“Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees” is a darkly whimsical tale that turns the idyllic setting of Woodbrook into a stage for a murder mystery with a twist. The graphic novel, penned and illustrated by Patrick Horvath, is a delightful blend of the macabre and the adorable, a combination that is as surprising as it is engaging.
The story follows Samantha Strong, a brown bear with a penchant for pies and a secret life as a serial killer. Her rule is simple: Don’t murder the locals. It’s a principle that has served her well, allowing her to maintain a facade of normalcy in the small town she calls home. However, when a local’s untimely death threatens to expose the underbelly of Woodbrook, Sam’s dual life is at risk of being unveiled.
Horvath’s storytelling is sharp and witty, with a narrative that keeps you guessing until the last page. The artwork complements the tone perfectly, with a style that captures the coziness of small-town life while hinting at the darkness lurking beneath the surface. The characters are a menagerie of animal folk who bring a unique charm to the story, each with their own quirks and secrets.
What sets this graphic novel apart is its ability to balance humor with horror, creating a world where the reader is never quite sure whether to laugh or shudder. Samantha Strong is a protagonist that defies easy categorization, and her moral compass, skewed as it may be, makes her an oddly relatable figure.
I think it’s well-written, well-narrated, and well-drawn. It was unexpectedly dark but fun to read. I love the humor here and there. The puns were really great too! I love the characters, I really enjoyed reading it, it made me want to read books similar to this.
“Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees” is a must-read for fans of graphic novels looking for something out of the ordinary. It’s a story that proves even the cutest of critters aren’t immune to the darker aspects of life, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting stories are found where nobody sees. Horvath has crafted a debut that promises great things for his future work, and Woodbrook is a place you’ll want to visit, as long as you abide by Sam’s cardinal rule. Overall, I highly recommend it!
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