Tag: Word of the Nerd

WOTN Review: Folklords #3 (Boom! Studios)

A Twisted Tale To Be Discovered in Folklords #3

Folklords has been a fun and twisted version of classic fairy tales. And Folklords #3 pushes that even further, merging classic childhood stories into something much darker and stranger. And to think, it all started with one boy’s quest.

Ansel has always had these visions of another world. The twist is that he is a boy living in what we would consider a fairyland. While seeing into a world full of technology and the mundane. Ansel hopes to prove that this world he sees exists. So this is not your ordinary quest, not by a long shot.

Folklords is the perfect series for those looking for something creative and different. The twists in this series have been carefully thought out. They’re not simply the inverted versions of classic tropes. That makes this a series worth checking out in my book.

Writing

Folklords #3 was full of surprising twists. But given that’s what this whole series is about, perhaps that isn’t all that surprising. It is an entertaining read, with Matt Kindt taking the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel and turning it into something much darker – which is saying something, given the original story.

A lot of this story was told in a visual format. I was tempted to address that in the artwork section (and I probably will a bit there as well), but a lot of credit still has to go to Kindt for that. After all, he likely came up with how the story should be told, even if a lot of it was nonverbal.

The writing for this issue was clever. The twists were surprising…yet they also made sense. There were hints along the way to lead us to this point. It was very well done, especially if we take the nonstandard storytelling style into account as well.

On the whole, I enjoyed this issue. It was delightfully dark while also continuing with Ansel’s quest. I will be curious to see how far he gets. And what the outcome will be regarding the other elements that Kindt has been building up.

Art

The art in Folklords #3 is something to be appreciated. I mentioned above that a lot of the storytelling in this issue was visual, and I meant that. The artists certainly deserve a lot of credit for that, as they did a lot of the heavy lifting here.

There was this fine balance between subtle storytelling and intentionally graphic or disquieting imagery. I feel like the artistic team nailed that balance and ended up taking this plot to a whole new level because of it.

Matt Smith was the lead artist for this issue, with Chris O’Halloran providing the colors. Together they created something noteworthy here. Finally, there’s the letterer, Jim Campbell. While there was less writing than normal in this issue, there’s no doubt that Campbell excelled in what was provided.

Conclusion

Folklords #3 fully invested me back into this dark and twisted series. Where before I had merely been curious, now I sincerely can’t wait to see what happens next. The creative storytelling style and darker elements, has made this a series to follow. And I, for one, am looking forward to seeing where it goes.

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

WOTN Review: Folklords #2 (Boom! Studios)

Twisted Fairy Tales To Be Found in Folklords #2

Ansel has always had these strange visions of a world full of technology and other wonders. And in Folklords #2, he’s moving forward in his quest to prove those visions right. But before he can do that, he must survive the trials of his own world.

Folklords is a delightful series that flips all of the tropes and expectations that come with a magical realm upon its head. Here we have a teenager who sees visions of another world. But rather than seeing into a magical world, it’s the other way around. And all of the magical creatures think he’s a bit mad for going off on this quest.

Thankfully, Ansel is not alone. Another villager, Archer, has decided to take up this very same quest. But the jury is still out on whether he will end up being more of a help or a hindrance. But at least Ansel has some company?

Writing

Folklords #2 was a fascinating continuation of this tale. Ansel’s quest is unique in that most of us have surely not seen this flipped perspective. It’s been interesting to see how the details are handled and how far the boundaries on this concept can be pushed.

Matt Kindt has woven a complex tale in this issue. On the one hand, Ansel’s quest is complicated by his companion, Archer. The backstory of this character (revealed in this issue) is alarming and disturbing, yet it also fits the fantasy theme quite beautifully.

Then there are the dangers that our characters come across here. If the series continues to twist all of these tales, it’s safe to say that this issue will stay delightfully intriguing. The twists so far have been clever. Kindt has managed to successfully subvert expectations on more than one occasion. All while setting up for something larger.

