Ain't No Grave #5 Review
Review
Writer: Skottie Young
Artist: Jorge Corona
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: September 11, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Ain't No Grave #5 delivers a powerful and poignant finale that brings Ryder's journey to a deeply satisfying conclusion. Young and Corona have crafted one of the year's most compelling miniseries with this haunting supernatural Western.
Ain't No Grave #5 Review
ReviewWriter: Skottie Young
Artist: Jorge Corona
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: September 11, 2024
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Ain't No Grave #5 delivers a powerful and poignant finale that brings Ryder's journey to a deeply satisfying conclusion. Young and Corona have crafted one of the year's most compelling miniseries with this haunting supernatural Western.
Skottie Young continues to surprise me with his versatility as a comic book creator. While he's widely known for his adorable Marvel Baby variant covers and the hilarious I Hate Fairyland series, Ain't No Grave shows his impressive range in crafting darker, more emotionally resonant stories. This series has been a standout from Image Comics this year, with each issue building upon the last to create a rich adventure of supernatural horror and Western grit. Now, as we reach the end of Ryder's fantastical journey to confront Death himself, it's time to see how this thrilling miniseries finale ties everything together.
Keep reading for my full review of Ain’t No Grave #5!
Image: Image Comics
Overview of Ain’t No Grave #5
Ryder finally comes face-to-face with Death. Unsurprisingly, he isn't thrilled about a mortal seeking more time among the living. The tension between Ryder's desperate plea and Death's cosmic indifference drives the issue forward, creating a fascinating dynamic. After all the suffering Ryder endured to look Death in the eye, the two strike a deal. But as the stakes rise, Ryder must confront a deeper truth about the fate that awaits her. Is she truly ready to accept her destiny?
Review
In many ways, Ain't No Grave #5 is the perfect culmination of Ryder's hellish odyssey throughout this fantastic miniseries. Skottie Young deftly put together an emotional script that interweaves the themes of Ryder's past, present, and future into one poetic narrative. The long-awaited meeting between Ryder and Death crackles with tension, living up to the hype that’s been building since the series began. Something that I’ve loved about this five-issue miniseries is how each issue is thematically aligned with a stage of grief. With this final chapter representing “acceptance,” Ryder’s journey to meet Death feels very earned and emotionally resonant.
Image: Image ComicsMuch like the classic Westerns from which the series draws inspiration, this final issue is poignant, heartbreaking, and emotionally gripping. Despite how tragic Ryder's confrontation with Death is, there is also a profound sense of catharsis that comes in the comic’s closing moments. Because this issue’s overarching theme is “acceptance,” Young doesn’t shy away from showing both the light and darkness in Ryder’s character. The story plays out like a tense game of tug-of-war, illustrating the constant interplay of life and death. It shows how even when facing a tragic end, moments of immense grace make the journey feel like it was all worth it, fully encapsulating the theme of “acceptance.” The emotional depth of this final chapter is what makes this incredible miniseries so compelling.
Jorge Corona's artwork reaches new heights in this issue as well, cementing his status as one of the most exciting comic book artists today. His seamless blend of gritty Western aesthetics with surreal supernatural landscapes has been stunning throughout the series, and Ain’t No Grave #5 is a culmination of it all. Corona’s depiction of Death is particularly noteworthy, with Death’s cloak and scythe often bleeding out of the comic panels, making him feel larger than life. This visual choice enhances Death's otherworldly nature and creates a palpable sense of dread every time he appears on the page. Because of his immense presence, Death truly feels like the ultimate "final boss" of Ryder’s harrowing journey through the underworld. How Corona delivered such incredible amounts of jaw-dropping art, alongside his work on Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers, is simply mind-blowing to me.
Image: Image Comics
Final Thoughts
Ain’t No Grave concludes as one of the strongest miniseries to come from Image Comics in recent memory. Skottie Young and Jorge Corona have crafted a haunting supernatural Western that pushes the boundaries of both genres. While this stands strong on its own merits, it ultimately elevates the entire series by putting a bow on a beautifully emotional journey. Ain’t No Grave is a tightly plotted, self-contained story that will have you emotionally invested every step of the way. It’s a powerful reminder that there’s plenty of beauty and pain in both life and death.
Why You Should Read Ain't No Grave
- Skottie Young delivers a powerful, emotionally resonant story that subverts expectations of both Western and supernatural genres.
- Jorge Corona's artwork is stunning.
- It offers a unique take on themes of mortality and redemption through a tight, perfectly paced narrative exploring the stages of grief.