Will the Circle Be Unbroken

We’re in the thick of it kids. Farmhand #23: The Propitiation (the action of propitiating or appeasing a god, spirit, or person.) is ripping and clawing its way to its final destination.

This chapter is a full circle moment where we see why Abigail is so crucial to Monica Thornes’s plans. Thorne takes Abigail on a spiritual journey that ties her deep rooted animosity towards her father, Zeke, to the bloody history of Freetown.

In an awe-inspiring center spread, Rob Guillory and colorist Jean-François Beaulieu illustrate how Abigail carries five generations of hatred and trauma that ultimately gives birth to “the seed”.

All the World’s a Stage

Whether it’s by design or by chance, Guillory’s storytelling connects to today’s current cultural and political climate in a profound, captivating way. If the world is truly a stage, he has created a character for each player in today’s political theater.

Tiberius for instance represents America’s white working poor who sees the current state of affairs as a way to finally succeed. As he explains it, “I’m done bein’ poor trailer trash,…Thorne’s flipping the whole system upside down, and when she does I’m on top.”

Additionally, Abigail’s struggles remind me of the tension between today’s generation of young African Americans and the generations that came before. Although it may seem trivial, Zeke’s infidelity speaks to a lack of accountability from previous generations.

To this point, Jedidiah attempts to cauterize the wounds of the past with a gambit of his own. However, it’s unclear if his plan succeeds or makes the situation worse.

Behind the Looking Glass

Being so closely tied to current events unfortunately cuts both ways. There will be those comic fans who’ll label this series as “woke,” especially with horrific depictions of public lynching. Additionally, there is a growing community of Black readers as well who no longer have the stomach for narratives that center around racism and oppression. I pray that these elements don’t keep readers from experiencing what I predict will be a victorious conclusion.

Ultimately, the Farmhand series isn’t just ripping its way to a finale; it’s a bold, timely commentary that demands attention. It holds a mirror to society, reflecting uncomfortable truths that resonate long after the final page is turned. Prepare to be challenged, and perhaps, to see more than you bargained for.

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