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Helen of Wyndhorn #1
Helen of Wyndhorn #1
From the Eisner award-winning and bestselling creative team of Woman of Tomorrow—source of the upcoming film from DC Studios, comes this Gothic sword and sorcery epic that's Conan the Barbarian meets The Wizard of Oz. Following the tragic death of her late father C.K. Cole, the esteemed pulp writer and creator of the popular warrior character Othan; Helen Cole is called back to her Grandfather's enormous and illustrious Wyndhorn House. Scarred by Cole's untimely passing and lost in a new, strange world, Helen wreaks drunken havoc upon her arrival; however, her chaotic ways begin to soften as she discovers a lifetime of secrets hiding within the myriad rooms and hallways of the expansive manor. For outside its walls, within the woods, dwell the legendary adventures that once were locked away within her father's stories. From Tom King, Eisner Award-winning, best-selling author of The Human Target, Woman of Tomorrow, Love Everlasting, Mister Miracle, and more! Six-issue miniseries.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2024
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424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 20, 2024
Gosh, the art in this is magnificent!!!
March 21, 2024
Amazing to look at.....Tom King lays the groundwork for what's to come ..looking forward.
March 26, 2024
4.5
What an interesting start to the series!
What an interesting start to the series!
April 11, 2024
T was ok. Will wait to what happens next
March 20, 2024
Spring 2018
I am tasked with reading Wuthering Heights for my AP Literature and Composition class (thanks, Colleen). It quickly becomes my favorite novel of all time. From the quality of the prose, to the gothic atmosphere, to the multi-layered puzzle box of frame narratives, everything about Emily Brontë's masterpiece pushes the right buttons for me. The novel has prompted me to write multiple essays (just for fun, because I'm not a healthy person), travel to Haworth, and collect every distinct copy of the novel that I run into.
July 2022
I read Tom King and Bilquis Evely's Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. I am met with a work that is not to content to be just a superhero story, but a memorable, meaningful science fantasy story that happens to be about a superhero; a comic not content to be just a comic, but a work whose graphic nature elevates its fantastical and touching narrative; a miniseries not content to be enjoyed once, but begging its reader to be read again and again, to uncover its secrets, to peel back a new layer with every visitation. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow immediately becomes my favorite graphic novel of all time, and remains my favorite novel of the last five years. Its frame narrative and unreliable narrator recreate some of my favorite aspects of Wuthering Heights, which are suddenly allowed to exist within the kind of high-flung fantasy settings I have loved since my childhood. Not to mention that Kara Zor-El has always been a favorite DC character of mine.
November 2023
Tom King and Bilquis Evely announce that they are teaming up once more for Helen of Wyndhorn, which is described as a mix between Wuthering Heights and Conan the Barbarian that they expect will satisfy fans of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Wuthering Heights. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Wuthering Heights! Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow! If you've been reading up to this point, you must have some idea of how much this excites me. It would be inaccurate to call Wuthering Heights, often acknowledged as one of the greatest works of British Literature, underrated, and yet... it's rare that I meet anyone who has actually read it. Rarer still to meet someone in my age group who liked reading it. Even rarer yet to meet someone who loves it as much as I do (still looking, to be honest). So to see it, my favorite novel, mentioned in connection with a project from the team who brought us Woman of Tomorrow, my favorite modern work and one connected to my passion for superhero fiction, is a surreal experience. I pre-order the first issue as soon as it is a possibility.
March 2024
I read Helen of Wyndhorn #1.
It is difficult to rate a first issue, especially when those issues aren't one-off adventures. The first issue of Wyndhorn has to spend its time laying the groundwork for a story that is still developing. I would be lying if I said that this one issue was, on its own, groundbreaking. Having said that, not only is it setting up a story that, if executed properly, could be groundbreaking, it does just about everything right that a first issue can, especially one meant to appeal to fans of Wuthering Heights and Woman of Tomorrow.
Evely's artwork is, as always, gorgeous, distinct, and downright enrapturing. It gives Wyndhorn a style that sets it apart from anything else on the market and, frankly, makes me want to stop and look at the landscapes for minutes without moving forward, soaking in every detail, following every curve that satisfyingly trails into the next shape. I spend time looking at the characters' eyes. Their eyes. I wouldn't even think to look at a character's eyes in most panels of most other comics.
