Comic Review: Farmhand #11

Farmhand #11

Image Comics

Writer: Rob Guillory

Artists: Rob Guillory and Taylor Wells

Farmhand is back after a short hiatus. With #11, Rob Guillory takes a dive back into the town’s history. Jedediah takes center stage in what is a more dark and dreary issue than what I tend to think is the book’s usual tone. Though it’s mostly backstory and setup, this is still a great issue. 

So much of this series’ appeal relies on the town’s history and secrets. Everyone knows everyone else and they’re all hiding something. Though, normally we experience this through Zeke’s eye and learn these things through him. This issue largely takes place in the past, and so we actually get to see some of the town’s history play out for ourselves. This plays a critical role in building that connected feeling of the town that Farmhand leans into so heavily. Making the reader a participant in that helps build a natural and real world. 

Though, that does come with drawbacks. The last “season” of Farmhand ended on a significant cliffhanger, one that was guaranteed to keep readers on the lookout for the next issue. However, this issue’s focus on Jed’s past and present means that, of course, that cliffhanger is barely touched upon. It’s a bit frustrating but doesn’t cause this issue to feel useless or unnecessary. It’s still a compelling world and character building. Plus, it sets up much of the ongoing conflict for the season. It’s the kind of issue that isn’t mind-blowing after such a long hiatus but is undoubtedly necessary and will be a great start to an arc.

What gets me about Guillory’s art is how it continues to improve, despite his work already being among the best as soon as it hit the scene. I’ve been reading old Chew trades recently, and despite how amazing those books look, Farmhand manages to step it up. I don’t know if it’s due to this being Guillory’s singular vision or just the natural progression of his style, but it’s stellar. So much of the story is told purely through expressions, or posture, or backgrounds and panel layouts. The storytelling seems so effortless and not at all distracting that I almost stop noticing it while reading. Everything flows so well that it’s only upon reflection that I see the genius of it. The dialogue serves only to enhance what the art is already telling you. 

Farmhand #11 works for the reason that the whole book does. It doesn’t throw a ton of new ideas and characters at you every issue to feign depth. It just builds and grows upon what’s already been there since the beginning. It’s branching out in different directions all the time, but it never feels like a departure from the book’s core. Guillory has an intense focus and plan, and it’s on full display in this issue.

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