Image Comics 2018
Written by Jeff Lemire
Illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino
Coloured by Dave Stewart
Lettered & Designed by Steve Wands
I don’t know what it is exactly but the work this creative team is doing here is beyond what I have come to expect from them. That is a mightily tall order too because seriously the creativity and imagination these folks possess really is astounding. To see the body of work these people have is award worthy in and of itself and to see and experience something this utterly amazing, mesmerising and quite honestly still more of a mystery than the day it started. Somehow I don’t have a single clue as to what’s happening here and I cannot get enough of it.
Run just as fast as I can To the middle of nowhere To the middle of my frustrated fears And I swear you're just like a pill instead of making me better your making me ill. it’s the perfect theme song for this issue’s soundtrack too. I always create a soundtrack in my head and I gotta say I want more and yet I couldn’t handle more fits the whole idea of the song and the story. With Father Fred doing what he’s doing in Gideon Falls and what is simultaneously Norton and Dr. Xu in New York City it feels like a treasure hunt is on and yet we don’t have a clue what to look for.
It should sound maddening to not know or have a clear grasp of what’s going on and yet the writing is impeccable and the interiors are stunning in the overall effect so that what matters most is the enjoyment in seeing the characters in the roles they play and to have them continually fleshed out. Last issue for example Dr. Xu went from thinking Norton has this hysterical mass delusional thing happening until that moment she sees the Black Barn. So we get to see things happening and the story is moving forward and it’s gripping reading I just don’t know what it means.
The way this book is structured continues to impress me and regardless of which place it’s in both seem to almost mirror each other as Norton and Father Fred continue to be surprised by the actions of those around them. The characterisation here is also interesting and in regards to the supporting characters like the Sheriff or Dr. Xu the more we see them the more we see them acting in parts they don’t believe in and to see how that will end up playing out as changes come will be fascinating to witness.
Andrea’s eye for storytelling is sublime. The way he’s able to manipulate this linework so that it looks either like it’s set in the rain of part of Noir cinematic feature either way it’s got some of the most dramatic and fitting work to be seen right now. The utilisation of the page layouts is gorgeous and the way we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcases one of the most talented eyes for storytelling. Even though I want to see a lot of backgrounds in use the drama Andrea and Dave able to create more than makes up for lack of them.
Back in the day the church scene would be like something you see out of Dynasty and waiting for an explosion to take place. The tension it builds in you as a reader is substantial and powerful. The introduction of other people and players who aren’t what they appear to be keeps creating a new atmosphere and mystique around the story that builds like some kind massive storm. At this moment Godsmacks Voodoo is playing in my head as this ominous yet soothing feeling that something huge is building up that is going to need release soon.
One of the most intoxicating books on stands today.