What do you think?
Rate this book
Oddity Woods #1
Oddity Woods
Based on the webcomic of the same name, this spooky graphic novel mystery from the creator of Misfit Mansion follows a kid detective whose search for her missing father leads her into eerily enchanted woods full of strange, otherworldly creatures.
After her father’s sudden disappearance, thirteen-year-old aspiring detective Marietta travels to where his trail went cold, the town of Perdita, to ask for help. But with nobody believing her claim that something paranormal is to blame, her questions go nowhere. Determined to find out what happened—even if she has to do it alone—Marietta enters the nearby woods, where people are known to have vanished.
Armed with a peculiar magnifying glass that has the power to reveal lies and a mysterious letter containing clues about her father, Marietta stumbles into the alternate world hidden in the woods. There, she meets a friendly spirit who leads her to a phantom train where the Conductor says he’ll help Marietta find her father—for a price. With the help of Wyatt Weiss, a mysterious boy with his own secrets, Marietta escapes without bargaining away something she can’t afford to lose and finally learns where she’s ended up: the Oddity Woods, an endless forest where monsters and ghosts roam freely.
Marietta and Wyatt work together to navigate the woods but become increasingly lost. A search for magical keys and solving a puzzling murder offer them ways to get home, but Marietta has yet to find her father…and the Conductor hounds her every step. Can she get what she came for and make a clean getaway, or will the woods claim another victim?
After her father’s sudden disappearance, thirteen-year-old aspiring detective Marietta travels to where his trail went cold, the town of Perdita, to ask for help. But with nobody believing her claim that something paranormal is to blame, her questions go nowhere. Determined to find out what happened—even if she has to do it alone—Marietta enters the nearby woods, where people are known to have vanished.
Armed with a peculiar magnifying glass that has the power to reveal lies and a mysterious letter containing clues about her father, Marietta stumbles into the alternate world hidden in the woods. There, she meets a friendly spirit who leads her to a phantom train where the Conductor says he’ll help Marietta find her father—for a price. With the help of Wyatt Weiss, a mysterious boy with his own secrets, Marietta escapes without bargaining away something she can’t afford to lose and finally learns where she’s ended up: the Oddity Woods, an endless forest where monsters and ghosts roam freely.
Marietta and Wyatt work together to navigate the woods but become increasingly lost. A search for magical keys and solving a puzzling murder offer them ways to get home, but Marietta has yet to find her father…and the Conductor hounds her every step. Can she get what she came for and make a clean getaway, or will the woods claim another victim?
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2025
29 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Kay Davault
8 books96 followersKay Davault is a graphic novel author and illustrator. She enjoys drawing both cute characters and terrifying creatures within colorful worlds.
UPCOMING BOOKS:
ODDITY WOODS BOOK 1 (2025)- Kid detective Marietta tries to solve the sudden disappearance of her father in a dark woodland realm inhabited by ghosts and monsters. Based on the 2016-18 webcomic.
MISFIT MANSION 2 (2026)
ODDITY WOODS BOOK 2 (2027)
UPCOMING BOOKS:
ODDITY WOODS BOOK 1 (2025)- Kid detective Marietta tries to solve the sudden disappearance of her father in a dark woodland realm inhabited by ghosts and monsters. Based on the 2016-18 webcomic.
MISFIT MANSION 2 (2026)
ODDITY WOODS BOOK 2 (2027)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 21, 2024
First half - 3.5 stars
Second half - 2 stars
Final score: 2.5 stars
Pros:
I loved the colors and art style.
The story was complex and the characters nuanced.
Cons:
About 2/3 of the way through I completely lost the plot!!
The characters started to all look the same. Because they are drawn in this cute chibi way, it's hard to tell them apart and to determine who's a kid and who's an adult.
We introduced WAY too many new characters too far into the story. Many of them seemed unnecessary. I think they might play a part later in the series, but in this book they only served to confuse the reader.
By the end I was hopelessly lost. I just finished the book with no real idea of what happened or why. :(
Second half - 2 stars
Final score: 2.5 stars
Pros:
I loved the colors and art style.
