‘Afterlift’ TPB (review)

Written by Chip Zdarsky 
Art by Jason Loo
Published by Dark Horse

I really enjoy Chip Zdarsky as a creator. He is a good artist but I am more of a fan of his writing. This trade paperback is collected here in print for the first time collecting the ComiXology Original digital series. This is a really fun read and it has a well written script from Zdarsky.

The beginning of this book introduces us to Janice Chan. Janice is a driver for a high end driving company. We get to see Janice initially doing her job and the various things that come with it. Almost immediately though, all of that changes, and we get to see Janice caught up in one crazy plot that takes her into the afterlife and beyond.

She is informed by Mr. Dumu that her car has been recruited to take Susannah’s soul into the afterlife for a drop off. Seems pretty simple, right?

We get to see some cool landscapes and various creatures.

But, she starts to feel bad about Susannah and her final destination.

Eventually, Janice puts everything at risk to save her beleaguered passenger. Can she save Susannah? Or will both of them suffer the final price? The creative team take us to some interesting places from this point on. Zdarsky really ramps up the drama to make for a satisfying read.

I did think that the ending was a little too easy and pat. But that is a small gripe. Besides that, the artwork by Jason Loo is outstanding. It is expressive and creative throughout the entire book .

Overall, this is a fine story that engages the reader pretty much throughout.

Grade: B+