Sleep # 1
Writer/Artist: Zander Cannon
Cover Date: May 2025
Rating: 
This week, I will analyze “Sleep # 1” from Image Comics. It narrates the tale of Jonathan Reason, a barista at a local coffee establishment who, upon falling asleep, transforms into something entirely different. Every night, it prowls his tranquil town, appearing to kill indiscriminately. Our narrative begins when he awakens, covered in blood.
While this premise possesses substantial potential, it manifests as a slow burn due to Cannon’s establishment of the tone for this murder mystery, which, although it does not redefine the horror genre, is enhanced by a supporting cast of characters that resonates with authenticity, owing to the realistic pacing that Cannon has introduced. This pacing makes the townspeople skeptical of the notion that a killer is operating within their community. Throughout the pages of this issue, glimpses of horror are interspersed, with the mystery intensifying towards the conclusion, overturning expectations. It is noteworthy that the interplay of black-and-white tones, complemented by the addition of red blood, contributes to a stylistic feature that imparts a unique quality to this series, effectively highlighting the simplistic elements in Cannon’s artistry. Although this premier issue adopts a measured pace, the final page prepares readers for the forthcoming unraveling of this mystery. While this concept may have been explored previously, likely, the horror elements will soon be unleashed, resulting in a compelling narrative.
Well, that’s it for me. Thanks for sticking around, and I look forward to seeing you all next time.
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