The story was complex and the characters nuanced.
Cons:
About 2/3 of the way through I completely lost the plot!!
The characters started to all look the same. Because they are drawn in this cute chibi way, it's hard to tell them apart and to determine who's a kid and who's an adult.
We introduced WAY too many new characters too far into the story. Many of them seemed unnecessary. I think they might play a part later in the series, but in this book they only served to confuse the reader.
By the end I was hopelessly lost. I just finished the book with no real idea of what happened or why. :(
Read
September 5, 2025as someone obsessed with over the garden wall this feels written for me I love love loved it and cannot wait for book 2
October 15, 2025
This was so fun. I love the graphics and colour's used
September 8, 2025
This was a great middle grade graphic novel. I loved the art style and vibrant color palette used for the illustrations. This book has an intriguing mystery as the main character, Marietta, searches for her missing father. Overall this was a fun quick read and I look forward to the next volume.
Thank you to @simonkids for the gifted copy.
Thank you to @simonkids for the gifted copy.
November 18, 2025
More like a 3.75 or smth. It wasn’t like my favorite graphic novel, but it wasn’t bad either. Definitely for a much younger audience than i. The art and colors are DROP DEAD GORGEOUS tho, I’d recommend it just to stare at the colors
August 28, 2025
Spooky, terrifying, I loved it! I can’t wait for the next one!
But, seriously though, this book was so sad!!!! Owen, Wyatt, no!!!!!! The next one better come out fast.
But, seriously though, this book was so sad!!!! Owen, Wyatt, no!!!!!! The next one better come out fast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
While I don’t personally read very many comics or graphic novels, I can safely say this one was well into the upper echelon of the ones I’ve read. The art has this really appealing, cute style that lends itself very well to the mystical and strange world the story takes place in, and makes the characters very expressive. The use of colors particularly helps to create a lot of striking and memorable imagery. As well, it’s backed by a well written little paranormal mystery story that shouldn’t prove too intense for a younger audience (I wouldn’t really call it “horror” but it has elements and the aesthetic of it.) The character writing is the standout, with very simple (for now) but likeable major characters that bounce off of each other well for character moments. Some of the minor characters in the inn section are a little bland, but those seem to have only been present for that one section, while the more interesting ones seem like they’ll show up again. The whole story is well set up, its paranormal mystery elements very much along the lines of shows like Gravity Falls or Infinity Train, and the progression feels almost like that of a video game’s, and considering how many characters and ideas in this book resemble those found in video games, it’s easy to see that influence. A very good comic book for middle-grade readers.
August 13, 2025
Man I so wish I was still in the target age range for this. It started coming out when I was in 8th or 9th grade and it was my very favorite series I was so devastated when it was taken off of webtoon. Now I’ve aged out, still its sweet and charming. I’m glad I was able to read it, I’m looking forward to the next one
August 7, 2025
Amazing artwork, graphic novel size (number of pages), and storytelling. Humorous, 5 plus for me. The adventure takes us to solve the mystery of the disappearance of her father. I love the main character so much. I will continue to recommend it.
September 16, 2025
Disappointing after really enjoying Misfit Mansion. I found the constant arguing about what they should do annoying. I finally had to force myself to read the rest of it this morning.
October 9, 2025
Gotta love when there are surprise werewolves😂🐺💕
September 11, 2025
I wish the next book was out already! I loves this book so much! The art is beautiful and the colors are amazing!! I love the mystery part of it, how she is trying to find her dad and now she has seen all of those missing kids too. The ghost pup is adorable! I love the use of technology and all of the different species in this book. I hope we get to see more gadgets, creatures, and characters in the next book. The conductor is spooky for sure.
