Hooked from Page One: The City Beneath Her Feet #1

The City Beneath Her Feet #1

Illustrated by: Elsa Charretier

Written by: James Tynion IV

DSTLRY

2024

*Spoilers..

A bloody love letter to New York City, The City Beneath Her Feet is an action/thriller love story for a new generation by lauded creators James Tynion IV (Spectregraph, Something is Killing the Children) and Elsa Charretier (Room Service, Love Everlasting).

Jasper Jayne was the girl of Zara’s dreams, but their brief relationship came and went in such an intense blaze that Zara was left thinking Jasper was just that… a dream. Years later, Zara is thrust back into Jasper’s world — unknowingly listed as her emergency contact, Zara must piece together the mystery of Jasper’s life, all while being hunted by the assassins who once called Jasper one of their own.

Every issue from DSTLRY is presented in our perfect bound Prestige format, featuring wraparound covers with spot gloss on robust cover stock, complemented by 48 pages of exquisite interior stock. It’s the DSTLRY difference.

For fans of STRANGERS IN PARADISE, KILL BILL, and MR. AND MRS. SMITH.

From the first page of The City Beneath Her Feet #1, I knew I was in for something special. James Tynion IV and Elsa Charretier have created a gripping blend of action, mystery, and romance that feels both fresh and emotionally charged.

The story follows Zara, who gets a blast from her past when she’s unexpectedly pulled back into the life of Jasper Jayne — the girl she thought she’d lost forever. Their history is intense, and the spark between them is undeniable, even as danger closes in. When Zara is listed as Jasper’s emergency contact, what starts as confusion quickly spirals into a pulse-pounding chase involving deadly assassins and secrets too big to stay buried.

Tynion’s writing shines here. He introduces Zara and Jasper with such depth that you feel like you’ve known them for years. The emotional stakes hit hard because their connection feels genuine, messy, and real. It’s not just about the action — though there’s plenty of that — but about love, trust, and survival.

Elsa Charretier’s art is simply stunning. Her expressive characters and dynamic layouts pull you right into the chaos of New York City. The way she portrays the city makes it feel alive — not just a setting but a force shaping the characters’ lives. Combined with expertly chosen colors, the atmosphere is rich and immersive.

And let’s talk about the book’s physical quality. DSTLRY has gone all out with a premium format that makes holding this issue a treat. The thick cover, special gloss effects, and high-quality pages enhance the experience.

Fans of stories like Strangers in Paradise, Kill Bill, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith will feel right at home here. But even if those aren’t your usual picks, the compelling characters and high-stakes storytelling make this comic impossible to put down.

By the last page, I was fully invested and already eager for the next issue. If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where Zara and Jasper’s twisted, dangerous journey takes us next.

 

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