You Never Heard of Me #1: Family Gifts
Creative Team
writer: IOLANDA ZANFARDINO
artist: ELISA ROMBOLI
colorists: ELISA ROMBOLI & IOLANDA ZANFARDINO
letterer: IOLANDA ZANFARDINO
publisher: DARK HORSE COMICS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
You’ve Never Heard of Me #1 is a wonderfully illustrated story about the juxtaposition of the choices we make and the choices made for us.
For generations Will’s family has passed the gift of foresight down one family member at a time. Upon touching someone, this power shows the best and worst moments of that person’s life. This supernatural skill comes with a daunting responsibility that currently resides with Will’s ailing Grandma.
he story opens with Will Hartbridge sitting by a beach balancing rocks as waves crash in front of him. All around Will are small stacks of rocks and this symbolism of the chaos of the waves and struggle to keep the stone structures from falling gives readers visual clues into the pressures that constantly surround Will.
The story continues with exposition and readers learn how “foresight” is a gift that has been passed along for generations. While one might expect fame or riches, the Hartbridge family instead does their best to survive—even if members such as Will’s mom have left the picture. After several family interactions, the story showcases Will at high school where his life will change forever.
Written by Iolanda Zanfardino, the story and script are engaging and the emotional moments capture the reader as the story progresses from two siblings talking, to a family struggling with loss. From the exposition to the set pieces in the story such as the beach or the back of a crowded classroom, readers are given a well-paced experience and the dialogue imbues each character with a distinct personality as they interact with the different versions of Will. There’s the sarcastic little brother version of Will when talking to his ambitious sister Charlie, and the charming Will who deeply cares about his Grandma—a loving and insightful woman.
Zanfardino doesn’t just provide a script that is entertaining and emotional, but the various layers offer readers plenty to consider. Powers, or abilities, are often perceived as burdens or outlets for possible corruption, and yet the story reminds readers of responsibilities that come with any skill that could help others.
Illustrating the story is Elisa Romboli. Interestingly enough Romboli and Zanfardino collaborate in the coloring of this story—but more on that later. The panels are cinematic in design, especially in establishing emotions or showcasing characters at different locations and the borders in the different scenes are full of little details.
The coloring from Romboli and Zanfardino add a rich depth to the experience. There’s almost an analogous color palette in the early pages as Will talks about his family and the tones are warm and cozy. Once the story and mood shifts, the colors appear less bright as Will deals with the angst that comes with being a teenager.
For a series premiere, there is a strong foundation and the rules of the foresight power and how the Hartbridge family will adapt with the change of who has the abilities make for an interesting story. While there is a road full of potential with how this story will progress, it’s easy to be hooked by the last page.
Final Verdict
You Never Heard of Me is a magnetic and visually stunning debut that captivates readers within the first few pages.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.5 |
| Story/Plot | 9.5 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.5 |
| Colors | 9.5 |
| Final Score | 9.5/10 |