September 17, 2025
So upset about this one. I LOVED Misfit Mansion, but this wasn’t for me. At the beginning I was intrigued, but as the story went on I was becoming more and more confused. I also think Marietta and Owen look so incredibly similar that it kept throwing me off. I’m an adult and had a hard time with this one so I can’t see this being great for the recommended age range of 8-12. I would also venture to say that I think this would be a bit scary for that age range as well…
June 5, 2025
Writing this review for my 9 year old (she received an advanced copy for Instagram contest):
It was amazing! I enjoyed the characters and learning about them and the different settings. I couldn’t put it down. My favorite characters were: Owen, Marietta, Wyatt, Whistle, and Lawrence. The best moment for me was when Marietta found out her dad was alive. I was shocked when Sylvia turned on them all. I would want to live in this book it was so awesome. If I could jump into this story the first thing I would do is help Marietta on her mission. The ending was shocking! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
It was amazing! I enjoyed the characters and learning about them and the different settings. I couldn’t put it down. My favorite characters were: Owen, Marietta, Wyatt, Whistle, and Lawrence. The best moment for me was when Marietta found out her dad was alive. I was shocked when Sylvia turned on them all. I would want to live in this book it was so awesome. If I could jump into this story the first thing I would do is help Marietta on her mission. The ending was shocking! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
Review written for a school assignment, but the opinions held in the review section do reflect my actual opinions.
After her father went missing whilst investigating the woods surrounding the town of Perdita, a young Marietta Candor takes it upon herself to venture into the feared woods to find him herself. Once she enters, she finds herself transported into an odd, supernatural world populated by monsters rather than other humans. She does meet another human in the woods, though, one boy named Wyatt Weiss who has been trapped there for a long time, having forgotten why he entered but assuming he did so to study it, based on his scientist-like outfit and talent with machinery. After the two escape an encounter with a creature called the Conductor, they roam the woods until they happen upon a shadowy four-armed woman who identifies herself as the Storyteller, one who takes it upon herself to oversee and catalogue the happenings of all who enter the woods. While she does not reveal any details to Marietta and Wyatt about her missing father, she does give them a lead to investigate a large inn, where a murder had taken place. The spirit of the victim appears to Marietta, and she promises to help find her killer among the selection of people currently inside, all the while attempting to escape from a demonic monster lurking the halls. Once that is solved, Marietta receives her first real clue on the wellbeing of her dad, ending the book as the first of a series.
While I don’t personally read very many comics or graphic novels, I can safely say this one was well into the upper echelon of the ones I’ve read. The art has this really appealing, cute style that lends itself very well to the mystical and strange world the story takes place in, and makes the characters very expressive. The use of colors particularly helps to create a lot of striking and memorable imagery. As well, it’s backed by a well written little paranormal mystery story that shouldn’t prove too intense for a younger audience (I wouldn’t really call it “horror” but it has elements and the aesthetic of it.) The character writing is the standout, with very simple (for now) but likeable major characters that bounce off of each other well for character moments. Some of the minor characters in the inn section are a little bland, but those seem to have only been present for that one section, while the more interesting ones seem like they’ll show up again. The whole story is well set up, its paranormal mystery elements very much along the lines of shows like Gravity Falls or Infinity Train, so if you liked those, you'll love this. The progression also feels almost like that of a video game’s, and considering how many characters and ideas in this book resemble those found in video games (even a good few that I've played), it’s easy to see that influence. A very good comic book for middle-grade readers.
After her father went missing whilst investigating the woods surrounding the town of Perdita, a young Marietta Candor takes it upon herself to venture into the feared woods to find him herself. Once she enters, she finds herself transported into an odd, supernatural world populated by monsters rather than other humans. She does meet another human in the woods, though, one boy named Wyatt Weiss who has been trapped there for a long time, having forgotten why he entered but assuming he did so to study it, based on his scientist-like outfit and talent with machinery. After the two escape an encounter with a creature called the Conductor, they roam the woods until they happen upon a shadowy four-armed woman who identifies herself as the Storyteller, one who takes it upon herself to oversee and catalogue the happenings of all who enter the woods. While she does not reveal any details to Marietta and Wyatt about her missing father, she does give them a lead to investigate a large inn, where a murder had taken place. The spirit of the victim appears to Marietta, and she promises to help find her killer among the selection of people currently inside, all the while attempting to escape from a demonic monster lurking the halls. Once that is solved, Marietta receives her first real clue on the wellbeing of her dad, ending the book as the first of a series.
