Comic Review: Gideon Falls #7

Gideon Falls #7

Image Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artist: Andrea Sorrentino

Gideon Falls is one of my favorite comics coming out of Image right now. Comics that fall under the horror genre always get my attention, but not all of them are good. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the end of the first story arc in Issue #6. I felt the contents of the barn was a convoluted mess and seemed rushed. Can this issue get the comic back in track?

Actually, yes, it can. We are back to the intriguing stories of Norton and Father Fred in their places dealing with their problems. This issue explores more from Sheriff Miller’s background and the mystery surrounding her brother, Daniel. While the revelation concerning Daniel is nice, we are also following Norton and Dr. Xu as they begin piecing the barn together using the pieces Norton has been collecting all over the city. This pairing runs into a more significant roadblock than we saw coming. Both stories are moving along, and they are both capturing my interest as the second story arc heats up.

Jeff Lemire intentionality let us into the barn in the last issue, even though I didn’t agree with it. I know it was all part of his plan and he has a lot of story to tell. I also know that a lot of readers enjoyed that issue, so he knows what he is doing. To me, that was a minor misstep in what is still a top-tier monthly pull. Lemire has an excellent track record, so I don’t doubt this next volume will be incredible.

Andrea Sorrentino is still putting out unique artwork for this book. He certainly has his own style, and it is very fitting here. I still enjoy his distinctive panel layouts and the one and two-page splashes he gives us. His work in this series has made me a fan and follower of his.

Gideon Falls is only getting better, but don’t jump in at issue #7. Be sure to go all the way back to #1 because this is a story that needs that background. Issue #7 is starting Volume Two off right, and if you like Lemire and supernatural horror, then you want to pick this up off the shelf today.