What do you think?
Rate this book
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1-6
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26The Eisner-nominated cozy-horror comic series returns in this sequel to the critically acclaimed first volume!
It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice…but this brown bear was smart…she covered her tracks…and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers.
But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice.
A reckoning is coming to Woodbrook. Join visionary writer and artist Patrick Horvath as he returns to the hit series that has taken the comic world by storm!
It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice…but this brown bear was smart…she covered her tracks…and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers.
But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice.
A reckoning is coming to Woodbrook. Join visionary writer and artist Patrick Horvath as he returns to the hit series that has taken the comic world by storm!
144 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
Read
April 22, 2026cute woodland animal characters & twisty grisly horror is truly an incomparable combination! one might not expect these disparate elements to work together so well, but horvath balances them brilliantly. it's right up my alley, and i adore it.
this sequel revisits our serial killer bear samantha, still off the hook eight years after the events of beneath the trees where nobody sees. she's a little older, and the townsfolk are a little more jaded as modern developments threaten to touch their old-school small town.
we also learn some dark new elements of samantha's backstory. this series only gets better as it becomes more layered.
impeccable aesthetic, especially the 90s fashions and vintage computer details. there's a touch of nostalgia for the early days of the internet, which is so charming. (A/S/L as age/species/location made me CACKLE!!)
this volume also gives us more context about the distinction between the anthropomorphized animal characters and their non-anthropomorphized counterparts. apparently the latter are considerd "wild animals," and now some of them are encroaching on the city due to habitat destruction. this adds interesting texture to the lore of the universe.
something about the cozy x murder juxtaposition in this series tickles my brain in a wonderful way. i'm hoping for more future installments - and the very end does seem to tease the possibility of a new angle of samantha's story.
oh, and the cover art between issues are bloody samantha-themed reimaginings of classic children's books! such fun!
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
this sequel revisits our serial killer bear samantha, still off the hook eight years after the events of beneath the trees where nobody sees. she's a little older, and the townsfolk are a little more jaded as modern developments threaten to touch their old-school small town.
we also learn some dark new elements of samantha's backstory. this series only gets better as it becomes more layered.
impeccable aesthetic, especially the 90s fashions and vintage computer details. there's a touch of nostalgia for the early days of the internet, which is so charming. (A/S/L as age/species/location made me CACKLE!!)
this volume also gives us more context about the distinction between the anthropomorphized animal characters and their non-anthropomorphized counterparts. apparently the latter are considerd "wild animals," and now some of them are encroaching on the city due to habitat destruction. this adds interesting texture to the lore of the universe.
something about the cozy x murder juxtaposition in this series tickles my brain in a wonderful way. i'm hoping for more future installments - and the very end does seem to tease the possibility of a new angle of samantha's story.
oh, and the cover art between issues are bloody samantha-themed reimaginings of classic children's books! such fun!
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the advanced copy.
4.5*
The sequel to Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (which I gave 5 stars and liked just a liiiittle bit more than Rite of Spring), this book picks up several years after the first and follows the sister of one of Samantha's victims from the first series... in fact, we only really get to Samantha about halfway through, which I thought would bother me but I think we really get just enough, and the addition of the new character was an interesting twist to the storytelling.
I'm surprised by how much Horvath fits into his story, which is like Richard Scarry's Busy Town if they had all the issues we experience here. The main setting is a small town in Vermont, quaint, friendly, idyllic, but it's also the hometown of a prolific serial killer. The first book covers the bulk of that story but we get more of Samantha's origins in this book, as we get to see her when she was younger and still living with her parents.
I don't quite understand Samantha's motivations in doing what she did (not the murders, she is a psychopath) that resulted in the entire second half of the book. I also wish we'd gotten more of her psychology and inner thoughts and a little less of the victim's sister. I do like the townspeople snippets we get though, of these decent folks just trying to survive and live their own lives. They all have their own inner turmoil, which is partially how Samantha gets away with so much. She found a perfect town to hide in... which, again, makes her motivations to do what she did unclear/weird.