The frame narrative that this first issue establishes, delivered by one Miss Lilith Appleton, ticks all of the boxes that drew me into the tales of Nelly Dean and Ruthye Marye Knoll before her. She's not an untrustworthy narrator - you can't buy into a story if you can't extend some trust to the storyteller - and yet one gets the distinct sense that she isn't quite a reliable one, either. What might she be embellishing? What might she be leaving out? What agenda might she have in telling this tale? These are questions that can be asked of the narrators in all of the works mentioned - Wuthering Heights, Woman of Tomorrow, and Wyndhorn - and, by the end of the first issue, it becomes clear that these questions will have interesting pay-offs in Appleton's case, just as they did in the cases of Dean and Knoll.
Her narration is drenched with characterization, which is the key to a fulfilling frame narrative. Her role in the story never feels fully functional; though, practically speaking, Appleton is literally author Tom King's mouthpiece, her narrative function never supersedes her existence as a three-dimensional character. There's a particularly satisfying moment where Appleton, who looks down upon fantastical or horrific prose, flat-out refuses to describe a monster that attacks, beyond stating that it is, in fact, a monster. How much restraint must this have taken on King's part? I couldn't help but try to word a description of the creature in my own head (a bat-like wolf? a vampiric ram?) in the face of Appleton's outright refusal, and yet King does not allow his own temptations as a writer to override Appleton's own aversion to that kind of writing. This is the kind of trick that King could only pull off in the graphic novel format, as Appleton's refusal would go from clever to obnoxious in a medium where it could not be accompanied by an image of the creature, demonstrating the manner in which Wyndhorn steers the graphic novel format in a literary direction without abandoning the advantages of the medium.
I have few thoughts on the actual plot or the character of Helen at this moment, beyond the fact that I am interested to see how they develop. Is that a criticism? I don't think so - like I said, this is one issue of a story that will span many, which inherently restricts how much this issue can accomplish. I suppose I could say that I am, at present, underwhelmed by Helen, but with so much of the story so far revolving around Lilith, that seems unfair. It's just as likely that I would have been underwhelmed by Supergirl at the end of the first issue of Woman of Tomorrow, if it weren't for the fact that I had an understanding of and appreciation for that character going in. Helen, meanwhile, is a new creation, and I hope that I will have much to say about her after reading the issues to come.
I give Helen of Wyndhorn #1 five stars, with the asterisk that my ultimate feelings on this issue will almost certainly be colored by the future of the series.
I am tasked with reading Wuthering Heights for my AP Literature and Composition class (thanks, Colleen). It quickly becomes my favorite novel of all time. From the quality of the prose, to the gothic atmosphere, to the multi-layered puzzle box of frame narratives, everything about Emily Brontë's masterpiece pushes the right buttons for me. The novel has prompted me to write multiple essays (just for fun, because I'm not a healthy person), travel to Haworth, and collect every distinct copy of the novel that I run into.
July 2022
I read Tom King and Bilquis Evely's Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. I am met with a work that is not to content to be just a superhero story, but a memorable, meaningful science fantasy story that happens to be about a superhero; a comic not content to be just a comic, but a work whose graphic nature elevates its fantastical and touching narrative; a miniseries not content to be enjoyed once, but begging its reader to be read again and again, to uncover its secrets, to peel back a new layer with every visitation. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow immediately becomes my favorite graphic novel of all time, and remains my favorite novel of the last five years. Its frame narrative and unreliable narrator recreate some of my favorite aspects of Wuthering Heights, which are suddenly allowed to exist within the kind of high-flung fantasy settings I have loved since my childhood. Not to mention that Kara Zor-El has always been a favorite DC character of mine.
November 2023
Tom King and Bilquis Evely announce that they are teaming up once more for Helen of Wyndhorn, which is described as a mix between Wuthering Heights and Conan the Barbarian that they expect will satisfy fans of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Wuthering Heights. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Wuthering Heights! Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow! If you've been reading up to this point, you must have some idea of how much this excites me. It would be inaccurate to call Wuthering Heights, often acknowledged as one of the greatest works of British Literature, underrated, and yet... it's rare that I meet anyone who has actually read it. Rarer still to meet someone in my age group who liked reading it. Even rarer yet to meet someone who loves it as much as I do (still looking, to be honest). So to see it, my favorite novel, mentioned in connection with a project from the team who brought us Woman of Tomorrow, my favorite modern work and one connected to my passion for superhero fiction, is a surreal experience. I pre-order the first issue as soon as it is a possibility.
