Death of a Pop Star

by Violet Karim

Number one on the pop charts and in the hearts of fans world-wide, Sophie Lim is at the top of her game -- until she takes a tumble from the top of the stairs. Now she's dead, and it turns out it's harder to build a career from six feet under. But lucky for her, the Grim Reaper's her number one fan!

Genres: Webcomic, Romance, Manga, Manhwa, Fantasy, Contemporary, Young Adult

Unknown Binding

Published October 16, 2020

About the author

Violet Chan Karim is a comic artist and writer from Boston, Massachusetts. Her love for cartoons, books, and movies as a child led to her pursuing a career in writing and illustration as an adult. She graduated with a BFA in Sequential Art from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2020. Violet’s debut graphic novel, Summer Vamp, will be published in 2024 with Random House Graphic. She also creates the webcomic, Death of a Pop Star, with WEBTOON.

Reviews

[Jeyanlri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember when I first started reading this Webtoon, after reading the summary of it on LINE Webtoon, my initial thought was, "This seems like a cool concept for a light read." Even now, after reading this webcomic, I don't really have much of an opinion on it; while it was an enjoyable and humorous read that certainly staved off boredom, I feel like it was just there. To me, it wasn't really a memorable read. That's not me saying that it isn't a good story, I'm sure that there are many people out there who would have loved this webcomic, but it just wasn't really my cup of tea when it comes to plotlines and stories that really interest me.

[Marina D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me la cortaron en la mejor parte 😭 desde el 2021 que no actualizan y dudo que lo hagan.

[Heather Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Death of a Pop Star on Webtoon a few weeks ago, and I am both relieved and disappointed that I started reading it so close to the end of Season One. On the one hand, I loved getting to binge almost every episode over the course of two days; on the other hand, now I’m going to have to wait awhile before I get to read more, and getting to read so much of in such a short time spoiled me.

The main character, Sophie Lim, is a pop star who has just debuted. After filming a commercial, she realizes she left something behind, and while on her own, is pushed down the stairs and dies. What’s a girl supposed to do?

Agree to marry the Grim Reaper so that she can be brought back to life, apparently.

All of that happens within the first two episodes, so if that plot intrigues you, I highly suggest checking it out. Season One has 48 fairly short episodes, so it’s an easy and fun read if you have some free time. I know I personally loved it, and I’ve been waiting for the chance to gush about it, so of you want to read my full, spoiler-filled review, check out my blog post on it: Death of a Pop Star: I'm a Little Obsessed.

[Naya · Rating 3 out of 5]

this had such a cool premise but like, not much else? definitely a fun read anyways though!

[Rachel Maguire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 — a cute story but I feel lukewarm about it

[Ellie Perrette · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had a potential but at the end, it just felt boring and dragged.

[Yumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole "coming back from the dead" plot was really interesting. HOWEVER our girl was acting too naive at times. Overall it wasn't that bad.

[Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up the first TPB of this series just because of the title. I saw it at the library, decided screw it! Why not! I don't really read webtoons, let's check it out. And... it's fine? I enjoyed it, I guess? The same way I'd enjoy some chips in a big bowl at a party or something. Fun snacks. I can socialize with people about it by sharing panels. But, you know, it's not a meal. It doesn't leave a lasting impression. I don't leave the party talking about how good the Doritos were.

It's like moments in this book were made to be clipped and shared around. It's kind of quirky. It's cute. There's obligatory glimpses of romance. There's some sort of plot sort of happening in the background. It's easily digested. Maybe you're meant to follow the webtoon casually and just sit with it waiting for updates or something, and it's meant for on-the-go reading to casually scroll through on your phone while you're waiting in line at the DMV or something. Maybe there's more substance to reading a few chapters of this than there is in scrolling reddit or bluesky memes for 5 minutes. But I'm not, you know, engaged with it.

[Caitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was super cute! The story follows Sophie, a newly debuted popstar, who ends up tragically dying before she got to experience traditional things people her age get to experience (relationships, school, more of her career, etc). However, the Grim Reaper that comes to reap her soul has a little crush on her and they make a deal that if Sophie agrees to become his fiancée, then she can come back to life.

...then she proceeds to forget the entire conversation and continue to get herself into many situations that almost result in her dying again.

The story is really funny, however, she is VERY naive and inobservant. Others are constantly having to save her because she doesn't watch out for herself very well.

I would have given the graphic novel 5 stars, but there is very little romance between her and the Grim Reaper. The story leans more into found-family and comedy than it does romance. I hope to see more romance develop as the story goes on.

[cidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I'm so glad I got the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.

Overall Rating 4/5 stars

Such a cute read! I adored the art, and some of the panels had me giggling!

After coming face-to-face with death, Sophie Lim enters into a deal that will change her life -- and her afterlife. Forced into university by her aunt, Sophie has to navigate the depths of university all while trying to stay alive. Sophie is determined to make it through so that she can continue her dreams of becoming a full-fledged pop idol!

Will she be able to make it through?

I'm very excited to be able to continue reading this series as new books come out!

[Inés Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was so cute that the grim reaper Eli knew of her, he was literally a fan. I was hooked with the instant mystery when it shows a pair of hands pushing her down a set of stairs. In limbo after falling she agrees to marry the grim reaper so she can come back to life. It was entertaining how she kept having almost death experiences or accidents that is giving me final destination vibes. I can't believe that it ends with a lie coming to light. I can't wait to read what happens next and I'm also excited to uncover who pushed her.

[Yoyo]

Love it

[sladynoire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read all current episodes :)

[eira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.45/5

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

its good i read it on webtoon :D its one of my favoritessss

[pxstxlgxth · Rating 5 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ4.5 stars´ˎ˗

[María Estefany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
07/03/2023

[Victoria Avila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death of a Pop Star by Violet Karim is a fun, easy read with just a hint of mystery. It's light, entertaining, and perfect if you're looking for something quick and enjoyable.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 Jun 2023 - 8 Jun 2023