Review: Farmhand #8 (Image Comics)

Farmhand has been an interesting series from the start, and it’s only gotten more so with the most recent issues. The series has been building up to something significant for a while now, and we’re very near the point where it’ll all explode.

In Farmhand #8, we see several different writing techniques used. The series uses dialogue, flashbacks, and fight scenes to move the story forward. The tension in this issue was palpable, but the cliffhanger of the last issue sort of led us to expect that much. It held up to expectations, though.

I’m most excited about hitting this point in the plot because it means we’re finally at the point where we learn some more of the truth. And that means it’s time to learn if our theories will hold water.

Writing

Rob Guillory has done a fantastic job with this series, and Farmhand #8 is no disappointment. The tension in the series has been in this fascinating pattern, sometimes increasing and sometimes backing off. But even so, it never calmed down fully. The result was a gradual build of tension while throwing in more interesting moments along the way.

The issue itself starts in a flashback, which is greatly appreciated. We needed to know more about the character introduced at the end of the last issue. The flashback bleeds into the present but not to where the cliffhanger left off in the previous issue.

I’ll admit that I was pretty anxious to get back to the point we left off at in issue 7. But after having read this issue, I agree with the decision not to jump right into it. He needed to learn things first, and Guillory has proven that he has an innate sense of timing.

I loved how everything played out in this issue, as it all did tie back together in the end. It all added to the fight scene that we knew was coming, increasing the impact tenfold. Of course, it was all followed by an unexpected twist, which may or may not is considered a cliffhanger by some. I view it as a transition for the next big reveal.

Art

Rob Guillory is both the author and the artist of this series. It’s not something you see every day, but it works for this series. Guillory’s unique style is perfect for the world he has created. Showing us this raw combination of fiber and viscera.

I loved a few things about Farmhand #8 in particular. The design of the mystery man is one of them, of course. The derangement brought on by his situation is clear for all to see. And the interpretation of his implants was cleverly shown.

And, of course, there were the action scenes to look at. Those were interesting, as we haven’t seen much actual fighting in this series (with a couple of exceptions).

Taylor Wells did the coloring for this issue, and his colors do enhance the images. They’re bright and beautifully blended. I have loved the transitions between plant and human, as there’s something so believable about it all (in a horrific way).

Conclusion

Farmhand #8 was everything I had hoped it would be. It was quite a bit more than that. I was curious about the stranger shown at the end of the last issue, but none of my guesses could have competed with the truth.

I look forward to seeing what will be revealed in the next issue. Especially if the last page of this issue is anything to go by. We’re finally going to learn more about the secondary players in this twisted game…

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.

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