March 2024
I read Helen of Wyndhorn #1.
It is difficult to rate a first issue, especially when those issues aren't one-off adventures. The first issue of Wyndhorn has to spend its time laying the groundwork for a story that is still developing. I would be lying if I said that this one issue was, on its own, groundbreaking. Having said that, not only is it setting up a story that, if executed properly, could be groundbreaking, it does just about everything right that a first issue can, especially one meant to appeal to fans of Wuthering Heights and Woman of Tomorrow.
Evely's artwork is, as always, gorgeous, distinct, and downright enrapturing. It gives Wyndhorn a style that sets it apart from anything else on the market and, frankly, makes me want to stop and look at the landscapes for minutes without moving forward, soaking in every detail, following every curve that satisfyingly trails into the next shape. I spend time looking at the characters' eyes. Their eyes. I wouldn't even think to look at a character's eyes in most panels of most other comics.
The frame narrative that this first issue establishes, delivered by one Miss Lilith Appleton, ticks all of the boxes that drew me into the tales of Nelly Dean and Ruthye Marye Knoll before her. She's not an untrustworthy narrator - you can't buy into a story if you can't extend some trust to the storyteller - and yet one gets the distinct sense that she isn't quite a reliable one, either. What might she be embellishing? What might she be leaving out? What agenda might she have in telling this tale? These are questions that can be asked of the narrators in all of the works mentioned - Wuthering Heights, Woman of Tomorrow, and Wyndhorn - and, by the end of the first issue, it becomes clear that these questions will have interesting pay-offs in Appleton's case, just as they did in the cases of Dean and Knoll.
Her narration is drenched with characterization, which is the key to a fulfilling frame narrative. Her role in the story never feels fully functional; though, practically speaking, Appleton is literally author Tom King's mouthpiece, her narrative function never supersedes her existence as a three-dimensional character. There's a particularly satisfying moment where Appleton, who looks down upon fantastical or horrific prose, flat-out refuses to describe a monster that attacks, beyond stating that it is, in fact, a monster. How much restraint must this have taken on King's part? I couldn't help but try to word a description of the creature in my own head (a bat-like wolf? a vampiric ram?) in the face of Appleton's outright refusal, and yet King does not allow his own temptations as a writer to override Appleton's own aversion to that kind of writing. This is the kind of trick that King could only pull off in the graphic novel format, as Appleton's refusal would go from clever to obnoxious in a medium where it could not be accompanied by an image of the creature, demonstrating the manner in which Wyndhorn steers the graphic novel format in a literary direction without abandoning the advantages of the medium.
I have few thoughts on the actual plot or the character of Helen at this moment, beyond the fact that I am interested to see how they develop. Is that a criticism? I don't think so - like I said, this is one issue of a story that will span many, which inherently restricts how much this issue can accomplish. I suppose I could say that I am, at present, underwhelmed by Helen, but with so much of the story so far revolving around Lilith, that seems unfair. It's just as likely that I would have been underwhelmed by Supergirl at the end of the first issue of Woman of Tomorrow, if it weren't for the fact that I had an understanding of and appreciation for that character going in. Helen, meanwhile, is a new creation, and I hope that I will have much to say about her after reading the issues to come.
I give Helen of Wyndhorn #1 five stars, with the asterisk that my ultimate feelings on this issue will almost certainly be colored by the future of the series.
November 26, 2024
This review covers the whole series, not just this first entry.
First and most obviously, it's absolutely gorgeous. Bilquis Evelyn knocks it out of the park as she always does. From Frank Franzetta-esque tableaus of battles in alien landscapes, to the titular looming Wyndhorn Manor crouched in mist, to a pair of greasy nerds haggling over comic book memorabilia, the art is always striking and etching itself into memory.