While I don’t personally read very many comics or graphic novels, I can safely say this one was well into the upper echelon of the ones I’ve read. The art has this really appealing, cute style that lends itself very well to the mystical and strange world the story takes place in, and makes the characters very expressive. The use of colors particularly helps to create a lot of striking and memorable imagery. As well, it’s backed by a well written little paranormal mystery story that shouldn’t prove too intense for a younger audience (I wouldn’t really call it “horror” but it has elements and the aesthetic of it.) The character writing is the standout, with very simple (for now) but likeable major characters that bounce off of each other well for character moments. Some of the minor characters in the inn section are a little bland, but those seem to have only been present for that one section, while the more interesting ones seem like they’ll show up again. The whole story is well set up, its paranormal mystery elements very much along the lines of shows like Gravity Falls or Infinity Train, so if you liked those, you'll love this. The progression also feels almost like that of a video game’s, and considering how many characters and ideas in this book resemble those found in video games (even a good few that I've played), it’s easy to see that influence. A very good comic book for middle-grade readers.
October 27, 2025
🌲🔎 𝙊𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙒𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨 // 𝘒𝘢𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘵
This middle grade spooky graphic novel is about an aspiring kid detective, Marietta, hot on the trail of finding her missing father whom she is convinced vanished under paranormal circumstances. Her search leads her into an otherworldly eerie, enchanted forest full of magic and wonder, and even some danger. His trail went cold around the town of Perdita, which is precisely where Marietta begins her search. People don’t believe her claims that something sinister and paranormal is afoot, so she decides she will just go at it alone, if need be. Armed with her peculiar magnifying glass and a mysterious letter containing clues that could possibly lead her to her father, she bravely stumbles into the woods where many have been known to simply vanish. She meets a mysterious boy named Wyatt Weiss with his own secrets, but together they team up. As they navigate the woods full of ghouls and ghosts roaming freely, they become increasingly lost and confused. The question is, can Marietta outwit the woods and find out what befell her father, or will the woods claim another victim?
My thoughts⬇️
Im not typically a graphic novel reader, but when you work around kids who love them, you sometimes have to sneak one in to see what the hype is about. I found this one “spooky cozy” and full of mystery. The graphics were really colorful and fun, and I loved the character’s personalities and quirk. I felt like the story was well developed for a graphic novel- great plot arch and character development.
I’d def recommend this to middle grade readers!
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
*Thanks @simonkids for this amazing and fun #gifted copy just in time for spooky season! #simonkidspartner
This middle grade spooky graphic novel is about an aspiring kid detective, Marietta, hot on the trail of finding her missing father whom she is convinced vanished under paranormal circumstances. Her search leads her into an otherworldly eerie, enchanted forest full of magic and wonder, and even some danger. His trail went cold around the town of Perdita, which is precisely where Marietta begins her search. People don’t believe her claims that something sinister and paranormal is afoot, so she decides she will just go at it alone, if need be. Armed with her peculiar magnifying glass and a mysterious letter containing clues that could possibly lead her to her father, she bravely stumbles into the woods where many have been known to simply vanish. She meets a mysterious boy named Wyatt Weiss with his own secrets, but together they team up. As they navigate the woods full of ghouls and ghosts roaming freely, they become increasingly lost and confused. The question is, can Marietta outwit the woods and find out what befell her father, or will the woods claim another victim?
My thoughts⬇️
Im not typically a graphic novel reader, but when you work around kids who love them, you sometimes have to sneak one in to see what the hype is about. I found this one “spooky cozy” and full of mystery. The graphics were really colorful and fun, and I loved the character’s personalities and quirk. I felt like the story was well developed for a graphic novel- great plot arch and character development.
I’d def recommend this to middle grade readers!
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
*Thanks @simonkids for this amazing and fun #gifted copy just in time for spooky season! #simonkidspartner
November 7, 2025
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
Spooky, mysterious, and entertaining. After her father's disappearance, young detective Marietta ventures out on her own to find him. Along the way, she'll discover new mysteries, encounter strange beings, and discover just how dangerous leaving her house can be.
Such a cool set up. Phantom trains, wicked deals, a haunted inn, and a mysterious dinner party. There were so many interesting elements at play here.
Gorgeous artwork. I loved the colors. Great balance of spooky, creepy, and beautiful.
This works well for those who like Over-the-Garden-Wall-style stories. Cutesy and funny combined with dark and creepy.
This volume lays out the story well. It has a satisfying ending for the first book and sets up the next one well.
Really enjoyed the worldbuilding of this one. Looking forward to the second book.
Spooky, mysterious, and entertaining. After her father's disappearance, young detective Marietta ventures out on her own to find him. Along the way, she'll discover new mysteries, encounter strange beings, and discover just how dangerous leaving her house can be.
Such a cool set up. Phantom trains, wicked deals, a haunted inn, and a mysterious dinner party. There were so many interesting elements at play here.
Gorgeous artwork. I loved the colors. Great balance of spooky, creepy, and beautiful.
This works well for those who like Over-the-Garden-Wall-style stories. Cutesy and funny combined with dark and creepy.
This volume lays out the story well. It has a satisfying ending for the first book and sets up the next one well.
Really enjoyed the worldbuilding of this one. Looking forward to the second book.
December 2, 2025
MG
Mystery fantasy
Graphic novel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Published March 2025
“Based on the webcomic of the same name, this spooky graphic novel mystery from the creator of Misfit Mansion follows a kid detective whose search for her missing father leads her into eerily enchanted woods full of strange, otherworldly creatures.”
13yo Marietta is an aspiring detective armed with her wits and a peculiar magnifying glass that can reveal lies and must go in search of her recently missing father but ends up on a supernatural adventure that includes a ghost train, a ghost dog, a ghost friend, and a maze of a forest called Oddity Woods that is full of magic and monsters.
This is a slightly spooky but not scary mystery for kids with fun supernatural characters (I especially liked the polter-pup), a magical forest setting, a grand explorative adventure, and vibrant illustrations and coloring.
Open-ended so possibility of a sequel!
Mystery fantasy
Graphic novel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Published March 2025
“Based on the webcomic of the same name, this spooky graphic novel mystery from the creator of Misfit Mansion follows a kid detective whose search for her missing father leads her into eerily enchanted woods full of strange, otherworldly creatures.”
13yo Marietta is an aspiring detective armed with her wits and a peculiar magnifying glass that can reveal lies and must go in search of her recently missing father but ends up on a supernatural adventure that includes a ghost train, a ghost dog, a ghost friend, and a maze of a forest called Oddity Woods that is full of magic and monsters.
This is a slightly spooky but not scary mystery for kids with fun supernatural characters (I especially liked the polter-pup), a magical forest setting, a grand explorative adventure, and vibrant illustrations and coloring.
Open-ended so possibility of a sequel!
November 19, 2024
Your time in this world is up.
So much fun!!! There is a LOT of story and lore packed into this volume, promising a long and varied series as we continue. Super cute (and oftentimes cuddly-looking) characters, lovely art, and an original world. All centered around a compelling and satisfying mystery. I picked this one up on a whim and was not disappointed.
Its origin story compels me, too. Started out as a solo webcomic project in 2016, but had to shut down because of the time and resources it demanded. I'm glad it got a second chance in 2025. A good example of how indie creators can't create on clicks alone, and sometimes great stories have to leave. Thankfully this tale had a happy ending :)
September 9, 2025
I think the biggest compliment I have for this is that it feels like a JRPG I would have played when I was a kid. The cute characters and intriguing world beg to be translated into sprites. It takes a bit of Over the Garden Wall and pinch of Gravity Falls illustrated beautifully through a Squaresoft pen.
My kid loves this book and begged me to read it and I did enjoy it. It had just enough of this darkness, a la Labyrinth, that makes it sit above a lot of the YA graphic novels I’ve read on my kids request. I’m actually stoked for the next one.
The Conductor is such a menacing character I love him.
