Farmhand #7 // Review
Rob Guillory’s tale about family and a very peculiar farm continues to stand as both heartwarming and gut-wrenching all at once. With the touching family moments juxtaposed by the heavy science fiction elements, the series makes out for a fun and new flavor for readers of all walks of life to enjoy. From writing to pencils and inks, Rob takes on the burden of his creation with a bit of help from Taylor Wells on colors. As the overall narrative continues forward, each issue stands on its own while carrying the underlying plot threads forward.
With the past setting the motif for this chapter, the Jenkins family continues to find no escape from their own. The issue opens up with a peek into Ezekiel's childhood and the untimely death of his mother while painting a grander picture for the relationship he and his father have, or lack thereof. As new “transplants” come into town looking for Grandfather Jenkins, his previous mistakes will not let him escape their wrath. As more new secrets come into the light, a rabid intruder breaks into Grandpa’s room with no help in sight before the chapter closes out.
Guillory’s ability to build up this rich ensemble cast shines brightest as the hallmark of the series. Creating an organic, albeit dysfunctional, family adds the charm to the title with each character playing off of one another without blending into one indistinguishable voice. With their own individual attitudes and personalities, each character brings something different to the title. With each issue able to stand alone, anyone could be an accessible jumping on point for new readers while each individual chapter also builds towards something more substantial as a whole.
Rob Guillory’s signature style drives home the charm and the heart of the series. From the overdramatic emotions to the outlandish scenarios the cast find themselves in, Guillory creates the perfect vehicle for his cartoonist sensibilities. Continuing to paint Guillory's pencils in brilliant hues, Taylor Well’s vibrant color palette further develops the signature aesthetic the title has become synonymous for.
Guillory further develops each member of the cast with his warm, and often sad, character moments in every issue. As he builds upon each of them through the use of flashes into the past, characters motives are explained as they come into the light. Life on the farm has never been this interesting, Guillory creates a whole new flavor for readers with this smile-inducing tale making it one not to miss.
Grade: A