The narrative itself is fascinating to match, with layers of mystery and meta narrative elements layering on as the title goes. The story is a story of a governess recounting her ward, partway through revealing that she is merely telling the ward 's stories herself- and in turn these are recorded to tapes by an interviewer who has his own story, and where those tapes end up passing from hand to hand is its own tale.
The characters themselves though, I feel fall a touch flat- but- and this is the frustrating thing about this story to my feeble mind- *that might be the point*. There's a blend of fantasy and mundanity, and this leaves the characters a touch unmoored themselves, at least the central characters. Side characters with their fascinating glimpses are left incomplete, which again, may be the point.
It's a beautiful journey. But I don't think I felt enamoured of any of the characters. Which again, may be the point. It's a story of stories, and an ambivalence struggling between fact and fiction. And it left me ambivalent and wistful. Which might have been the objective. The problem is, it felt unearned by the end. Very abrupt which again, say it with me now:
Might be the point.
Spoilers from here on out.
This story is centered on Helen Cole, daughter of a fantasy writer of low fame and success who committed suicide. This story is also centered on Helen's governess, who is in fact telling the story, her narration at the center of the lion's share of the comic panels. Lilith Appleton.
...
In retrospect, I maybe should have paid more attention to her name.
Anyway, Lilith is an upright, moral, responsible woman suddenly having to deal with Helen, a rebellious teenage girl in 1930s America. She whisks Helen away to her grandfather's sprawling estate, where Helen is now in a gilded cage in a lap of luxury. Bored, self destructive, and property destructive. But then, she speaks of seeing monsters, her grandfather Barnabas returns having slain one, and the mystery is afoot!
Or is it?
The story that Lilith is telling in her old age to a man named Tom, curious about Helen's father, the late CK Cole, who's fantasy pulp fiction was revived in the 1970s, leading to revived interest in the dissolute writer. He's disappointed at the fantastical story Lilith weaves, and on my first read through I was annoyed at the stick in the mud... But eventually in the issues I was sympathetic. Which I think was the point of this comic.
Fantastical things happen in it. Grand quests, mass murder, magic spells, meetings with divinity... But all the while it seems it keeps dodging something heavy on Helen's mind. Why did her father kill himself?
The answer is never presented. No one knows. And the comic brushes on the hurt before recoiling into the fantasy world again and again. Tom never gets the answers. His tapes of Lilith 's interview pass from hand to hand as a bit of novelty for collectors to puzzle over before moving on.
By the end of the comic, I felt ambivalent for the magic world Barnabas and Helen kept fleeing into. Splendid visuals though they had, and though it formed a crucible for Helen to heal and connect to her grandfather with, it never answered that question. We never see CK Cole's face.
It ends rather abruptly, with a tease about whether or not a certain character is alive or not in the far flung future, but it left me feeling a mite cold.
But also knowing I'll read it again.
Gorgeous comic, made me think, I got a bit mad at it, but I think it's intentional so mission accomplished. I still feel ambivalent, but it's a good ambivalent.
First and most obviously, it's absolutely gorgeous. Bilquis Evelyn knocks it out of the park as she always does. From Frank Franzetta-esque tableaus of battles in alien landscapes, to the titular looming Wyndhorn Manor crouched in mist, to a pair of greasy nerds haggling over comic book memorabilia, the art is always striking and etching itself into memory.
The narrative itself is fascinating to match, with layers of mystery and meta narrative elements layering on as the title goes. The story is a story of a governess recounting her ward, partway through revealing that she is merely telling the ward 's stories herself- and in turn these are recorded to tapes by an interviewer who has his own story, and where those tapes end up passing from hand to hand is its own tale.
The characters themselves though, I feel fall a touch flat- but- and this is the frustrating thing about this story to my feeble mind- *that might be the point*. There's a blend of fantasy and mundanity, and this leaves the characters a touch unmoored themselves, at least the central characters. Side characters with their fascinating glimpses are left incomplete, which again, may be the point.
It's a beautiful journey. But I don't think I felt enamoured of any of the characters. Which again, may be the point. It's a story of stories, and an ambivalence struggling between fact and fiction. And it left me ambivalent and wistful. Which might have been the objective. The problem is, it felt unearned by the end. Very abrupt which again, say it with me now:
Might be the point.
