REVIEW: 'You Never Heard of Me' #1 by Iolanda Zanfardino and Elisa Romboli

 You Never Heard of Me #1

Writer: Iolanda Zanfardino

Artist: Elisa Romboli

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Release Date: November 20, 2024

Cover Price: $3.99

The ability to touch someone and see both the best and the worst moments of their life, be it past or future, means the ability to try to change things for the better. Such power can feel like a curse, especially if you're a teenage seer who thinks he has enough problems.

Score:

8.5/10

'You Never Heard of Me' is a compelling comic by Iolanda Zanfardino and Elisa Romboli, centered on a teenager named William who inherits the ability to see the best and worst moments of people's lives from his grandmother. This unique gift, while powerful, becomes a curse that forces his family to move frequently to avoid those who wish to exploit them. The first issue establishes key relationships and the emotional toll this ability takes on William and his grandmother.

William is relatable, characterized by a casual attitude, preferring to spend his time at the beach rather than engaging in academics like his sister. Although he successfully navigates school, his life is upended by his newfound foresight abilities. Zanfardino and Romboli visually represent this power through vibrant colors and art, effectively conveying the instability of William's family and the emotional weight of his experiences.

This comic resonates with introverted kids thrust into roles of responsibility by societal and familial expectations. As William grapples with loss and his extraordinary abilities, he faces a choice—how to harness his powers to reflect his empathetic nature, making for a poignant and relatable story. Zanfardno and Romboli have once again created an engaging and empathetic tale full of wonder and heart.