Art

Folklords #2 is full of dark and foreboding artwork. The type of scenery you’d expect to find in a dark and magical forest. It was the perfect setting for this issue for more than one reason. And the artistic team nailed the overall tone and feeling of it all.

Matt Smith was the lead artist for this issue; thus, all credit for the characters, their expressions, and much of their surroundings should go to him. Then there are the colors, which was the ideal mixture of dark and murky. Chris O’Halloran provided those colors. Finally, Jim Campbell was the letterer. And his work was pleasing, as always.

Together these three were the ideal support for this winding plot, one that is taking us on the most unexpected of journeys.

Conclusion

Folklords #2 had a lot of disturbing – yet fascinating – undertones. And it’s impossible not to be intrigued by what is unfolding right in front of us. Ansel’s quest was one that sounded interesting right from the start. But it’s the twists and turns that are keeping this tale interesting. And I, for one, am looking forward to seeing how this latest twist concludes.

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

WOTN Review: Folklords #1 (Boom! Box)

A Classic Reversal in Folklords #1

Folklords #1 is the start of a new miniseries from Boom! Box. This series is only meant to be five issues long, but in that short period of time, it’s going to subvert all of the classic tropes involving fairy tale quests.

Ansel lives in a magical world. But he has visions of another world – one completely unlike his own. But unlike the classical tales of a boy seeing another world, he dreams of a world full of suits and skyscrapers. This series is set to twist all expectations of fantasy worlds, magic, and the well-worn tale of a young man’s coming-of-age adventure in what will soon become a complete reversal of it all.

Folklords looks like it’ll be a fun and amusing series for anybody looking for something different and somewhat whimsical. The flip is so obvious, and yet not something that has ever been done before.

Writing

The world Matt Kindt has built in Folklords #1 is immediately familiar and yet very different from what we might expect. We can imagine this world as the setting for an epic quest. And yet – it’s the world that Ansel is trying to escape.

There was something oddly charming about the writing in this tale. Perhaps it’s because Ansel is yearning to prove the existence of a world full of technology. Or perhaps it’s because he’s fighting against the elders of his town. No matter the reason, there is something deeply resonating about this series.

For a series designed to be only five issues long, there was a delightful plot and subplot to be found within the first issue. This world has already come alive, and it’s clear that a lot is going on in Ansel’s world.

What was perhaps the most satisfying part of this tale was Ansel’s determination despite it all. And admittedly, the way he describes our world is oddly…charming. It’s a picturesque version, but that makes sense, given that he’s only been able to steal glances here and there.

Art

Folklords #1 is both bright and whimsical. Ansel is an oddly normal character. Well, normal by our standards. Less so by the people in his world. Dressing him up in a suit was a clever touch – an obvious throwback to the idea of a child wearing a cloak or something similar. It made Ansel stick out like a sore thumb – in all the right ways.

The artists behind this issue did an excellent job of showing the magic in Ansel’s world as a background element. After all, none of this is new or different to Ansel and thus doesn’t hold any importance to him. It was a fascinating perspective and one that they portrayed astonishingly well.

Matth Smith was the lead artist for this issue, with Chriss O’Halloran providing the colors and Jim Campbell doing the lettering. Together they brought this unique character and world to life.

Conclusion

Folklords #1 was an interesting start to what is sure to be a fascinating and memorable miniseries. It has proven fast-paced and witty, pushing Ansel’s story to a nearly comical extreme. It will truly be interesting to see where this series goes, given how many issues it has left.

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

Review: Review – Firefly: The Sting (Boom! Box)

The Girls Are Back in Town in Firefly: The Sting

Firefly fans, it’s time to celebrate. There’s yet another graphic novel out there for us to dive into. I know it isn’t quite the same as another season, but we’ll take what we can get, right? Anything to keep Joss Whedon’s creation alive.

Firefly: The Sting is the latest original graphic novel to come out in the world of Firefly. But this time around? The focus is on the ladies of the crew. That’s right, Kaylee, Zoe, Inara, and River are back. And they’re joined by Saffron. So you just know that nothing will go quite as planned, thanks to her backstabbing ways.