Spoilers from here on out.
This story is centered on Helen Cole, daughter of a fantasy writer of low fame and success who committed suicide. This story is also centered on Helen's governess, who is in fact telling the story, her narration at the center of the lion's share of the comic panels. Lilith Appleton.
...
In retrospect, I maybe should have paid more attention to her name.
Anyway, Lilith is an upright, moral, responsible woman suddenly having to deal with Helen, a rebellious teenage girl in 1930s America. She whisks Helen away to her grandfather's sprawling estate, where Helen is now in a gilded cage in a lap of luxury. Bored, self destructive, and property destructive. But then, she speaks of seeing monsters, her grandfather Barnabas returns having slain one, and the mystery is afoot!
Or is it?
The story that Lilith is telling in her old age to a man named Tom, curious about Helen's father, the late CK Cole, who's fantasy pulp fiction was revived in the 1970s, leading to revived interest in the dissolute writer. He's disappointed at the fantastical story Lilith weaves, and on my first read through I was annoyed at the stick in the mud... But eventually in the issues I was sympathetic. Which I think was the point of this comic.
Fantastical things happen in it. Grand quests, mass murder, magic spells, meetings with divinity... But all the while it seems it keeps dodging something heavy on Helen's mind. Why did her father kill himself?
The answer is never presented. No one knows. And the comic brushes on the hurt before recoiling into the fantasy world again and again. Tom never gets the answers. His tapes of Lilith 's interview pass from hand to hand as a bit of novelty for collectors to puzzle over before moving on.
By the end of the comic, I felt ambivalent for the magic world Barnabas and Helen kept fleeing into. Splendid visuals though they had, and though it formed a crucible for Helen to heal and connect to her grandfather with, it never answered that question. We never see CK Cole's face.
It ends rather abruptly, with a tease about whether or not a certain character is alive or not in the far flung future, but it left me feeling a mite cold.
But also knowing I'll read it again.
Gorgeous comic, made me think, I got a bit mad at it, but I think it's intentional so mission accomplished. I still feel ambivalent, but it's a good ambivalent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2024
Written by the Eisner award-winning Tom King and brought to life by the captivating artwork of Bilquis Evely and Matheus Lopes, Helen of Wyndhorn #1 is a captivating debut entry into a world brimming with possibilities.
King, a master at nuanced character studies, weaves a story unlike any other. We follow Helen Cole, a woman rebelling after her father's suicide, and Lilith Appleton, her stoic but caring governess. After arriving at her family’s sprawling Wyndhorn House, Helen unleashes a torrent of emotions, only to discover the mansion holds a lifetime of secrets waiting to be unearthed. The first issue masterfully sets the stage for a grand fantasy adventure that blur the lines between reality and the fantastical tales penned by Helen’s late father.
King excels at crafting strong female characters (look no further than his current run on Wonder Woman), and this book is no exception. Helen is a compelling protagonist, flawed but entirely relatable and endearing as she tries to understand her place in the world. Perhaps even more fascinating is Lilith, who also plays the role of narrator as the majority of the story takes place via flashbacks. Her present-day attitude appears to have shifted from what we see of her as she first meets Helen and I’m very interested to see her further development. These two characters play off each other so well and King writes some amazing dialogue between the two.
Bilquis Evely's art is a perfect match for King's fantastical script. Her character designs are exquisite, capturing the essence of the early 20th century setting while hinting at the magic that lurks beneath the surface. Evely's figures are expressive and detailed, drawing the reader into the emotional journey of the characters. The true magic, however, lies in the collaboration with colorist Matheus Lopes. Lopes' palette adds depth and nuance to Evely's artwork.
Helen of Wyndhorn #1 is a masterclass in world-building and character introduction. As a huge fan of King and Evely's phenomenal Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, I’m incredibly excited for what comes next in this new series.
King, a master at nuanced character studies, weaves a story unlike any other. We follow Helen Cole, a woman rebelling after her father's suicide, and Lilith Appleton, her stoic but caring governess. After arriving at her family’s sprawling Wyndhorn House, Helen unleashes a torrent of emotions, only to discover the mansion holds a lifetime of secrets waiting to be unearthed. The first issue masterfully sets the stage for a grand fantasy adventure that blur the lines between reality and the fantastical tales penned by Helen’s late father.
King excels at crafting strong female characters (look no further than his current run on Wonder Woman), and this book is no exception. Helen is a compelling protagonist, flawed but entirely relatable and endearing as she tries to understand her place in the world. Perhaps even more fascinating is Lilith, who also plays the role of narrator as the majority of the story takes place via flashbacks. Her present-day attitude appears to have shifted from what we see of her as she first meets Helen and I’m very interested to see her further development. These two characters play off each other so well and King writes some amazing dialogue between the two.
Bilquis Evely's art is a perfect match for King's fantastical script. Her character designs are exquisite, capturing the essence of the early 20th century setting while hinting at the magic that lurks beneath the surface. Evely's figures are expressive and detailed, drawing the reader into the emotional journey of the characters. The true magic, however, lies in the collaboration with colorist Matheus Lopes. Lopes' palette adds depth and nuance to Evely's artwork.
Helen of Wyndhorn #1 is a masterclass in world-building and character introduction. As a huge fan of King and Evely's phenomenal Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, I’m incredibly excited for what comes next in this new series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
Новая классная лимитка Тома Кинга (всего на 6 номеров), сильно смахивающая на позапрошлогоднюю Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (в основном потому, что тут те же художники; но и многие сценарные параллели тоже видны).
Гувернантка, нанятая вернуть в родовое гнездо 16-летнюю наследницу, у которой недавно повесился пройдоха-отец, прибывает в богами забытые трущобы и обнаруживает, что та — безнадёжная пьяница и тот ещё сорванец. Тем не менее они возвращаются в помпезное поместье, маются от неприкаянности, а потом вдруг сталкиваются не то с кошмарами, не то натуральными монстрами?
Думаю, не будет спойлером сказать, что это история про путешественников в иные миры (причём, с явным прицелом на фантастику столетней давности, палповой докомиксной эпохи), но подаёт её автор очень необычно — с точки зрения обычных людей, статистов, которые даже столкнувшись с Потусторонним, не понимают что они видят и рационализаторским образом отбрасывают это как что-то невозможное (буквально "не верят глазам своим"). Однако именно благодаря тому, что они закрываются от невероятных чудес Иного мира, им удаётся сконцентрироваться на самом важном — на том, с чем у самих путешественников явные проблемы — выстраивании здоровых семейных отношений (да, автор здесь возвращается к своей излюбленной теме дисфункциональных семей).
Как и в Supergirl, в тему становится некоторая книжная стилизация в диалогах — из тех слов, что я тут узнал, больше всего понравилось peripatetic (пешеходный). Вот как обычно небольшое превью.
Гувернантка, нанятая вернуть в родовое гнездо 16-летнюю наследницу, у которой недавно повесился пройдоха-отец, прибывает в богами забытые трущобы и обнаруживает, что та — безнадёжная пьяница и тот ещё сорванец. Тем не менее они возвращаются в помпезное поместье, маются от неприкаянности, а потом вдруг сталкиваются не то с кошмарами, не то натуральными монстрами?
Думаю, не будет спойлером сказать, что это история про путешественников в иные миры (причём, с явным прицелом на фантастику столетней давности, палповой докомиксной эпохи), но подаёт её автор очень необычно — с точки зрения обычных людей, статистов, которые даже столкнувшись с Потусторонним, не понимают что они видят и рационализаторским образом отбрасывают это как что-то невозможное (буквально "не верят глазам своим"). Однако именно благодаря тому, что они закрываются от невероятных чудес Иного мира, им удаётся сконцентрироваться на самом важном — на том, с чем у самих путешественников явные проблемы — выстраивании здоровых семейных отношений (да, автор здесь возвращается к своей излюбленной теме дисфункциональных семей).
Как и в Supergirl, в тему становится некоторая книжная стилизация в диалогах — из тех слов, что я тут узнал, больше всего понравилось peripatetic (пешеходный). Вот как обычно небольшое превью.
July 2, 2024
Larger than life
I adore the Supergirl book by this team, but Helen is something else entirely. It is a gothjc epic fantasy that feels grounded right up until it isn't anymore and you, alongside Helen, are sent on an adventure like never before. But this isnt a book about sword and sorcery adventures — although it does them well. This is also a character study.
Helen is an amazingly flawed protagonist, especially when viewed from Lilith's "prim and proper" perspective. She genuinely feels unsuited for the real world, stuck in her dramatic self-destructive spiral, and yet her tendencies feel completely logical at Wyndhorn.
Lilith is our window into Helen's world. She is judgemental, snobbish, at times mean — but also caring, dutiful, and helpful. She is trying to help Helen just as much as she is trying to bring her to heel, and yet even she acknowledges futility in her attempts.
And then Baranabas comes in, and we realise that for Helen he is what she is to us — a larger than life mythic character, unbound by any conventions. And yet as we slowly learn, even the great Othan has regrets and weak spots, and his past tends to come knocking on the doors of his manor.
This series is an experience that among other contemporary comics can only be compared to Saga. I will happily read 100 issues of Helen of Wyndhorn.
I adore the Supergirl book by this team, but Helen is something else entirely. It is a gothjc epic fantasy that feels grounded right up until it isn't anymore and you, alongside Helen, are sent on an adventure like never before. But this isnt a book about sword and sorcery adventures — although it does them well. This is also a character study.
Helen is an amazingly flawed protagonist, especially when viewed from Lilith's "prim and proper" perspective. She genuinely feels unsuited for the real world, stuck in her dramatic self-destructive spiral, and yet her tendencies feel completely logical at Wyndhorn.
Lilith is our window into Helen's world. She is judgemental, snobbish, at times mean — but also caring, dutiful, and helpful. She is trying to help Helen just as much as she is trying to bring her to heel, and yet even she acknowledges futility in her attempts.
And then Baranabas comes in, and we realise that for Helen he is what she is to us — a larger than life mythic character, unbound by any conventions. And yet as we slowly learn, even the great Othan has regrets and weak spots, and his past tends to come knocking on the doors of his manor.
This series is an experience that among other contemporary comics can only be compared to Saga. I will happily read 100 issues of Helen of Wyndhorn.
October 3, 2024
The writing knocks down the spectacular art and colours by two stars. Almost a one star book due to the writing.
Way too many captions covering the beautiful art. It's completely unnecessary most of the time. The pace is also very slow, particularly the multipage tour of the Wyndhorn estate.
It felt quite pretentious in the captions, the cursive was slightly difficult to read also.
The end reveal wasn't gripping, nothing made me want to continue reading. I'd try it digitally first if you're thinking of reading it.
Way too many captions covering the beautiful art. It's completely unnecessary most of the time. The pace is also very slow, particularly the multipage tour of the Wyndhorn estate.
It felt quite pretentious in the captions, the cursive was slightly difficult to read also.
The end reveal wasn't gripping, nothing made me want to continue reading. I'd try it digitally first if you're thinking of reading it.
March 20, 2024
It's not often that I give a single issue of a comic five stars, let alone the first issue of a series but this was incredible. Tom King has done more than just become one of my favorite comic book writers he has become one of my favorite writers PERIOD. His ability to grab my attention and never let go is just second to none. Not to mention Bilquis Evely who elevates the story tenfold. I give this a must read out of ten.
April 27, 2024
Helen is a captivating 16-year-old rebel in 1930s America. Her edgy charm, reckless habits, and mysterious aura make her a compelling protagonist. The illustrations are incredibly detailed and pastel watercolors depict the era enriching the narrative with every turn of the page. I'm intrigued by her defiance and curious how Helen will challenge the societal norms in Wyndhorn, alongside all the mysteries playing about as well!
May 14, 2024
As soon as I saw the ad for this, I knew I had to read it. The cover is gorgeous, and I love the title and the concept. This book did not disappoint. I was intrigued right from the opening page. I love the structure of the story, and I'm fascinated by Lilith Appleton as a storyteller and a character, especially with that last page. Helen is interesting, and even though I think I can see where the story is going, I'm still curious. I can't wait to read #2!
March 19, 2024
Very interesting.
Very interesting character development. Tom King is quickly becoming a must read author for me. It’s been a long time since this kind of effort was put into building a backdrop for a comic. I'm for what’s most likely going to be a very good story. This Affirms to me that comics can be just as much of an art form as film.
