Farmhand #11: Our Histories Feed Into Our Future

The trials of Freetown are far from over, and it’s all thanks to the Jenkins. Last we saw, Jedidiah has fairly injured thanks to the attack – which could have been his own creation very well. Farmhand #11 continues that story, unveiling more about what is happening in this town.

Readers have been wondering for a while now how Jedidiah started this business. And while there are still a great many questions that need answers, it feels like we’re getting closer to sorting it all out.

This eleventh issue in the series weaves the past and the future together. Giving us glimpses of what happened back in the day while hinting towards something very dark on the horizon.

Writing

In many ways, Farmhand #11 went a long way in setting up for the dramatic moment we all know is coming. Rob Guillory laid more foundation work down for us, continuing the pattern of slow reveals. It’s enough to start theorizing about what’s truly going on. But not enough to have any real sense of certainty. It’s a delicate balance.

This issue is split into two main parts; the past and the present. The past comprises multiple moments, hinting at all the bits that played a part in creating this epidemic. And the present also brought us some answers – along with plenty of concerns.

Guillory has managed to up the ante by making the fight personal for Jedidiah. But readers are left uncertain about what that will mean. Or what will be done about it? One thing is for sure – the next issue in this series will be interesting. It’s bound to be, given how much setting up this issue did.

Art

The artwork in Farmhand #11 is as vibrant and alive as the plants it features. However, it’s probably not as dangerous. Guillory was the lead artist, providing the imagery and story. And that explains why the two match up so well.

There were some fascinating elements in this issue, from the new character introduced (and how she was designed) to the flashbacks and everything they had to show us. What was especially interesting was how the styles changed depending on the timeline it was in – or what storytelling was used to get the point across.

Taylor Wells was responsible for the coloring of this issue, and they brought this disturbing world to life. They set the brightly colored plants against darker tones, giving off this eerie and perturbing feeling. And then there was Kody Chamberlain, who provided the lettering for this issue. This issue needed the final touch: one full of dialogue and sound effects.

Conclusion

Farmhand #11 went out of its way to build up towards something larger. We don’t yet know how explosive this plot is going to get. But this most recent issue made it feel like things are getting more desperate as our characters find more and more avenues shut to them.

This issue has kept the series’ promise by giving us a glimpse of the truth. We don’t have all the answers yet…but we’re getting there. And it will be fascinating to see how it all plays out in the end.

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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The Plot Continues to Grow in Farmhand #10

Farmhand #10 concludes the second season (no pun intended) in the series and does so on a dramatic note. There’s clearly still a lot left to this story, so there’s no doubt there’s going to be at least one more season to Farmhand.

Farmhand has always been fast-paced, thanks to the ever-evolving plot. But it seems like. Lately, each issue changes the plot more drastically than the last. And this issue is no exception to that. At least we’re starting to get some answers. Granted, we’re getting just as many questions added back onto that list…

Writing

It’s been clear since day one that Rob Guillory had a specific plan for Farmhand. But now and then, he firmly reminds us of that fact. I felt that way while reading Farmhand #10. It felt like we had been building up to this point for a while now. I just couldn’t see it until we got here.

A lot of ground was covered in this issue, but surprisingly it never felt rushed. Instead, we simply bounced from one place to the next, following the plot. This issue did a great job of including most of the primary and even secondary characters introduced so far. So in some ways, it did feel like a wrap-up. But that holds with the season finale, I suppose. It did worry me for half a heartbeat that the series was concluding. That’s something I’m not prepared to see happen just yet.

This issue perfectly balanced the curiosity of the unknown with the gratification of getting answers. There was no info dumping, nor were we left high and dry. Having the plot evolve along the way has resolved a lot of those issues. And it’s left me with even more questions. Here’s hoping the break between seasons isn’t too long.

Art

The artwork for Farmhand has been amazingly consistent this whole time. It probably helps that both Guillory and Taylor Wells have stayed on the project. That said, there were some note-worthy moments in Farmhand #10.

For example, the cover for this issue might be my favorite (so far). I feel like it’s a perfect example of everything that is going on in this series without having it overstated. And, of course, the color palette for it is striking. I love the combination of the vibrant greens on one side and the darker shades and black on the other.

There were a ton of scenes and characters to portray in this issue. Many of the characters we already know, but there were some new ones. And many of those new ones had unique side effects from their implants. So it was fascinating seeing new variations on the theme.

Conclusion

Farmhand #10 went a long way in changing many elements in the series that, up until now, we have taken for granted. It flipped some expectations in our heads. Yet the core theme is still there; it’s just…mutating. It’s oddly appropriate when you think about it.

Part of me is sad that this is the season wrap-up for Farmhand. The rest of me is curious to know how many more seasons are planned. I’m sincerely not sure how far Guillory is planning on taking this plot, but I’m anxious to find out.

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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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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Farmhand #7 Takes An Unexpected Turn

Farmhand has been a fascinating, sort of biological, and slow-growing horror series so far. It’s only seven issues in, yet countless questions have been raised during the plot’s course so far.

Farmhand #7 breaks the pattern of the past few issues, giving us some backstory, some monologuing, and some answers. But of course, it also raised twice as many questions along the way, but that was probably to be expected.

Writing

Rob Guillory is the brains behind the series – and no pun intended there. He’s the one who came up with the original idea and is the one that has been writing all of these issues. He’s shown us that he can tell a plot with a slow build.

This issue was refreshing, in a way. The dialogue was much more open, with characters talking about the problems at hand rather than just pretending everything was fine. Because of that, we were given answers to some of the questions we’ve been asking in the series. Some of the answers, mind you. Not all. But it’s a start.

This issue used an interesting blend of storytelling techniques to give us the full picture. It starts with a very emotionally compelling backstory. It explained a lot about the family dynamics and how they came to be so broken.

From there, the issue jumped perspectives several times, giving us a solid idea of what was happening within the family and city. Together these pieces are starting to show us how everything works, though I still have many questions.

The issue does end in a cliffhanger, which some people love, and others hate, so take that with a grain of salt. I thought it was well done, so it won’t bother me (though it might have if it was about to go into hiatus).

Art

Like all of the other issues of Farmhand, Rob Guillory is also the lead artist for the series. And Farmhand #7 is no exception to that. He provides a distinctive style that fits his vision, and honestly, it was probably the best call. This plot requires a specific format for the art style. I honestly don’t think any other art style would also carry the plot.

Guillory has a way of blending two different forms of life – plants, and humans – in a way that looks both natural and garish. It’s fascinating and certainly adds to the horror elements of the series. There was more of that in this issue and a few other unique opportunities.

Taylor Wells did the coloring for this issue, like the others. His bold coloring complements Guillory’s art style perfectly. The colors bounce back and forth from being bold and daring to muted earth tones. The balance may seem a bit odd, but it’s perfect for the subject matter at hand.

Conclusion

Farmhand #7 took some unexpected turns for the series, but they were also badly needed. The readers can only hang on for so long without getting answers, so it was refreshing to finally get a few hints.

This issue was also shockingly emotional, which I think was also needed. It reminded us that the people at stake are just that – people. They’re flawed, broken, and hurting, but they’re still people. I’m looking forward to the next issue to find out where that cliffhanger will lead.

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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