Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees #1 Review

Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees #1 Review

Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees #1 Review
Writer/Artist/Cover Artist: Patrick Horvath
Publisher: IDW Publishing

If you grew up on PB & J, Franklin, Arthur, Little Bear, or The Magic School Bus, Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees #1 will be a familiar setting thanks to Patrick Horvath‘s art style. What seems so innocent and friendly quickly takes a dark turn. If you don’t have an issue with another children’s-style book hijacked by the dark intentions of the adult cerebellum, then IDW has another horror hit for unique and niche horror fans.

I won’t pretend to be on the same page with these types of books because I’m a father, and despite the fact that we don’t have a comics code anymore, it would be advantageous to include a small disclaimer so we aren’t left to our assumptions. So welcome to Woodbrook, the seemingly innocent-looking functioning anthropomorphic town that feels like home—to some, too much like home.

Sam has rules, but her or his motivations aren’t clear. The only thing that is clear is that Sam never targets Woodbrook’s townsfolk. What’s clear is that Samantha does have a best friend, so they share some form of love or care. To me, their friendship with Lola indicates that Sam’s motivations might be a disturbed superficial fascination, similar to Dexter‘s mediocre obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Regardless of the motivation, the plot twist that unfolds at the parade, a sub-plot set up in the beginning, comes to a crucifying conclusion that’ll send you to the nearest comic store to find out who just came to Woodbrook and broke all the rules.

I hope you enjoyed my review. Parents, if the cover of this comic isn’t an obvious indicator that
anyone below the age of seventeen shouldn’t be reading it, then it’s possible that disclaimers wouldn’t stop you. I’ve absorbed enough content in my day filled with darkness beyond the veil of light, and the only thing I’ve learned is that not everyone comes back.

I have to say that I’m quite alarmed by the number of these types of stories being told. The proverbial philosophical infatuation with the forbidden acts of humankind is understandable. As humans, we’re quite curious about who we are and how we are capable of doing such evil if we’re capable of ultimate love, but at some point somewhere, the line between entertainment and curiosity must be drawn.

Journey on, you wayward comic souls, if this rabbit hole is something you must chase, but I know where this hole leads, so for now I’ll be in reality waiting on you to catch you up. As always, stay geeky, share the network, and don’t forget to catch the latest on Fueled By Weird.

Michael J. Florio

A true storyteller who sharpened his wit proudly at Full Sail University, holding a bachelor’s & master’s in creative writing for entertainment. After Michael became a Comics Experience alumni, he created his first independent creator-owned titles, Wild Oni & Iron Jaguar.

A member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Writers Guild, where he lives & works tirelessly on his future published works. Michael is a father of four, three boys & one girl, whom he loves very much.