But overall I really liked this book. The art, as usual, is absolutely on point and the coloring is gorgeous. I love everything about the visuals. The story-telling had some plot gaps but I wouldn't say I'm unsatisfied with what I read or the ending. I love that there's an opening for another sequel, but that this still feels like an ending if not.
I will forever recommend this series to people who are looking for a decent comic thriller because I really think this is a well-done and even if Horvath hadn't gone with the anthropomorphic animals and just made the cast humans, I still would've been engaged and into this story. But the art really does take it up a notch.
I just love these books lol
4.5*
The sequel to Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (which I gave 5 stars and liked just a liiiittle bit more than Rite of Spring), this book picks up several years after the first and follows the sister of one of Samantha's victims from the first series... in fact, we only really get to Samantha about halfway through, which I thought would bother me but I think we really get just enough, and the addition of the new character was an interesting twist to the storytelling.
I'm surprised by how much Horvath fits into his story, which is like Richard Scarry's Busy Town if they had all the issues we experience here. The main setting is a small town in Vermont, quaint, friendly, idyllic, but it's also the hometown of a prolific serial killer. The first book covers the bulk of that story but we get more of Samantha's origins in this book, as we get to see her when she was younger and still living with her parents.
I don't quite understand Samantha's motivations in doing what she did (not the murders, she is a psychopath) that resulted in the entire second half of the book. I also wish we'd gotten more of her psychology and inner thoughts and a little less of the victim's sister. I do like the townspeople snippets we get though, of these decent folks just trying to survive and live their own lives. They all have their own inner turmoil, which is partially how Samantha gets away with so much. She found a perfect town to hide in... which, again, makes her motivations to do what she did unclear/weird.
But overall I really liked this book. The art, as usual, is absolutely on point and the coloring is gorgeous. I love everything about the visuals. The story-telling had some plot gaps but I wouldn't say I'm unsatisfied with what I read or the ending. I love that there's an opening for another sequel, but that this still feels like an ending if not.
I will forever recommend this series to people who are looking for a decent comic thriller because I really think this is a well-done and even if Horvath hadn't gone with the anthropomorphic animals and just made the cast humans, I still would've been engaged and into this story. But the art really does take it up a notch.
I just love these books lol
Read
May 22, 2026Samantha Strong is one of the most evil characters to ever grace the pages of a comic book, and, as in the previous series, the dichotomy between the cute storybook designs and the graphic violence only heightens this. If you thought what came before was sickening, wait till you get to the back half of this one. Don't love the sequel tease at the end, but that's mostly because .
March 30, 2026
This graphic is Shady Hollow with the gore of Dexter. Patrick Horvath does a great job at making serial killing and murder cozy? cute? I wouldn't necessarily call this cozy, as the gore is pretty extreme but the setting and characters are whimsical.
I particularly had a great time with the overlaid artwork on to classic children's literature cover themes. Well done Patrick.
Disclosure: I received an e-ARC copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I particularly had a great time with the overlaid artwork on to classic children's literature cover themes. Well done Patrick.
Disclosure: I received an e-ARC copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2026
While I appreciate this sequel took a very different storytelling approach and didn’t rehash ideas from the first series, I didn’t prefer it.
It expanded on lore and provided additional backstory to side characters, and interweaved their plots throughout. This worked at times and there were some nice payoffs to this, but I felt it watered down the main story and split my attention far too often. I also didn’t feel the main storyline was that strong to begin with.
Without going into spoiler territory, I just want to say I really liked the Tarantino-esque final act. Caught me by surprise.
The standout aspect of this book, like the previous, was the artwork, covers, and overall book design. Loved the watercolour art style mixed with the horror tones, makes for some memorable moments.
Thanks IDW and NetGalley for this ARC!
It expanded on lore and provided additional backstory to side characters, and interweaved their plots throughout. This worked at times and there were some nice payoffs to this, but I felt it watered down the main story and split my attention far too often. I also didn’t feel the main storyline was that strong to begin with.
