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Andy Diggle and Jock's Snapshot #1 Review

By Andy Frisk
February 12, 2013 - 20:14

Comic book store employee Jake Dobson finds a lost smart phone in Golden Gate Park that, unbeknownst to him, will leave him running for his life. The phone contains pictures of a seemingly murdered dead body. Things begin to become surreal though when the seemingly murdered man shows up very much alive and when another man, posing as a police detective, asks Jake to do something unspeakable...

The superstar comic book creative team of Andy Diggle (Hellblazer, The Losers) and JOCK (The Losers) return to the world of the technological thriller, mixed with what may or may not be supernatural underpinnings, with the debut of their new mini-series for Image Comics titled Snapshot. Issue #1 sets up the story's main mystery and conflict well while deftly introducing protagonists Jake and his best friend Steve, two comic book fans who find themselves way in over their heads once Jake discovers the grisly images on the phone. While much of the issue is dedicated to establishing both Jake and Steve's characters, the story does move quickly on to some well though out suspense and mystery, with a surprise twist. We really don't learn much about those behind the the images on the phone and its apparent owner(s) this issue, but there has to be something left to explore and set up in issue number two. Diggle once again displays his mastery of dialogue as the banter between Jake and Steve is sharp, witty and realistic. Diggle also displays quite the cinematic eye here as well as in his other works. Nearly all of Snapshot #1 unfolds with move-like pacing.

Speaking of the cinematic, JOCK also once again uses his considerable sequential art talents to create a darkly cinematic look for yet another Diggle creation. JOCK's jagged style of drawing his characters contrasts brilliantly with his straight lined, and often imposing, cityscapes, back alley shadows, and looming bridges.

Andy Diggle and JOCK work better together than any other team in mainstream sequential art, outside of Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan. Just about every work the two collaborate on turns out to be a great read. Snapshot looks to be yet another. Will Snapshot inspire a big screen adaptation much like their The Losers did? Time will tell, but it definitely has the potential to.

Rating: 8.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12