Stardew Valley: Before the Farmer

by Chihiro Sakaida

Every story has a beginning... but some go back even farther.

Join the residents of Pelican Town in the year leading up to the new farmer's arrival in Stardew Valley. This 144-page graphic novel, lovingly written and illustrated by the talented Chihiro Sakaida, follows the lives of the villagers through the ups and the downs, the disappointments and the celebrations... as well as the arrival of the Joja Corporation.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novels Manga, Graphic Novels Comics, Gaming

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Kelly (BookWtch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stardew Valley is an impactful, simplistic, game. Connecting you with nature by putting you in possession of your grandfather's farm, of which you must restore back to life, all while creating meaningful relationships with members of the town and starting a life of your own.

Before the Farmer is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that leads up to your arrival at the farm, documenting the villagers successes and struggles before you move in.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the suggested music tracks listed at the beginning of each chapter. I highly recommend playing them while you read for an added element of nostalgia.

My only complaint is that I wish it was longer for the current $28 price point of 144 pages. It is a wonderful collectors piece, though. My edition came included with the initial letter you receive from your grandfather at the beginning of the game, embossed with a Pelican Town seal sticker, and an illustration of the farmhouse you inherit.

I was given this as a gift for Christmas and when that letter fell out of the book I cried because this game makes me think of my own grandfather that's passed, so it's very special to me.

Thank you Fangamer for giving me something to remind me of him, and the beauty of living a simple life.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet. The surprise in the last few pages made me weepy :’)

[Sebastian Rangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Stardew Valley, and things like this only makes it grow stronger. It's like the water which strengthens the ever-growing flower of my love. Received (and finished) on my birthday, it is beautifully drawn and features many references to events that the villagers say happened in their dialogue. However, for 28$ (almost twice the price of Stardew Valley itself!) it is quite short, which is a bit of a shame. Nonetheless, it was delightful for every moment I read it. It has a nice touch being that it has recommended songs to play for each chapter (each chapter is a season plus the prologue and epilogue.) Plus, it has a feature which I have not seen many utilize...
Due to it being black-and-white, this makes a fantastic coloring book. I have been coloring it since I have received it and it has made for a fun project to pick up and put down whenever I feel like. In two years, I have only finished the prologue, (mostly) finished Spring, and done a little bit of the characters in the other seasons, but I still come back every now and again. It works especially well in combination with the Stardew Valley Guidebook.
I am glad I was able to experience this bundle of joy.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the absolute cutest book

[Julianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are as obsessed with Stardew Valley as I am, this little book is worth it. It’s beautifully illustrated and gives a little bit of context to what it was like for the citizens of Pelican Town throughout the year before your arrival. I highly recommend you get this even just as a collector’s item if you love this game!

[Danielle Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful mostly-wordless graphic novel showing life in Stardew Valley before you come to join the town! It was simple, with beautiful illustrations that jumped off the page. It even brought a tear to my eye— I just loved Stardew Valley so much!

[Odin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story for any fan of Stardew Valley. The illustration style was wonderful.

[Madelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, short, little prologue graphic novel to your farmer coming to Stardew Valley. It’s a good time if you’ve played the game.

[tiffanyvsgod · Rating 5 out of 5]

wasn’t expecting to cry when I opened the letter 😭

[Annie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

:')

[potatopot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very beautiful and well-crafted book. I would give it five stars if the book was longer, and provided newer content since I felt that most of the information presented was already shown in the game. Aside from that, I thought the artist was perfectly chosen for this graphic novel. Their art style made me feel nostalgia, a feeling I got when playing Stardew Valley myself. Lastly, a physical copy of grandpa's letter, and also the music titles listed on each page, was a very nice touch!

[neebee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, it is so cute. Barely any words but the beautiful illustrations in black and white convey the story so well. I don’t even play the game and had no intentions to but reading this cute adorable book made me appreciate the game more
It’s so wholesome and lovely. Minimalistic but with serene artwork. It’s also short. So read it!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. A nice little collectible for fans of the game!