Without going into spoiler territory, I just want to say I really liked the Tarantino-esque final act. Caught me by surprise.
The standout aspect of this book, like the previous, was the artwork, covers, and overall book design. Loved the watercolour art style mixed with the horror tones, makes for some memorable moments.
Thanks IDW and NetGalley for this ARC!
April 14, 2026
Patrick Horvath
's
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring
is an outstanding sequel that matches, maybe even tops, the original miniseries with familiar art and fresh, chilling twists.
It's been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck's family painstakingly sought justice... but this brown bear was smart... she covered her tracks... and in the '80s, there simply wasn't a way for the duck's family to find answers.
But it's not the '80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven't given up the flame of justice.
You can never really relive the feeling of reading a story for the first time. When I first picked up Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees #1 , it was a fresh and captivating story with artwork that was the opposite of what you'd expect but worked so well in this format. While the rest of the first volume was fantastic, I never thought I'd feel that spark again from reading the debut issue. I was 100% wrong. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring brought back that magical first-read feeling in the best way.
The original series blend of Dexter -style story with Richard Scarry -esque artwork was truly original and honestly, breathtaking. It hit in such a way that made it standout from the crowd. I couldn't image how Horvath would replicate the lightning in a bottle success while crafting a fresh and gripping continuation. Yet here we are. This sequel not only matches the original series, but in many ways surpasses it. Patrick takes the story eight years forward and delivers a twist I didn't see coming from a mile away.
The time jump in Rite of Spring opens the door for many places for Horvath to take the story. Samantha must not only continue to face her dark past but also contend with the new reality of living in a time when nothing truly stays hidden, thanks to things such as the internet. Not only is there this new found fad, the internet, but Samantha gets close to one of the victims family in a way that makes the story all that more riveting.
Following the first volume, I wanted more, but not if it was going to ruin what we already had. Now, with Rite of Spring I am wanting so much more. I feel Horvath has the skill and ability to craft more stories in Woodbrook that can be just as unique and riveting as these first two books.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring delivers with its signature artwork and engrossing story, Patrick Horvath has truly outdone himself. This sequel has the same engird and suspense of the original series but takes it to a new level that I didn't see coming. Horvath has me wanting to immerse myself in the world of Woodbrook, well not so much Woodbrook, but Samantha all over again! Like with the first series, Rite of Spring is a must-read.
The collected edition of Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring hits local comic shops and bookstores everywhere on July 21, 2026 from IDW Publishing.
It's been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck's family painstakingly sought justice... but this brown bear was smart... she covered her tracks... and in the '80s, there simply wasn't a way for the duck's family to find answers.
But it's not the '80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven't given up the flame of justice.
You can never really relive the feeling of reading a story for the first time. When I first picked up Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees #1 , it was a fresh and captivating story with artwork that was the opposite of what you'd expect but worked so well in this format. While the rest of the first volume was fantastic, I never thought I'd feel that spark again from reading the debut issue. I was 100% wrong. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring brought back that magical first-read feeling in the best way.
The original series blend of Dexter -style story with Richard Scarry -esque artwork was truly original and honestly, breathtaking. It hit in such a way that made it standout from the crowd. I couldn't image how Horvath would replicate the lightning in a bottle success while crafting a fresh and gripping continuation. Yet here we are. This sequel not only matches the original series, but in many ways surpasses it. Patrick takes the story eight years forward and delivers a twist I didn't see coming from a mile away.
The time jump in Rite of Spring opens the door for many places for Horvath to take the story. Samantha must not only continue to face her dark past but also contend with the new reality of living in a time when nothing truly stays hidden, thanks to things such as the internet. Not only is there this new found fad, the internet, but Samantha gets close to one of the victims family in a way that makes the story all that more riveting.
