Gideon Falls, Vol. 1 (udgave 2019)

Rather underwhelming for something coming from Lemire but I'll keep reading and see if it manages to surprise me. ( )

The highly acclaimed Gideon Falls doesn't contain any original ideas that I can see. It's largely well-drawn, though there are consistency problems with some characters (a common problem when the artist's reliance on photo reference includes some gaps in said reference). I like the paneling a lot, and the texture effects.

The story jumping read smoothly, and I was about equally interested in both stories - the connections between the stories have some satisfying payoffs, and one of them is even surprising (the one based on location identity, not character identity).

I wish that volume one could have had some conclusions in it, because comics are a serious financial investment compared to any other reading - and most other entertainment in general. Can't say I was impressed enough to want to read beyond volume 1, but if my library ends up with a copy - I'll gladly read it (at the very least skim it).

I didn't get any horror vibe, and some of the cliches are cringe-worthy (walls of newspaper clippings... can we retire that stupid visual already?). At its best moments, there was a Twin Peaks feel... but only in superficial ways. It's rough when there are so few characters pulling so much weight in a story, and that robs it of a lot of realism and believability.

I would love for horror comics to come into their own for modern readers - but maybe film is just so accessible that talented creators go straight for that medium. There is a serious dearth of capable horror writers. It was disappointing to see Mark Millar call this his favorite comic of 2018... the comic doesn't rate that kind of praise. I wish I'd borrowed it rather than bought it. ( )

Yep. It's another Jeff Lemire series. I can't resist. I have to read anything he writes. This time around, he's venturing into a genre that isn't necessarily my favorite but I'm curious enough to know what happens next to be keeping my eye out for the next volume when it comes along.

This series is distinctly darker than some others that Lemire has written. It's a bit of supernatural with a tinge of horror. The Black Barn appears and disappears and when it's there, bad things happen. In the small town of Gideon Falls a priest with a troubled past has arrived to take the place of the deceased previous priest. He soon discovers there's a lot of mysterious stuff happening in town.

Meanwhile in the big city a previously institutionalized man who is clearly still dealing with mental health issues scours the trash for clues to his own troubling visions (remembrances?) of the Black Barn. His therapist is skeptical until she sees it for herself.

The artwork is by Andrea Sorrentino and it adds to the story wonderfully. It's dark and moody with some creative panels and pages.

As is typical with the first volume of a new series it's a lot of set up and stage setting. It's not my favorite genre but I want to know what happens. ( )