Firefly: The Sting takes place before the movie’s events, fitting neatly somewhere before the crew goes off in their own directions. And that means there is still a lot of personality and sass onboard the ship.

In this little misadventure, we again find Saffron approaching the crew with an idea for a heist (which you just know she’ll backstab them for in the end). But this time around, she’s only approaching the ladies of the ship. That may raise some questions, but since it allows us to see our favorite characters working together, we’re not going to complain.

Writing

Firefly: The Sting was written by Delilah S. Dawson, and you can tell that she had more than a little bit of fun writing this series. You can see her influence in writing, yet she did an excellent job staying true to the world and the characters within.

All the characters we know and love, as well as one or two we love to hate, got to make an appearance here. However, there was a focus on the women aboard Firefly. Each issue in this collection switched perspectives, giving each of them a chance to shine.

What made The Sting both interesting and unique was the infusion of pop culture within their lines. Some of the quotes were hard to avoid and thus had to be intentional. There were hat tips to ‘she persists’ and other iconic female moments in our modern era. It’s interesting to think about the impact those moments might have in a far-flung future.

The heist was fascinating, as it gave a purpose to each of the Firefly crew members pulled into it. Though that was immediately clear at first – proving that this tale fits nicely with the story.

On the whole, The Sting was a charming and amusing side quest for half of the Firefly crew. It was nice to see characters work together in ways they never have before. And it was refreshing to get a chance to see them as individuals with concerns and things that they were working through. It added a personal touch.

Art

Firefly: The Sting was host to a ton of different and talented artists. It seemed like each issue traded out who was working on the pages. And as such, this graphic novel has a massive creative team.

The lead artists for this series are Pius Bak, Serg Acuna, Richard Ortiz, Hyeonjin Kim, and Rodrigo Lorenzo. Together they gave us the characters we’ve come to love over the years. And each one of them did look like we both expected and hoped. They weren’t afraid to throw in their twists or stylistic choices, which worked out well for the series. I especially enjoyed the iconic look of all the white masks combined with the red flowers (you’ll see that early on in the series, don’t worry).

While the colorists were Joana Lafuente, Doug Garbark, and Natalia Marques, the sense of color in The Sting was quite brilliant. It was vibrant and unafraid to use lots of bold colors for the characters and the backgrounds. It made for an eye-popping view.

And finally, Jim Campbell did the lettering for the entire volume, adding a sense of cohesion despite the artists’ changing hands.

Conclusion

Firefly: The Sting was such a fun read. I hope this is a volume that fans of the series pick up. The girl power theme was a pleasant surprise. But it gave us the perfect excuse to see our characters in a whole new context and light.

This heist and everything involved is a perfect fit for the series. It could easily have belonged as an episode at any point. In fact, I kind of wish we had gotten the chance to see it that way. That’s a slightly sad note, sorry. Still, it’s nice seeing the series continue with charisma and force.

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

Review: Firefly #7 (Boom! Studios)

When it comes to finding trouble, the crew of Serenity has no competition. Almost every member of the crew has a past they’re running from. And they’re all rather talented at getting into trouble. That much has been evidenced in the last few issues of this series.

Firefly #7 goes a long way in showing the different ways this crew reacts to threats and situations. Honestly, even though we’ve seen some of this in the TV series, it’s still fun to see more of it. And I swear I’m not just saying that because Jayne’s side of things made me laugh (though it did).

I love how this series really does feel just like the TV show and movie I fell in love with. The characters walked straight from the screen and to the pages. Or at least, that’s how it feels. It’ll never quite make up for the early cancellation, but it’s something.

Writing

Firefly #7 somehow balanced the more humorous moments (well, moment, in this case) with some seriously heavy parts. That sounds like Firefly in a nutshell, so I shouldn’t be so surprised. But I am impressed.

Greg Pak’s plot has been taking so many unexpected twists and turns but in a good way. Though the series hasn’t been predictable, it still has the feel and tone I’ve been counting on. And it fits in well with the very specific point of time they have to work with.

