, I did like the story and I'm glad that the grandma got to be with both of her families in the end.
Hive Mind by Dani Colman and Maddie Kathleen - 4 stars. I usually don't care about robots but somehow the author made me really emo about them. Really crushing to see the progression of the grief, all of the stages they went through, and how not everyone handled it well. The 'mean' robot asking for help,,, oof that hurt.
Bone Ink by Grace P. Fong and Rhiannon Rasmussen - 3 stars. This one was nice and I liked how her mom's legacy was going to be literally written in her skin and stay with her until she's ashes too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
yliana's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75
I picked this up from my school's library because I thought that maybe reading these would help me feel a little bit better about death, it's something that is so scary to me that I used to have minor anxiety attacks as well as one massive panic attack. After that panic attack, I stopped experiencing attacks (thank god) but the fear has never gone away.
some of these comics made me cry. but all of the stories (except for two that I honestly just didn't understand) were so beautifully written. I love how they all weren't about the same thing. some involved cultural versions of death and funerals. others were about the fear of death. some were about people who had already accepted death. I think that variety was really nice.
the art styles are also so beautiful and I'm definitely going to be looking into these artists and authors.
I actually think these stories did help me feel a little better. I do kind of want to own my own copy now, which is something I didn't think I'd ever say about a book about death.
some of these comics made me cry. but all of the stories (except for two that I honestly just didn't understand) were so beautifully written. I love how they all weren't about the same thing. some involved cultural versions of death and funerals. others were about the fear of death. some were about people who had already accepted death. I think that variety was really nice.
the art styles are also so beautiful and I'm definitely going to be looking into these artists and authors.
I actually think these stories did help me feel a little better. I do kind of want to own my own copy now, which is something I didn't think I'd ever say about a book about death.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Animal death
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Terminal illness, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Dementia
seawarrior's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
You Died is a moving and rewarding anthology in which grief, hope, and variations of eternal life are intertwined throughout each narrative. Every contributor provided a story with the wisdom, humor, or a combination of both, necessary to view death with less terror and more gratitude. Many of these contributors tackled difficult subject matter and formed stories of hope and resilience around them. Their art and writing was all skillfully done and made each work engaging and meaningful. I would definitely recommend this anthology to other readers. As I mentioned, there are potentially triggering elements in some of these stories, but they are each handled with the respect and warmth they deserve.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Medical content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Animal death, Car accident, Dementia, Domestic abuse, and Infidelity
battlepoet's review
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
a deeply informative book about death, death cultural practices, and grief
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
catapocalypse's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
I feel like a broken record when I say: Yet another fantastic anthology from Iron Circus Comics! But I've never been disappointed by them, and back their projects as often as I'm able. This was one such project, and extra appealing to me because stories that examine death and what might come after are extremely my thing!
It did take me a little longer to get through than most ICC anthologies, since of course this topic brings some that are particularly heavy. There's still a wide range of emotions and tones across the whole, including funny, cute, optimistic, etc.! The stories cover different cultures' traditions, different time periods from the past (and future), and queer perspectives (including all three of my personal favorites).
My personal highlights from the collection:
• "Ghost Friend" by Oliver Northwood, with cute baby queer ghost girlfriend vibes!
• "Remember" by SE Case, devastating and poignant.
• "Agnes and Patsy" by Holly Adkins, sweet with a touch of sci-fi!
It did take me a little longer to get through than most ICC anthologies, since of course this topic brings some that are particularly heavy. There's still a wide range of emotions and tones across the whole, including funny, cute, optimistic, etc.! The stories cover different cultures' traditions, different time periods from the past (and future), and queer perspectives (including all three of my personal favorites).
My personal highlights from the collection:
• "Ghost Friend" by Oliver Northwood, with cute baby queer ghost girlfriend vibes!
• "Remember" by SE Case, devastating and poignant.
• "Agnes and Patsy" by Holly Adkins, sweet with a touch of sci-fi!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Terminal illness and Death of parent
Minor: Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt