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One of my best friends has given me a short box of indie comics to review. The first one I grabbed out of it was Gideon Falls. Written by Jeff Lemire with art by Andrea Sorrentino, this cerebral horror story feels both grounded and surreal. A slow-burning mystery that drags you into this unsettling atmosphere, fracturing your sense of reality.
Writer- Jeff Lemire
Art – Andrea Sorrentino
Colors by- Dave Stewart
Lettering and Design by- Steve Wands
Edited by- Will Dennis
Published March 2018 by Image Comics.
The story introduces us to two seemingly disconnected protagonists. In the city, Norton, a troubled man, obsessively collects pieces of trash he believes are part of a larger conspiracy. He refers to it as the Black Barn. Meanwhile, in a rural town, Father Fred is reassigned to a parish in Gideon Falls. Burdened by secrets and loss, their stories start to unfold. Both men begin to unveil connections to a mysterious structure said to appear only in the moments before tragedy.
Jeff Lemire masterfully weaves two stories without overwhelming the reader, while hinting at a larger, cosmic horror. The dialogue’s sincere, especially in Norton’s therapy sessions, which convey his mental instability. Gideon Falls feels normal at first, but Lemire quickly undercuts any expectation you might have and sows darkness lurking beneath the town’s surface. I love the deliberate pacing, allowing tension to build rather than getting all the answers in issue one.
The art is nothing short of mesmerizing and feels like a visual backbone. Andrea Sorrentino’s work is purposeful and brilliantly reflects the character’s state of mind. Full-page spreads, jarring POV’s, and rotated panels draw you deeper into the horror at play. The wrapped reality experience makes Sorrentino’s art feel like more than an illustration.
Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the detail of this lovely cat sweater.
This series explores themes of faith, delusion, trauma, and the blurred line between reality and madness. Atmosphere is the priority, not answers. Emotionally disturbing in a way that makes you want to peel back the layers of each panel, unsure of what you’ll find.
Gideon Falls Issue #1 feels not only scary, but smart. While this issue raises more questions, it does so with style. If you’re into psychological thrillers, small-town mysteries, or elegantly crafted comics, this series is for you.
Questions for my reader to answer in the comments box below.
- What did you think of the dual narrative structure—did one storyline (Norton vs. Father Fred) resonate with you more than the other? Why?
- Do you believe Norton is uncovering a real mystery, or is it all in his head? How does the first issue play with your perception of reality?
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