[carly - everythingoesmoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️

[Inigo's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my final book of 2022. On advice of my boyfriend, I read this book. My boyfriend really liked playing this game. As a result, he has asked a couple of times to read it. So I finally did. I still have to read a lot of his other books as well.
This short graphic novel is illustrated and written by Chihiro Sakaida. We follow the lives of the residents of Pelican Town in Stardew Valley in the year leading up to the game.
It was quite fun reading this. It doesn't have that much to read since it's more art-oriented. I do love the illustrations a lot. It was lovely following the seasons in Stardew Valley. It truly is a quaint little town. As a very casual gamer, I do like the build-up to the game. It's still vague who each character is. But that creates more interest in the game. Plus, the book is beautifully put together: hardcover, dustjacket with a larger print of the cover on the backside, included with a letter. But a non-gamer wouldn't find this that interesting.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Dit was mijn laatste boek van 2022. Op advies van mijn vriend heb ik dit boek gelezen. Mijn vriend vond het erg leuk om dit spel te spelen. Als gevolg hiervan heeft hij een paar keer gevraagd om het te lezen. Dus dat deed ik uiteindelijk. Ik moet ook nog veel van zijn andere boeken lezen.
Deze korte graphic novel is geïllustreerd en geschreven door Chihiro Sakaida. We volgen de levens van de inwoners van Pelican Town in Stardew Valley in het jaar voorafgaand aan de game. Het was best leuk om dit te lezen. Het heeft niet zoveel te lezen omdat het meer op de kunst is gericht. Ik vind de illustraties erg leuk. Het was heerlijk om de seizoenen in Stardew Valley te volgen. Het is echt een schilderachtig stadje. Als zeer casual gamer hou ik wel van de opbouw van het spel. Het is nog steeds vaag wie elk personage is. Maar dat zorgt voor meer interesse in het spel. Bovendien zit het boek mooi in elkaar: hardcover, stofomslag met een grotere print van de omslag op de achterkant, bijgevoegd zit een brief. Maar een niet-gamer zou dit niet zo interessant vinden.
Mijn rating: 4 van de 5 sterren

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting more of a graphic novel but there’s very little dialogue— I would say it’s more of an art collection with some story thrown in. Beautifully illustrated with SO much detail. I particularly loved the Fall chapter, which shows the lore of how Joja Mart came to Pelican Town. A lot is said with very little words.

Overall, a great piece to own for any SDV fan.

Also— I made a playlist to enjoy the specific songs in the order that you’re cued in the book. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Zw...

[Holly McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is Stardew Valley. It’s a familiar little refuge from the everyday stresses of life. A return to the kind of world we only daydream about when we’re stuck in traffic or when we’re waiting in line for the self-checkout in a grocery store that looks like every other grocery store. What will you do today?”

This was the perfect companion to a game, story, and characters that mean so much to me! 💕

[Jessica Kruse · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute book but I have a couple complaints. The first is that the story is too short and doesn’t really add anything to the lore of the story of Stardew Valley that we don’t already know. The second is that I had a hard time figuring out what was happening in some of the illustrations; I think if they had been in full color it might have been easier to tell what was going on in the pictures.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great illustrations throughout the graphic novel that brings you through the times before your character arrives to Stardew Valley in the game. Just like the source material, it’s cute and touching. When the envelope fell out of the back of the book and into my lap, my heart was full. Perfect.

[Sara]

what a beautiful little graphic novel! the art felt so nostalgic and listening to the soundtrack as I read was such a dreamy experience. the townsfolk really feel like family and I love the silly moments we see in this story. what better to get me excited to play the game again after the 1.6 update drop! 🌟

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little graphic novel was adorable. It shows the valley a year before you arrive there as the new farmer. The epilogue especially hit me right in the feels. This was so cute and simplistic and I made sure to listen to the songs mentioned while reading, which just added to the whole feel of it.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a gift, this was lovely to look at, but as a story it was low on plot. With almost no dialogue, I think it mostly just let the illustrator show off their beautiful work more than it gave any insight into Stardew Valley. Recommend for fans to look at and enjoy!

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable, and sure to appeal to any Stardew player out there. I love the little bit of background it gives, but mostly the art is entrancing.

[Lync Lync · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful sketchy graphics - almost no words.
Includes Grandpa's letter and 'title deed' to the Farm

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully drawn comic, just wish it was longer! Fans of the game will love it.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful comic book within the universe of Stardew Valley. What a magical world Eric Barone has created.

[Nicole Magolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful little collector's comic that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Stardew Valley.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

very cute little story <3

[Katie]

I love Stardew valley so much

[Captain I · Rating 5 out of 5]

AND it doubles as a beautiful colouring book 😊