My kid loves this book and begged me to read it and I did enjoy it. It had just enough of this darkness, a la Labyrinth, that makes it sit above a lot of the YA graphic novels I’ve read on my kids request. I’m actually stoked for the next one.
The Conductor is such a menacing character I love him.
October 22, 2025
I was a fan of the webcomic when it was coming out but it had slipped my mind for quite a few years. Seeing it again as a published novel is SO exciting! I cannot wait for the rest of the mystery! All the characters are wonderful and sweet, especially Polterpup aka Whistle!!! Hoping for more development of character relationships in future. And I’m curious about the connection between a few of the characters… Is it time travel or is it real? Who knows (not me at least XD)? Anyways thanks for an amazing book and I’m excited to see the NEW directions you’ll take us in the next one!
December 31, 2025
This would have been a full 5 stars however I feel like the plot got a little unclear towards the end. We were introduced to a lot of characters all at once during the last quarter of the book. I don’t think this really helped as you’re trying to wrap your head around who is who and how they relate to the story. You can definitely tell that this is going to be a multi book series so I’m hoping that the plot solidifies a bit more in book 2. As always I love her art style so much and I will continue to pick up whatever she publishes.
December 5, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down it was pretty addicting. It’s also pretty dark and deep for a middle grade graphic novel, I would say about the same as Harry Potter. Overall, I think anyone whose a fan of an adventure mystery in a world set in between the death and the living with a cast of fun but also deep characters who learn from one another and bring out the best in each other would really like this.
I cant wait for the 2nd book! That ending ahhhhh! 😖
I cant wait for the 2nd book! That ending ahhhhh! 😖
November 22, 2025
Definitely based on a webcomic, but the plot needed more sharpening to be really effective as a graphic novel. It isn't just episodic, which I expect in a webcomic. The episodes are long and drawn out, and the overall plot isn't defined as clearly as it should be. What, exactly, are the main characters trying to do? That seems to change every fifty pages or so. There's also way too many characters, many of whom don't seem to be doing much right now.
December 10, 2025
This is an AMAZING young detective story! The art is GORGEOUS, the story captivating, and the characters are so much fun! And Polterdog!!
The biggest downside, as per the Author's Note, is that it wasn't finished... or, at least, not in its web comic iteration. (Will it be finished now? Buy lots of copies so it can happen!)
Absolutely recommended for young mystery lovers!
The biggest downside, as per the Author's Note, is that it wasn't finished... or, at least, not in its web comic iteration. (Will it be finished now? Buy lots of copies so it can happen!)
Absolutely recommended for young mystery lovers!
December 11, 2025
I thought that this was just fine. I am a huge fan of Misfit Mansion by this author and this new release just lacked some of that magic for me... literally and metaphorically. I didn't find myself enamored with the characters or having my heartstrings pulled as much since the story line was a bit lacking and struggled to keep me fully interested. The art was iconic and stunning as per usual and points are definitely given for the ghost dog.
September 17, 2025
A strangely colored graphic novel that takes Marietta into a haunted woods in search of her father. Along the way she finds Wyat and together they must solve a murder. A unique story with lots of characters. At times I found it a little hard to remember who was who, who was good and who was bad. Kept me reading though to find out.
September 19, 2025
Oddity Woods was a great early foray into graphic novels for my 5-year-old and I (though probably written for an older crowd). I read it with her twice, then she read it again every night for a month. It's spooky, not scary, with an engrossing plot line, and a gorgeous style. I felt compelled to keep turning pages. It looks like it will be a series, and I can't wait for the next installment.
September 19, 2025
A lot of strange demon like creatures are in this woods, and I know just as little as our main character Mary. I hope there will be more because I'm left with so many questions about her missing dad, the creepy train, the witch who isn't actually as nice as she seems, and the people who live in the woods.
October 14, 2025
intriguing story. I'm not sure if it's enough to keep me reading any future books in the series but I like the concept. It's different and engaging. I like the color palates the illustrator used- I feel like it helped add to the story's creep factor without pushing it too far from fantasy into horror.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews