Advance Review: The Comic Stars Align In ‘You Won’t Feel A Thing’ #1
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
Comics superstars Scott Snyder and Jock reteam for a terrific and chilling tale of an ailing detective and the one case that got away from him. The story is familiar but distinct enough to leave the reader wondering what surprises these creators have in store for them.
Overall
10/10The idea of superstar comics creators Scott Snyder and Jock re-teaming for a project – any project – is enough to get any fan of their work excited. After all, the pair behind Batman: Black Mirror and Wytches has been creeping out readers for over a decade.
You Won’t Feel a Thing, Snyder and Jock’s latest joint project, instantly puts itself among those legendary stories. It’s clear the two love working with each other, because they seem to bring out the best in each of their deep storytelling abilities.
The story, written by Snyder, revolves around retired homicide detective Johnny Reader. A brain tumor is affecting his memories and has relegated him to an assisted living facility in his hometown of Harmless, Montana. This being a Snyder creation, though, nothing is harmless.
Johnny is haunted by that one case that got away from him – a serial killer dubbed the Chatter Man. To make matters worse, the Chatter Man brutally killed Johnny’s high school sweetheart. Johnny encountered the killer only once, years ago. But now he has reappeared and returned to his killing ways.
The story has familiar themes, but Snyder is in his element here. He relies on Johnny’s narration much more than dialogue to drive the story. Given Johnny’s condition, he may not be the most reliable narrator, but time will tell.
Jock’s artwork alone could easily tell the story. We can see Johnny’s frustration with his ailing body. We see the determination in his eyes when he realizes the killer has struck again.
There is a lot of relatively straightforward illustrations in this premiere issue, all of which are expertly handled. That makes the few shocking pages – a handful of killings, a naked woman, and a sex scene – stand out even more thanks to Jock’s masterful pen.
There is a lot of love in You Won’t Feel a Thing, and very little to pick at. If these ace creators remain at the top of their game, and history suggests they will, this limited series could very well become a classic alongside their other legendary collaborations.
You Won’t Feel a Thing will be available for purchase on January 15th, 2025.
