By Benjamin Morin — Once again, the creative team behind Family Tree knocks it out of the park. With Family Tree #7, writer Jeff Lemire begins to tie all the various narrative threads together from previous entries. The three main threads of Grampa Judd’s escape, Meg’s concurrent transformation, and Josh’s future struggle are woven together through Josh’s unique perspective. This is an action-packed issue that grabs readers from page one and does not let go.

Within this issue the familial drama really takes the forefront of the narrative. We finally see the situation from Josh’s perspective and the toll it has taken on him. This works well to further develop his character and provide context for his future actions. Alongside this we witness Loretta’s reaction to her daughter's transformation. The visceral drama and heartbreak at the center of the narrative further exemplify the series’ themes.

It is also interesting to see how Lemire builds his characters while also deepening the core mystery. Lemire returns to Molly in the tree realm to learn why she transformed and the end goal of the tree people. I find it refreshing when elements of a mystery are carefully revealed in a way that does not detract from the overall narrative. It never feels like Lemire is buying time to stretch out the secrets but each issue both reveals and teases new twists. This kind of narrative plotting keeps me coming back for more each month.

Lemire also dials up the horror elements in his latest installment of the arboreal apocalypse. People grotesquely shift into crude wooden imitations and others must confront the terrifying reality of loss. The horror on display is only fully realized through the immensely talented team of Phil Hester and Eric Gapstur. Hester’s line work carves emotions onto his characters and perfectly illustrates the fear and heartbreak they must deal with. Hester’s art paired with Gapstur’s shadows fully fleshes out the style.

The sprawling art within this issue is a definite highlight. There are at least 3 different occasions where the paneling and action spreads across both pages, leading to some awe-inspiring scenes. This artistic choice lets the action flow across the pages and leaves it unconfined. The use of stark whites on black backgrounds also makes the art leap off the pages. For an issue that takes place largely on a rainy night, bright whites pierce the darkened surroundings and provide excellent contrasts. Such well-structured illustrations create an issue worth its value for the art alone.

I think it's also important to note the continually shifting color pallets. Josh’s future is noted by vibrant greens and yellows, the present world denoted by deep purples and blacks, and the “tree-realm” crafted with earthy tones. Colorist Ryan Cody’s choice to give each scene its own palette helps distinguish where and when our characters are in a narrative reliant on shifting times and places.

As a whole, this series continues to deliver quality issues. The previous issue slowed down the plot to provide much needed context and this issue rewards readers’ patience with thrilling action and added mysteries. The family drama and struggles that lie at the heart deal with issues everyone has encountered at one point or another. Fear of the unknown, loneliness, isolation, and even the loss of loved ones are universal themes by their nature. And issue after issue Lemire continues to craft a story that taps into these themes and create relatable characters that draw in readers.

Overall: Family Tree #7 deepens the series mystery while meaningfully moving the plot forward with stunning artwork. 9/10

Family Tree #7 - REVIEW

Family Tree #7
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Phil Hester
Inker: Eric Gapstur
Colorist: Ryan Cody
Letterer: Steve Wands
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.99
As Josh struggles to survive in the verdant wasteland that the world has become, he recalls his sister Meg’s death and “planting” five years prior—an incident that may hold the key to what happened to the earth.
Release Date: July 15, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Family Tree #7

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Benjamin Morin currently studies Journalism/Mass Media at Johnson University. He is a comic book enthusiast and aspiring filmmaker.