There were a lot of memorable moments in this issue. There’s one genuinely laugh-out-loud section (involving Jayne, but I won’t say more than that) and a few intense moments. And there are some true spine-tingling moments as well. I’m sure moments will stick with me for quite some time. The conclusion, in particular, was something else.

While I can’t say that every character had a moment to shine in this issue, I can honestly say that they all acted in character. And sometimes there just isn’t enough time to show everybody doing something exciting.

Art

Firefly #7 has some brilliant artwork. The characters look like their actor counterparts – while still significantly influenced by the series’ artists. In this case, Dan McDaid and Marcelo Costa are behind the wheel.

Two things stood out for me in this issue. The first had to be the expressions. There were a lot of emotions portrayed in this issue. And trust me, they ran the gambit here. The amount of emotion they could show – without needing to explain – was impressive.

I also fell in love with the color palette from this issue. However, I’m probably a little bit biased here since I’m fond of comics that use a lot of blue and purple. It does work very well with the setting and the subject at hand, though. While also making things look nice and dramatic.

Conclusion

Firefly #7 moved the main plot forward rapidly while also throwing a bunch of twists and turns into the mix. I love that they’ve managed to keep things so interesting while keeping true to this crew’s core.

There were a lot of memorable moments in this issue, some more humorous than others. And while I don’t know where this plot will lead in the long run, I have been enjoying the journey so far. The real question is, what will the next issue bring with it?

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

Review: Firefly #6 (Boom! Studios)

The Gang is Up to Their Necks in Trouble in Firefly #6

The latest series of Firefly has been so painfully on point compared to the original Firefly TV series. Fans are sure to love it – I know I’ve been enjoying it. The latest plot in the series has been fairly typical for the Firefly crew. With them all getting into a mess of trouble and being forced to find a way out of it.

Considering that the last issue ended in what could almost be considered a cliffhanger, I’m happy to see this issue. Firefly #6 brings with it a few more surprises and one or two more twists and turns.

Writing

Why does it seem like Mal is always so talented at getting himself in trouble? Oh, right, because he is. In this case, his being in trouble isn’t exactly new, but that hardly changes things, does it? This new Firefly series does seem to understand that particular talent of Mal’s, as evidenced by the mess they’re in now.

Greg Pak is the author of the series. He’s done a great job of making this series feel like the original it’s based on, and I can’t appreciate that enough. In Firefly #6, he brings on some more twists and turns. But they all make sense – especially when we consider Mal and Zoe’s past. I love that there’s such a strong tie-back, especially since we know how formative their history is for these particular characters.

Believe it or not, there were some genuinely hilarious moments in this issue. They helped balance out the more tense moments in the issue. And they also helped to show how well the crew works together (well, most of them). It’s something we know but is always nice to see.

There is still a lot left to the plot, which I appreciate. I’m glad that they’re not rushing through this plot. Though I should say, it doesn’t feel like they’re stretching or dragging the plot. It just is what it is.

Art

Firefly #6 had a slightly larger team of artists than usual. Dan McDaid did most of the line work for this issue, but Vincenzo Federici did the inking specifically for pages 13 to 18. I’d never seen that before, so I stopped and looked more closely at the lines. That was actually kind of fun to do. The lines and shading were heavily done, but it honestly really works for this series, bringing in the grungier elements we’d expect.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Costa did the coloring for this issue, which was delightful. I loved the color palette for this issue, especially for the world that Mal is currently on.

Conclusion

Firefly #6 was a fast-paced read worth every minute. It was both tense and funny, depending on what was happening – and who was doing what. But everything balanced out, making for a really interesting read.

Some of the twists were pretty funny, while others were just so in tune with how these characters act. The more I read this series, the more it feels like just another adventure for this crew. I’m looking forward to the next issue, which may wrap up this plot (or not).

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

Review: Farmhand #11 (Image Comics)

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

Review: Farmhand #10 (Image Comics)

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

Review: Farmhand #7 (Image Comics)

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.

Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat’s Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

0

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