Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Momo and Okarun share a close moment in Dandadan

    Momo And Okarun: The Gold Standard For Shonen Romance

    07/03/2025
    Ironheart Episodes 4 6 But Why Tho 1

    ‘Ironheart’ Explained: Explore MCU’s Bold New Chapter

    07/01/2025
    Buck in 9-1-1

    ‘9-1-1’ Has To Let Buck Say Bisexual

    06/29/2025
    Nintendo Welcome Tour promotional image of the maraca mini-game

    The One “Game” That Justifies The Nintendo Switch 2 Purchase

    06/25/2025
    Destiel Confession in Supernatural - Castiel (Misha Collins) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)

    The Destiel Confession: The Lasting Importance Of Supernatural’s Greatest Ship

    06/22/2025
  • Squid Game
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
  • Summer Game Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » BOOM! Studios » REVIEW: ‘The Many Deaths of Laila Starr,’ Issue #3

REVIEW: ‘The Many Deaths of Laila Starr,’ Issue #3

Jason FlattBy Jason Flatt06/17/20213 Mins Read
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3 - But Why Tho
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3 - But Why Tho

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3 is a BOOM! Studios production, written by Ram V, with art by Filipe Andrade, and letters by AndWorld Design. It continues to be singularly and unquestionably the greatest comic book series I have ever read.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Where the last issue was a tragic and beautiful examination of a child’s first brush with death and a fallen goddess’s first brush with life, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3 is the first comic book I have ever heard of told from the exclusive point of view of a burning cigarette. This narrative choice is not only bold and creative, it is a metaphor so powerful that you don’t need a scintilla of exposition to justify it. It’s just perfect in all its broken, poisonous beauty.

Darius, the boy who will one day invent immortality, is a bit older now than when Laila last crossed his path. He’s a teenager now, enthralled in his first heartbreak and first broken heart at once: his girlfriend dumps him, and his best friend is dead. I have a terrible phobia of other people dying. Yet, reading this series is the most calming and meaningful examination of life’s conclusion. This issue deals with regret, anger, and pleading over death. And while its cigarette metaphor demonstrates all the damage that death can do to the living, it also shows that death can be a powerful motivator and influencer in its own chaotic way. Our loved ones may pass on, but they can certainly leave a lot behind too.

The art continues to be phenomenal.  From parties to beaches to pillow factories, the dream-like art style lends itself perfectly to any locale. In fact, were the visuals not so ethereal, the story might not be so affecting. The combination of these two elements is truly what makes the comic so complete and perfect. This issue adds a color element that was either missing from or not as clear as the previous two issues. In addition to the purples and blues, a green pervades many of the panels, spewing from the cigarette and going on to demonstrate toxicity in the air and the environment. It’s a sickly kind of green that elicits exactly the feeling it should.

The lettering in this issue is particularly special. The text boxes for the cigarette’s narration are drawn with puffs of smoke around them, not only helping them stand out as clearly the cigarette talking but making its sentiments feel loftier. The font is the same as it has been, but it continues to match well with the vibe generally and especially with the smokey motif.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3 exceeded my expectation for the next issue after what I called the best issue I had ever read. It was just as emotional, creative, and beautiful, even as it took on one of the most difficult topics under the sun. Without repeating itself or missing a beat, this issue continues to prove that the series is, in fact, perfect and that its first two issues were not merely exceptional.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3 is available wherever comics are sold.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3
5

TL;DR

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3 exceeded my expectation for the next issue after what I called the best issue I had ever read. It was just as emotional, creative, and beautiful, even as it took on one of the most difficult topics under the sun. Without repeating itself or missing a beat, this issue continues to prove that the series is, in fact, perfect and that its first two issues were not merely exceptional.

  • Buy now via ComiXology

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleTactical RPG, Dark Deity Surprise Launches Today on Steam
Next Article REVIEW: ‘A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns’
Jason Flatt
  • X (Twitter)

Jason is the Sr. Editor at But Why Tho? and producer of the But Why Tho? Podcast. He's usually writing about foreign films, Jewish media, and summer camp.

Related Posts

Ghostlore #1

REVIEW: ‘Ghostlore,’ Issue #1

05/10/2023
MMPRTMNT II #1 - But Why Tho

REVIEW: ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II,’ Issue #1

12/28/2022
Nahiri The Lithomancer #1

REVIEW: ‘Nahiri The Lithomancer,’ Issue #1

11/30/2022
Once upon a Time #1

REVIEW: ‘Once Upon A Time At The End Of The World,’ Issue #1

11/23/2022
Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers #101

REVIEW: ‘Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,’ Issue #101

10/26/2022
Eve: Children of the Moon #1

REVIEW: ‘Eve: Children of the Moon,’ Issue #1

10/18/2022

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Taecyeon and Seohyun in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8
7.5
TV

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 7-8

By Sarah Musnicky07/03/2025

The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8 spends welcome time in pre-domestic bliss before new developments stir up trouble.

Together (2025) still from Sundance
8.0
Film

REVIEW: Have A Grossly Good Time ‘Together’

By Kate Sánchez01/27/2025Updated:07/04/2025

Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s Together (2025) is disgustingly funny, genuinely ugly, and just a good time at the movies.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 Alcatraz
9.0
PS5

REVIEW: ‘Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 + 4’ Gives Old Games New Life

By Kyle Foley07/07/2025

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 is another example of how to breathe new life into a classic without losing touch of what makes the originals great.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here