Following the first volume, I wanted more, but not if it was going to ruin what we already had. Now, with Rite of Spring I am wanting so much more. I feel Horvath has the skill and ability to craft more stories in Woodbrook that can be just as unique and riveting as these first two books.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring delivers with its signature artwork and engrossing story, Patrick Horvath has truly outdone himself. This sequel has the same engird and suspense of the original series but takes it to a new level that I didn't see coming. Horvath has me wanting to immerse myself in the world of Woodbrook, well not so much Woodbrook, but Samantha all over again! Like with the first series, Rite of Spring is a must-read.
The collected edition of Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring hits local comic shops and bookstores everywhere on July 21, 2026 from IDW Publishing.
Read
May 27, 20262026 Eisner Award finalist - Best Limited Series, Best Lettering (Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou)
Samantha Strong is one of the most vile and evil characters imaginable, a serial killer with no remorse. Yet, because the story is presented with bright, cute anthropomorphic artwork the reader starts to see her as someone to root for. Quite a feat!
The story takes place some eight years after the previous series, sometime in the 1990s when the internet was young. The sister of one of Samantha's victim's uses nascent electronic bulletin boards to find leads on what happened to her brother. What she doesn't know is that Samantha herself posted a clue in a twisted ploy to lure the sister to the tiny town of Woodbrook for nefarious purposes. Meanwhile, the citizens of Woodbrook are still recovering from the shocking events of eight years ago while facing some major infrastructure improvements that will almost certainly bring outsiders and more modern life to the town. All of these elements converge to make this an utterly fascinating book, despite the gore and Samantha's complete psychopathy.
Read as individual issues.
Samantha Strong is one of the most vile and evil characters imaginable, a serial killer with no remorse. Yet, because the story is presented with bright, cute anthropomorphic artwork the reader starts to see her as someone to root for. Quite a feat!
The story takes place some eight years after the previous series, sometime in the 1990s when the internet was young. The sister of one of Samantha's victim's uses nascent electronic bulletin boards to find leads on what happened to her brother. What she doesn't know is that Samantha herself posted a clue in a twisted ploy to lure the sister to the tiny town of Woodbrook for nefarious purposes. Meanwhile, the citizens of Woodbrook are still recovering from the shocking events of eight years ago while facing some major infrastructure improvements that will almost certainly bring outsiders and more modern life to the town. All of these elements converge to make this an utterly fascinating book, despite the gore and Samantha's complete psychopathy.
Read as individual issues.
March 27, 2026
The series that asks, "What if a serial killer lived in Busytown?" returns for Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring. Patrick Horvath returns us to Woodbrook eight years after the events of book one, though no one has forgotten what happened.
In fact, that is what fuels this story arc. In the first issue, we're introduced to Monica. She has moved to the city in which her brother used to live, all these years later still desperately searching for what may have happened to her brother. She has no interest in others, a dead end job to pay for her needs and a regular rotation through the police stations and hospitals seeking updates or any sign of her brother. She wants closure, unable to live her own life with this uncertainty. In a strong wink to the AOL discs of old, the internet is now available and Monica spends time pursuing webforums exposing the worst of humanity (wonderfully illustrated in a way to show the absorption one can experience) in cold cases and murder forums. Then one night, a suggestion is made that triggers an impulsive trip and our reintroduction to Samantha Strong and Woodbrook
Where volume 1 felt like a Dexter season 1, but animals!, retread, here in volume two Horvath expands the emotional depth. Strong is still a brutal unfeeling killer, but the rest of the town still shows their scars and the spectrum of emotional responses murder creates.
Rite of Spring gives more of Strong's backstory and can serve to ask wider questions of what does it mean to belong to a community? How much can you truly know another person?
The covers of the series also play with the genre, recreating other classic children's books with the twisted horror bent, included Harold and the Purple Crayon or Corduroy.
