The Final Countdown

Days ago, Rob Guillory, creator of Farmhand (and the Eisner Award winning Chew) announced he’d just drawn his last page of Farmhand, ever.

The finality of that statement resonates with me as I read pages of issue 22 : The Orphan.  There is a palpable sense of urgency to make it to the finish line.

However, Rob doesn’t seem to be rushing the process.  The storytelling remains evenly paced and the artwork is masterful. 

Places Everyone

Each of the members of the Jenkins family and the Freetown community are beginning to take their place for the penultimate final act.

In this chapter, Pastor John Moore’s faith is taken to the brink in a way that challenges his non-violent demeanor (ala Father Gabriel from the Walking Dead).

And on the homefront, little Riley Jenkins pronounces “I think I’m going to stop being so afraid of everything.” A decision that couldn’t have come sooner—as Monica Thorne’s army of zombie folk storms the compound.

Amidst all of the chaos, Rob patiently crafts each character’s story arc like a patient hobbyist that builds miniature model towns; designing both moving spiritual vision and ghastly monstrosities with the same deft touch.  

John-Francois Beaulieu’s colors add a Pixar-like vibrancy that heightens the cinematic scope of the story.

Yes Chef!

I always come away from a Rob Guillory book feeling like I’ve witnessed a cartoonist playing the role of a competitive chef on Chopped.  Even the ending feels like the finishing touches on a decorative plate.  So pick up Farmhand issue 22 NOW while the food is hot.

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