F.A.R.M. System
The realities of a superhuman agent company are revealed in F.A.R.M. System by writer/artist Rich Koslowski. From start to finish, this is an enthralling graphic novel that takes a very different look at the idea of organized superheroes.
The book follows the superhero agency the F.A.R.M. System, focusing on several characters: a highly skilled yet powerless hero named the Gymnast, a woman who can channel the dead called Channel, a super genius named Jordan, a new recruit who never gets a name, and Mr. Ellison, the owner of the agency. The story hits many different points, from superhero names, costumes, and shenanigans to a cool murder mystery.
Koslowski builds a fantastic story from start to finish. The hook of this book is brilliant - an agency for superheroes - and Koslowski builds it wonderfully. He doesn't shy away from the sports references, even dividing chapters by innings. Ellison perfectly captures the vibe of a shifty sports agent, willing to make money any way he can off of his clients, even contracting them out to villains. He's a great character every time he appears. Every reader knows this type of character, and Koslowski plays himself wonderfully.
In some ways, this book can feel kind of daunting because it throws a lot at the reader, but it all works. The main characters step out immediately, and they're rather interesting. The best character is the Gymnast, an aging hero who is kicked out of the program because no one gives him a chance. He's so good that the book makes readers wish they could spend more time with him. However, it's okay that they don't because there are a lot of intriguing plots running through this book. It's a page-turner; at a hundred and sixty-one pages, it can seem a little daunting, but it keeps readers engaged throughout. It's impossible to not read it in one sitting, which is a testament to Koslowski's skill as a writer.
As an artist, he's just as good. This isn't an action-packed comic but hinges on the drama. Koslowski's style is terrific for that. He's great with the character acting, which is very important, and his cartoony style sells the humor and the seriousness wonderfully. On top of that, there are some beautifully detailed full-page spreads in this book. The art in this book is the icing on the cake; one can see the passion that went into its creation on every page.
F.A.R.M. System is straight-up brilliant. There's really no other way to describe it. Koslowski does something nearly impossible today: he creates an enthralling new superhero universe from scratch. This book hooks a reader like nothing else on the stands today and doesn't let go until the last page. It's a long book, but well worth the time and honestly a steal for the price. It doesn’t come out until November, but it’s worth the wait.
