Graphic Novel Reviews: Gideon Falls Deluxe Edition, Book 1 The Legend of the Black Barn

Gideon Falls Deluxe Edition, Book 1 The Legend of the Black Barn

Published by: Image Comics
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Illustrated by: Andrea Sorrentino
ISBN: 978-1534319189
Ages: T+

To say that I was not prepared for the wonder and terror of Gideon Falls, Book 1 is a bit of an understatement. I am familiar with Lemire and Sorrentino, but even with that foreknowledge, I was not ready for this. It is scary, haunting, violent, and intriguing. I am not exaggerating when I say that I could not stop reading until it was finished and I had nothing else to absorb.

The story seemingly focuses on the Black Barn, a structure that appears to certain individuals and heralds bad things for the residence of Gideon Falls. Wrapped around the tale of the barn are the parallel stories of Norton Sinclair and Father Wilfred Quinn. Neither man knows exactly what they are up against, but their knowledge of the structure’s existence puts them and those they know in danger.

Gideon Falls is a little Twin Peaks (in fact, Lemire cites that Lynch classic as an inspiration), a little but Haven (itself inspired by Stephen King), and a little bit Inception. The horror, crime, paranormal, and science fiction elements fit together in a satisfying way that legitimately makes it difficult the put the story down.

Andrea Sorrentino illustrations bring Jeff Lemire’s words to a life that is dazzling. The use of space and the bravery to play with the form and function of sequential storytelling brings the story of Gideon Falls, Norton, and Wilfred to a new level. Extra props to Dave Stewart for his use of color that had my skin crawling and my mind racing at points.

Gideon Falls is not a story for everybody. Those who are sensitive to ideas of torture, murder, and mental instability may want to proceed with caution. The story is rated for T+, 16 and up, readers who like their stories with layers of meaning and attention to detail. This is one of those graphic novels that will live in the brain for long past the closing of the back cover.

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Micki Waldrop

Head o Research and Instruction Services at Brenau University

I am an undergraduate research and instruction librarian at Brenau University working primarily with students transitioning from high school into university.

My interest in all things graphic storytelling began at a young age when my mom used to buy Family Circle and Dennis the Menace collections. I devoured them and especially loved the ones that had the flip-book bonus on the bottom pages! It was love at first flip; ever since then, I have been hooked.

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