Recommended to readers of slasher horror, anthropomorphic stories or sequels that surpass the original.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
In fact, that is what fuels this story arc. In the first issue, we're introduced to Monica. She has moved to the city in which her brother used to live, all these years later still desperately searching for what may have happened to her brother. She has no interest in others, a dead end job to pay for her needs and a regular rotation through the police stations and hospitals seeking updates or any sign of her brother. She wants closure, unable to live her own life with this uncertainty. In a strong wink to the AOL discs of old, the internet is now available and Monica spends time pursuing webforums exposing the worst of humanity (wonderfully illustrated in a way to show the absorption one can experience) in cold cases and murder forums. Then one night, a suggestion is made that triggers an impulsive trip and our reintroduction to Samantha Strong and Woodbrook
Where volume 1 felt like a Dexter season 1, but animals!, retread, here in volume two Horvath expands the emotional depth. Strong is still a brutal unfeeling killer, but the rest of the town still shows their scars and the spectrum of emotional responses murder creates.
Rite of Spring gives more of Strong's backstory and can serve to ask wider questions of what does it mean to belong to a community? How much can you truly know another person?
The covers of the series also play with the genre, recreating other classic children's books with the twisted horror bent, included Harold and the Purple Crayon or Corduroy.
Recommended to readers of slasher horror, anthropomorphic stories or sequels that surpass the original.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
June 7, 2026
Review of free advanced copy received from Netgalley
I adored the first Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, so I had sky high expectations for this. I have to say, it totally managed to meet them.
If you can I would read the other volume first. Sure you can read these out of order but you will get some spoilers, and you’ll gain some context reading the first prior.
I have to say I adored the premise of this. Whilst it calls back to the first volume it also feels vastly different in terms of plot. It feels fresh, and I was happy to see more from the chaotic murderous bear that is Samantha.
For anyone who hasn’t entered the universe before think Wind in the Willows meets Dexter. It’s a small town that should be cozy and yet couldn’t be further from. It’s a wild ride from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down.
I adore the art style. I have to say the watercolour look is the main draw for me the panels are beautiful and whimsical which makes the horror feel even more absurd in such a town.
I adored the first Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, so I had sky high expectations for this. I have to say, it totally managed to meet them.
If you can I would read the other volume first. Sure you can read these out of order but you will get some spoilers, and you’ll gain some context reading the first prior.
I have to say I adored the premise of this. Whilst it calls back to the first volume it also feels vastly different in terms of plot. It feels fresh, and I was happy to see more from the chaotic murderous bear that is Samantha.
For anyone who hasn’t entered the universe before think Wind in the Willows meets Dexter. It’s a small town that should be cozy and yet couldn’t be further from. It’s a wild ride from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down.
I adore the art style. I have to say the watercolour look is the main draw for me the panels are beautiful and whimsical which makes the horror feel even more absurd in such a town.
March 4, 2026
5/5 stars! This sequel was so well worth the wait, and I’m biting at the bit for the next installment! So much action, gore, and suspense in packed into a short, deceivingly cutesy box. Samantha is even more menacing and conniving in this series than previously. I loved the introduction of the early internet in the story. It creates a perfect time capsule for this comic. I can’t gush about it enough! I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy.
March 12, 2026
If we get another part please do a complete collection
Review of advance copy
Issue #1: forgot to log
Issue #2: 4 stars read 10/04/2025
Issue #3: 3 stars read 1/11/2025
Issue #4: 3.5 stars read 1/11/2025
Issue #5: 3.5 stars read 5/3/2025
Issue #6: 4.5 stars read 5/3/2026
Issue #2: 4 stars read 10/04/2025
Issue #3: 3 stars read 1/11/2025
Issue #4: 3.5 stars read 1/11/2025
Issue #5: 3.5 stars read 5/3/2025
Issue #6: 4.5 stars read 5/3/2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advance copy of the this graphic novel that continues the story of Samantha Strong, a bear with a taste for bad things, the people who share her small town, and the shadow that violence leaves on survivors, victims, and even the instigator of horrific acts.
