Norton’s Horrifying Connection To The Black Barn Revealed In Gideon Falls #5

Madness spreads across Gideon Falls as Father Fred and Sheriff Miller race to stop a killer.

To say Gideon Falls #5 picks up the pace is an understatement. In the first five pages, a sledgehammer and a scalpel are used as weapons, a firearm is accidentally discharged, a murder occurs, and we get the biggest clue to date about the literal existence of the Black Barn. While that’s all happening in Gideon Falls, Dr. Xu convinces Norton to try regression therapy to unlock his horrifying connection to the sinister structure.

Jeff Lemire is leaving a hell of a bread crumb trail for us to follow. There’s obviously a common thread between the parallel plots beyond just some creepy old barn, but the connection has been just out of reach until now. The pacing of Gideon Falls, while frustrating at times, is just about perfect. Lemire is giving just enough in each chapter to keep readers on the hook, without rushing through important character work or setup.

Andrea Sorrentino is absolutely annihilating the artwork. His non-linear visual storytelling brings a frenetic intensity to Lemire’s script. Panels within panels, torqued and twisted borders, unique perspectives, and insanely detailed backgrounds have become the visual signature of Gideon Falls.

The tension has been steadily building, and this powder keg’s about to blow.

Gideon Falls #5, published by Image Comics, released 18 July 2018. Written by Jeff Lemire, art and cover by Andrea Sorrentino, color by Dave Stewart, letters by Steve Wands.