Review – Farmhand #12 (Image Comics)

Farmhand #12 is Taking Family Drama to An All-New Extreme

Things have been changing quite rapidly in a sleeping little town, all thanks to one corporation and their implants. Now, in Farmhand #12, we’re about to see just how bad the leak has gotten. And how dangerous that will be.

Farmhand has been a brilliant, intense, and fascinating tale up to this point. The Jedidiah Seed is a mystery that is growing larger – and threat. And I can’t be the only fan eagerly awaiting answers on what exactly is going on here.

One this is certain, Freetown is no longer a safe location. The contamination has gone too far, affecting both people and animals. And it’s starting to feel like that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Writing

Once again, Rob Guillory has woven us a deliciously intriguing and disturbing tale. I don’t know what I love more; the concept behind the implant technology or the growing sense of foreshadowing.

Farmhand #12 is an issue that makes the growing threat clear. It also further proves that there’s more going on than meets the eye, especially regarding the Jedidiah Seed and its namesake. I know that answers are on the way, but I’m starting to chomp at the bit to see what it all is.

There are so many elements up in the air in this issue, yet they’re all carefully balanced here. The plot is getting thicker, with more questions rising with every moment. And yet, it feels like we know less than ever. It’s all so carefully crafted to keep our intrigue going.

The family drama and dynamics are starting to come to a head here. It feels like each family member has their own goals, hopes, and expectations at this point. And in a way, that just makes the whole situation feel more realistic. All while providing even more tension to an already intimidating plot.

Art

Farmhand #12 is an issue full of dramatic and dangerous scenes. As I said, Freetown is no longer a safe location. And the violence is of the most unique nature. Guillory is the lead artist for this project, and that’s a good thing. It means he’s free to make sure his vision is properly put onto the pages.

This issue perfectly blends the organic nature of plants and contamination with this sense of unyielding horror. It’s a delicate and alarming balance. But it’s the exact tone this series needs.

The coloring is what brings the artwork to a whole new level, with many of the scenes portraying a green color palette. Oddly fitting, don’t you think? Taylor Wells did the colors, and they’re noteworthy on more than one occasion.

Finally, Kody Chamberlain provided the lettering. And they managed to portray all of the various (and sometimes long) conversations in a way that never once felt crowded. It’s what this issue needed.

Conclusion

Farmhand #12 is one of those issues full of drama and danger – and yet you can’t help but feel like it’s all building towards something even bigger. And thus, I’m finding myself quite excited to see what will happen in the next issue, and for more than one reason. Anybody else feeling that way?

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.