Gideon Falls #8 Review

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Andrea Sorrentino / Image Comics Gideon Falls #8 marks a notable moment in Lemire’s narrative. Thus far, the story has focused on the present lives of Norton Sinclair and Father Fred as they perform parallel investigations on the enigmatic Black Barn. They have experienced very different kinds of horror on their journeys and have made an ally or two along the way, but despite their common goal, their path seems distinct, separate. Gideon Falls #8 adjusts the rails ever so slightly by giving us a clearer glimpse into Norton’s past and gently nudging the two storylines together.

Lemire has always interconnected the two narratives thematically, and the opening act of Norton in a very Catholic looking school leading into Father Fred’s sermon on trauma is a stellar example of the layered work that he does. As a lapsed Catholic myself, these two anecdotes feel very true to life although bolstered by the malintent of the inhabitants of the Black Barn. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take time to also point out Stewart’s colors are still top notch and Sorrentino’s artwork creates this brilliant horror movie aesthetic, mixed in with some genius paneling. Sub-panels rotated to create a sense of unease, different formats to convey different paces, and just stunning depictions of very tired, very exasperated humans. Gideon Falls is a title that constantly makes you second guess your readings and preconceptions of what is happening. This issue centers less on the …