Favor of Athena #1: Page 6
An Emotional Beat in the Midst of Mourning
On Page 6 of Favor of Athena, creators Terrio Jenkins (Creator/Writer), Alejandro Samada (penciler/inker), Chandan Singh (colorist), and Nikki Powers (Letterer) deliver a moment that is heartfelt, awkward, and strangely tender—all in five tightly composed panels.
We find Liam and Paige in the aftermath of a funeral, and the weight of grief is unmistakable. Liam’s slumped posture and remorseful expression immediately set the tone, and his soft reassurance—“Her death is… it’s not your fault”—suggests a loss that both characters are still trying to process.
But before the moment can settle, we’re caught off guard by Liam’s wandering gaze and an unexpected flirtation. A passing woman catches his eye, and with a smitten, “She’s beautiful,” he invites a sharp rebuke from Paige. Her glare says it all. The setting couldn’t be more inappropriate—and yet, the awkwardness feels incredibly human.
Liam’s quick apology—“I’m supposed to be here supporting you. Not flirting with gorgeous strangers.”—isn’t just comic relief. It’s a revealing glimpse into how people cope with discomfort, sometimes stumbling through even the most delicate moments with clumsy good intentions.
Then comes the spider. A well-timed shift in tone as Liam notices one crawling on Paige’s collar. He flicks it away without hesitation. She thanks him, slightly embarrassed, and admits she’s “on edge.” It’s one of those small exchanges that says so much more than the words themselves—it’s care, familiarity, and mutual vulnerability.
The final panel brings it all together. Paige returns the favor, flicking a spider off Liam, who mutters, “I hate spiders.” Paige responds, “I know. Thanks for being here.” What follows is a poignant declaration of independence—“I would’ve been fine by myself. I don’t need help.” But Liam knows her well enough to affirm both her strength and his support: “I know you don’t, Paige. I know you don’t.”
Alejandro Samada’s expressive linework and Chandan Singh’s dynamic colors carry the emotional beats beautifully. From subtle facial shifts to background silhouettes, every panel reinforces the emotional nuance of the scene. Nikki Powers’ lettering keeps the pacing fluid and dialogue grounded.
This page isn’t just a transitional scene. It’s a window into grief, friendship, and the complicated ways people show up for each other—even when they fumble. And that, more than anything, is what gives Favor of Athena its soul.
