Gideon Falls #2 by Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, and Dave Stewart continues to develop a genuinely creepy and disturbing tale told with perfect pacing and eye-catching artwork.
Gideon Falls #2
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Andrea Sorrentino
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Letters by: Steve Wands
The lives of a reclusive young man obsessed with a conspiracy in the city’s trash, and a washed-up Catholic priest arriving in a small town full of dark secrets, become intertwined around the mysterious legend of The Black Barn, an otherworldly building that is alleged to have appeared in both the city and the small town, throughout history, bringing death and madness in its wake. Rural mystery and urban horror collide in this character-driven meditation on obsession, mental illness, and faith.
Writing
Gideon Falls, two issues in, is already a great example of perfect narrative pacing. After ending the last issue on a strong cliffhanger, Lemire uses this chapter to really develop Norton and Fred more. Using parallel structure excellently, Lemire brings his two main characters closer thematically, raising the tension and suspense for their eventual meetup. At this point, both Norton and Fred work as our protagonist. Lemire’s writing invests us in both.
There are also a great many hints and clues dropped that begin to make you realize there is a surreal nature to the town of Gideon Falls. It almost begins to take on a Twin Peaks vibe.
Art
This is seriously one of the best-looking comics currently out. Every visual aspect of Gideon Falls works together to create a very unique and defining feel. The pencils have an extremely tangible texture, creating a more intimate experience. The layouts are both steady and jarring, which give the book its unique pace. The colors are otherworldly and the lettering is sublime, both contributing to the story’s mood. It’s the perfect example of collaborative visual art.
Conclusion
The events of this issue really build up the tension and mood and we get another great cliffhanger (something Lemire is becoming very, very good at). It’s also incredibly gorgeous to look at. Gideon Falls is one of the horror comics in shops today and undoubtedly heading toward being a classic Image title.