Very interesting character development. Tom King is quickly becoming a must read author for me. It’s been a long time since this kind of effort was put into building a backdrop for a comic. I'm for what’s most likely going to be a very good story. This Affirms to me that comics can be just as much of an art form as film.
August 18, 2024
For all fans of Gothic horror fantasy - this is THE comic!! I love how this is framed in the style of traditional Gothic stories, being told by a governess character years after, it really heightens the sense of wonder and unease that we feel as we see the events unfold. I just love a story that revolves around big beautiful houses and wild girls, what can I say. Looking forward to more of this!
October 8, 2024
Oh Hell Yeah
I saw Bilquis Eveley's work on Instagram back when this book first came out and have been meaning to read it ever since.
This is such a cool story, such good dialogue, such a tight little first issue - and man, the art is amazing. I had to stop a couple times and just take it in. I haven't done that in a long time.
I saw Bilquis Eveley's work on Instagram back when this book first came out and have been meaning to read it ever since.
This is such a cool story, such good dialogue, such a tight little first issue - and man, the art is amazing. I had to stop a couple times and just take it in. I haven't done that in a long time.
November 13, 2024
Bilquis Evely reminds me of P. Craig Russell, and they all remember me of Hokusai.
Tom King’s writing if very smooth and the voices strong.
Ends with Faere breaking in, which makes this a Faery-story in Tolkien’s definition.
The narrative framing reminds me a Sandman story but I can’t recall it at the moment. Or maybe Gaiman’s Chivalry.
Tom King’s writing if very smooth and the voices strong.
Ends with Faere breaking in, which makes this a Faery-story in Tolkien’s definition.
The narrative framing reminds me a Sandman story but I can’t recall it at the moment. Or maybe Gaiman’s Chivalry.
March 13, 2025
I loved this graphic about a teen girl and her monster hunting grandfather. It was a weird back and forth time flip between Lillith telling the story and then what's happening with the tapes of her telling the story in the present. Was it the present? That was my trouble. I loved the stories of Helen at Wyndhorn, though.
AND - I want Helen's Hairstyle!!
AND - I want Helen's Hairstyle!!
March 15, 2024
The start of this first issue is eerily similar to Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow…oh wait, that’s the whole point. We’re blessed with another pulpy, high-fantasy story from King and Evely. Not sure if this one is going to top the high highs of Supergirl, but I’m eager to see them try.
March 20, 2024
Like most of King’s work, overall I enjoyed it. This was a good first issue and clearly intent on character building, but I would argue the pacing is a little slow. Regardless, I’m along for the ride, and the team of Evely and Lopes always produces fantastic art.
March 28, 2024
Recommended by my good friends at Brave New Worlds after I gushed over SuperGirl WOT. The duo is back with more beautiful art from Bilquis Evely and, as expected, great writing from Tom King. Very intrigued where this ending will take us.
March 31, 2024
If you are a fan of Tom King's writing, you know he delivers banger after banger. This book is no exception. Such amazing story telling. Such a neat premise. The art is incredible to say the least! I can't wait to read more of this!
April 5, 2024
Fantastic read! The art is outstanding, blending the real and surreal into an almost dream like quality, which fits the story perfectly. As much detail is paid to the art, so is the details of the story. I cannot wait to hear more of Lilith's recollections of her time with Helen and Wyndhorn.
May 6, 2024
Marvelous! What if a pulp writer was actually writing about his family legacy and he leaves behind a sixteen year old drunken Lolita for an ill equipped governess to ferry back to his ancestral home. Can’t wait for more of this warped tale.
March 12, 2025
Exquisite art and a classic kind of tale. But Helen isn’t very likeable and the new “help” isn’t either so I didn’t feel like any of the protagonists drew me in. But mysterious and I’m keen to read more.
January 27, 2024
4.5 stars
March 20, 2024
Intriguing
I liked the art work and found the story intriguing such that I wish I could binge read this. Ready for Issue #2.
I liked the art work and found the story intriguing such that I wish I could binge read this. Ready for Issue #2.
March 23, 2024
a work of art from beginning to end. tom king is one of the most intelligent writers, just amazing.
March 29, 2024
Intrigued
March 30, 2024
Prometedor.
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