PopCultHQ received an advanced review copy of GIDEON FALLS #1 from Image Comics. Available March 7th, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing from Jeff Lemire, art from Andrea Sorrentino, colors from Dave Stewart, and lettering from Steve Wands.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
GIDEON FALLS #1
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Andrea Sorrentino
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Steve Wands
In Shops: March 7th, 2018
SRP: $3.99
A brand-new ongoing series from the acclaimed bestselling creative team of Old Man Logan and Green Arrow! 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.
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Gideon Falls #1
Writing:
Jeff has served up something that is superb, dark, and just plain creepy. In the vein of shows like American Horror Story and classic fright masters like H. P. Lovecraft, Jeff presents the first chapter in a new tale. A tale of faith, a small town with darkness in it, and an adventure waiting to unfold.
Art:
Andrea’s art reflects the nature of the book. There is a lot of detail that he crams into every panel, but it isn’t just the detail that is striking. The artwork itself has a certain starkness to it, as if the art feels drained (which it isn’t) but has a sort of “on purpose” nature to its design to mesh up with Jeff’s story. Whatever readers take away from it, let it be said that this is a fine first book of artwork for the team of Jeff and Andrea.
Dave’s colors are something else. Like Andrea’s artwork, it’s stark and yet also feels washed out too. Like with the art, it truly isn’t, this is an “on purpose” choice. To truly make it known to readers just what kind of comic they are getting themselves into, Dave chose colors that weren’t bright or cheery or full of life. He chose colors that hint at the dark that hides within the town.
Steve’s lettering is just as much a reflection of this dark comic as Andrea’s art or Dave’s colors. Everyone, even Father Wilfred, is lettered in a manner that suggests a decidedly bleak nature to the story ahead. Father Wilfred’s lettering is especially noteworthy because it lacks strong conviction, like his character. So whatever comes along on this visit to Gideon Falls, it will be Steve’s lettering that helps readers along on the strange journey ahead.
PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:
Welcome to Gideon Falls. It may seem like any other small town, but there’s something wrong with it. And it will take Father Wilfred and a man named Norton to uncover what dark secrets lie behind the seemingly pleasant exterior, and give way to the dark interior. Come along for a new and frightening ride. Come and visit Gideon Falls.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 Out of 5 Stars
GIDEON FALLS #1 can be pre-ordered on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, March 7th!
Be sure to follow the creative team!
Writer – Jeff Lemire
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Artist – Andrea Sorrentino
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Colorist – Dave Stewart
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Letterer – Steve Wands
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Publisher – Image Comics
