Farmhand (comics)

The names of the main character, Ezekiel (Zeke), and his father, Jedidiah, were chosen partly for being old fashioned names still common in rural parts of the United States, but also for the biblical connotations which are intentional and significant for both characters.[3][19] Zeke's career as a writer is integral to his role in the story.[3] The main focus of Farmhand is an effort at reconciliation between them.[20] Zeke's sister, Andrea, is Guillory's favorite character.[6] At the start of the story, every character is broken physically or spirit in some way.[5]

The story is set in Freetown, Louisiana, which is a real place near Guillory's home in Lafayette.[6] Guillory chose to use a black farmer in a Southern setting to subvert the connotations of slavery associated with the imagery.[19]

The series debuted to mostly positive reviews. The first issue averaged 8.6 out of 10 according to review aggregator Comic Book Roundup, and the series overall averaged 8.5 after five issues.[21] Guillory said the initial response he received from readers was surprise; they had expected the story to be pure humor and were shocked to discover the characters had real depth.[8] Adventures in Poor Taste called Farmhand "one of the most unique comics" of its time.[22] That sentiment was echoed by Newsarama, who said the story would evoke a strong opinion from every reader, but that not all of those opinions would be positive.[7]

Critics were divided on early story developments. Multiversity Comics felt using the opening five pages of the first issue for a dream sequence was effective but inefficient.[23] The narrative pace was praised by Comic Watch for its creative exposition, but criticized by Comics Bulletin and Bleeding Cool.[24][25] [26] Characterization was also a point of contention, with Bleeding Cool feeling the characters were not advancing while Comic Bastards said Guillory had done "a wonderful job of establishing" them.[26][27]

Critics were united in regards to the book's tone, however. When discussing the way Farmhand moves from comedy to horror, the tonal shifts were described as "impressive" by ComicBook.com and Multiversity.[28][29] Adventures in Poor Taste called Guillory a "master of tone".[30] Most of the reviewers credited the cartoon-like art style for the flexibility because it facilitated elements of comedy, horror, and family drama.[24][31]

Guillory's art is highly stylized and described as an acquired taste by Comic Bastards.[27] He incorporates visual gags and background jokes, which is not a common trait in comic books.[22][32] Bleeding Cool credits colorist Taylor Wells with giving the art personality and cites Guillory's style as a weakness when he attempts subtlety.[26] Multiversity Comics noted how Farmhand is an ugly world filled with filthy-looking people with the exception of Ezekiel, who "looks like a sexy version of Rob Guillory"[23] Other reviewers also commented on the similarity between the artist and the lead character, prompting Guillory to deny the resemblance. He attributes the perception to the lack of diverse character types in comic books.[19]

Other parties have been interested in the media rights since the project was announced. In 2018, plans for a live-action television show were in motion and Guillory was hoping to co-write the pilot episode.[4]