Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Gideon Falls #4 Feature
    Featured

    Gideon Falls #4 Review

    Matthew PetersonBy Matthew PetersonJune 24, 20184 Mins Read

    It’s right there…  It’s always BEEN there, if you know where to look.  But what IS The Black Barn?  Your Major Spoilers review of Gideon Falls #4 awaits!

    GIDEON FALLS #4

    Writer: Jeff Lemire
    Artist: Andrea Sorrentino
    Colorist: Dave Stewart
    Letterer: Steve Wands
    Editor: Will Dennis
    Publisher: Image Comics
    Cover Price: $3.99
    Release Date: June 20, 2018

    Previously in Gideon Falls: Coming to Gideon Falls after their previous priest was accused of murder, Father Fred has walked right into the middle of a strange mystery.  A man named Norton has been collecting strange shards of wood and metal, reputedly from a mystical structure known as The Black Barn which may or may not actually exist.  The sheriff maintains that none of it is true, but Father Fred has discovered Father Tom’s notes, which purport that there’s much more to the mystery than just a legend of a ghost barn…

    A MYSTERY IN THE FIELDS

    After the death of his predecessor, Father Tom, Father Fred has encountered Doctor Sutton, who has a tale to tell.  He explains that he is one of The Ploughmen, a secret society that has grown up around the strange events and the legend of The Black Barn.  Fred disdains his “science fiction” stories, but Doctor Sutton implores him to think about the nature of belief and of faith.  Father Fred sets off to find the sheriff of Gideon Falls, and we cut to Doctor Xu, who (in a really visually stunning sequence) hallucinates her patient, Norton, and The Black Barn itself, sending her out into the rain to find him, his delusion now having become hers.  As for Father Fred, his meeting with the sheriff goes badly, especially when he tells her that one of her deputies is part of the Ploughmen conspiracy.  An emergency call sends them both out (she is a little too tipsy to drive, so he takes her in her cruiser) to find Ballard…  and a brutal murder.

    UNUSUAL (BUT VISUALLY INTERESTING) ART

    Once again, this issue forces me to think about the nature of a mystery story.  There are times when you are completely in the dark about what is happening, and it is infuriating.  This story delicately balances the lack of real information with richly drawn characters, each of whom tells us what’s happening from their perspective, leaving open the possibility that they’re wrong.  Sorrentino’s art is once again lovely, using unusual layouts (one page features a cross-shaped center panel, with an array of images around it, all bounded in blood red) to great advantage.  I literally read the double-page spread of Dr. Xu’s vision four times, each time getting something different out of the art.  There’s also a beautiful shot of Norton and Xu in the rain where it feels like the very linework itself is melting in the cold rain that douses them.  Stephen had, in our review of #1, complained that some of the panels felt like processed photographs, but A: I’m not sure that is true, and B: It’s a lovely effect regardless.

    BOTTOM LINE: WORTH PORING OVER THREE OR FOUR TIMES

    This issue sheds little light on the truth of The Black Barn or Father Tom’s actions, but by introducing Doctor Sutton’s possibly fruitless conspiracy theories, it adds complexity and depth to an already complex story.  Gideon Falls #4 makes for a deep read, diving into a Stephen King-like dissection of the strange secrets hidden beneath the veneer of a small town and doing so with really beautiful, artistic layouts, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall.  Four issues in, we’re still moving slowly, but it’s intentionally slow pacing and it works for the story being told.

    [taq_review]

    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    andrea sorrentino Gideon Falls Image Comics Jeff Lermire Review
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleMajor Spoilers Poll of the Week: FIFA World Cup Edition
    Next Article Batman #49 Review
    Matthew Peterson
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Once upon a time, there was a young nerd from the Midwest, who loved Matter-Eater Lad and the McKenzie Brothers... If pop culture were a maze, Matthew would be the Minotaur at its center. Were it a mall, he'd be the Food Court. Were it a parking lot, he’d be the distant Cart Corral where the weird kids gather to smoke, but that’s not important right now... Matthew enjoys body surfing (so long as the bodies are fresh), writing in the third person, and dark-eyed women. Amongst his weaponry are such diverse elements as: Fear! Surprise! Ruthless efficiency! An almost fanatical devotion to pop culture! And a nice red uniform.

    Related Posts

    Major Spoilers Podcast #1133: The Fight of the Century

    Read More

    Image Comics announces Creepshow Vol. 4 #2 creative teams

    Read More

    Geek History Lesson – Wakanda MEGA EPISODE (Black Panther, Shuri, Dora Milaje, Ironheart)

    Read More

    Comments are closed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    6.0
    July 8, 2025

    JSA #9 Review

    7.0
    July 7, 2025

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    5.7
    July 6, 2025

    Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 Review

    7.0
    July 6, 2025

    Retro Review: Big Apple Comix (September 1975)

    6.0
    July 5, 2025

    Wolverines and Deadpools #1 Review

    Patreon Support
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT