There are certain comic creators who bring something special and signature to whatever they do. In the case of duo Iolanda Zanfardino and Elisa Romboli out of Italy, that means a highly dynamic and emotionally expressive experience whether they’re tackling a raunchy romantic comedy, tangled road trip race against time, or dystopian fantasy adventure.
Now Zanfardino and Romboli are venturing into supernatural infused slice of life territory with new five-part series You Never Heard of Me, published by Dark Horse Comics.
Issue 1 of You Never Heard of Me is out today, 20 November, and introduces readers to introverted teen Will who just wants to get through high school without drawing attention to himself. Our hero feels that drive more than most because he comes from a family that has suffered endless hardships due to their unique magical “gift” – one person every generation inherits the ability to see the best and worst moments of a person’s life (past or future) from a simple touch. With that power comes the opportunity to step in and help individuals change their ever-fluid destiny, but getting involved has consequences.
That’s something Will, with his “mind your business” thinking, would rather avoid. It’s just that he doesn’t have a choice when he unexpectedly becomes the next Seer in his family. Not that he lets his father and sister know.
Without giving anything more away, the first issue of You Never Heard of Me lays the foundation for what’s to come. Loner Will is confident that he can keep his distance from the members of his small community, but that obvious won’t be the case. Appearing unnamed in Issue 1 are rebellious and otherwise non-conforming classmates that are clearly going to have a much bigger role in the story. Plus, covers for the series shows an expanded supporting cast we haven’t met yet, including Popcorn the duck – an obvious future scene stealer.
It’s early days yet for You Never Heard of Me but it seems like the book will appeal to people who enjoy the likes of Life is Strange, in that it marries the paranormal and the distinctly normal, with a strong emphasis on diverse representation thrown in the mix. You Never Heard of Me is a lot more energised in its storytelling and visuals, though, as indicated by the intricate double-page spreads, and structurally inventive depictions of even the simplest conversations.
It all sets the stage for a poignant tale of particular relevance today, as Will is torn between protective distance on his part, literally and figuratively, and empathetic action that can save lives, but also possibly ruin his.
32-page You Never Heard of Me Issue #1 is out today in print and digital form. Issue #2 releases on 22 January 2025.
