Written by, Jeff Lemire
Art by, Andrea Sorrentino
Colors by, Dave Stewart
Letters by, Steve Wands
Reviewed by, Tom Zimm
Recap
The story continues to expound on the mystery surrounding The Black Barn in ways that are mysterious, confusing, but also engaging. The narrative follows the Priest Fred and a set of clues that leads to what is not clear. Along the way, his partner in the pursuit, Clara, is shot and Fred sees troubling visions. Meanwhile, things seem to be coming together for Norton, the Seer or mental health patient, and his psychiatrist Angie who find a doorway of sorts.
The art is, in a word, trippin’ as it provides much of the storytelling responsibility, which increases the intrigue. The story avoids feeling like a grown up’s game of find the barn by flushing out the protagonist’s biggest fears along the way. Fred begins to wonder: was he sent to Gideon Falls by God or is he being manipulated by evil? The answer is nowhere near clear at the moment.
The arts depictions of the characters and events are psychedelic and patchy with the pieces forming a beautiful tapestry of mystery and intrigue. If the story’s main themes were convoluted or contrived, the whole premise would fall to pieces. Instead, it’s held together by some simple but thought-provoking question: can we ever truly escape our past?
I highly recommend this book especially to fans of Jeff Lemire as this is an amazingly complex and interesting story. Sorrentino’s art takes center stage and enhances the mystic and spiritual elements of the story. Each issue advances the story and there is no wasted space as it wraps up the first arc of this story. Overall = 9.5