I have been reading comics for as long as I have been reading. Something my parents encouraged, mainly as I would sit for hours quietly while looking at the pretty pictures. One of my favorite books as a child was Richard Scarry and his Busy Town books, featuring animals, walking, talking working, even loving and being parents in a very big town. I even named our cat after Officer Murphy, even though he was a dog. It made sense at the time. Patrick Horvath also must have enjoyed these stories as his comic is a loving tribute to these books, and the world that I loved so much. Though I don't remember the serial killers. Nor the interesting use of paint cans. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring written and illustrated by Patrick Horvath with lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou continues the story of Samantha Stong, a business owner, a mentor, and a serial killer, along with the troubled survivors of a town trying to move on from murder, but not knowing the murderer happily walks among them.
There is a small town in Vermont with good people, just trying to get by. Years earlier a serial killer had terrorized the town. Samantha Strong was a survivor, and tries to help those still affected by the crimes. Crimes that Samantha actually committed. The world however is getting smaller. The Internet is growing, and more people are able ask questions, to look for answers, and find missing family members. One of these is duck looking for answers about the disappearance of her brother years earlier. One day she receives a message saying that the answers might lie in a small town in Vermont. There she meets a helpful bear, Samantha, who helps her and guides her in her search. A search that will tear the town apart.
Horvath, in baseball terms aims for the fences, and leaves a whole lot of broken car windows outside the stadium. Horvath has a skill in creating his story, one that sounds cute and funny, and makes a work that stays with the reader, both for the plotting, the horrific scenes presented, and more importantly the characters. Horvath has set up a very strong cast of characters, many still dealing with loss, violence, confusion, and fear, and made one interested in not only what happens to them, but where they are going to wind up. The plot is good, the story moves quickly with a lot of information presented, yet never bogging down the narrative. The art is excellent. Sort of a mix of Jeff Smith's Bone, with Mark Millar's Nemesis, beautiful stories with ugly characters.
I can't say enough about this series, except I want more, and if one has not read it, give it an issue. It might not be for everyone, but one will know pretty quickly. As I stated Horvath has become a creator I look out for, and I eagerly await what he has planned next.
I have been reading comics for as long as I have been reading. Something my parents encouraged, mainly as I would sit for hours quietly while looking at the pretty pictures. One of my favorite books as a child was Richard Scarry and his Busy Town books, featuring animals, walking, talking working, even loving and being parents in a very big town. I even named our cat after Officer Murphy, even though he was a dog. It made sense at the time. Patrick Horvath also must have enjoyed these stories as his comic is a loving tribute to these books, and the world that I loved so much. Though I don't remember the serial killers. Nor the interesting use of paint cans. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring written and illustrated by Patrick Horvath with lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou continues the story of Samantha Stong, a business owner, a mentor, and a serial killer, along with the troubled survivors of a town trying to move on from murder, but not knowing the murderer happily walks among them.
There is a small town in Vermont with good people, just trying to get by. Years earlier a serial killer had terrorized the town. Samantha Strong was a survivor, and tries to help those still affected by the crimes. Crimes that Samantha actually committed. The world however is getting smaller. The Internet is growing, and more people are able ask questions, to look for answers, and find missing family members. One of these is duck looking for answers about the disappearance of her brother years earlier. One day she receives a message saying that the answers might lie in a small town in Vermont. There she meets a helpful bear, Samantha, who helps her and guides her in her search. A search that will tear the town apart.
Horvath, in baseball terms aims for the fences, and leaves a whole lot of broken car windows outside the stadium. Horvath has a skill in creating his story, one that sounds cute and funny, and makes a work that stays with the reader, both for the plotting, the horrific scenes presented, and more importantly the characters. Horvath has set up a very strong cast of characters, many still dealing with loss, violence, confusion, and fear, and made one interested in not only what happens to them, but where they are going to wind up. The plot is good, the story moves quickly with a lot of information presented, yet never bogging down the narrative. The art is excellent. Sort of a mix of Jeff Smith's Bone, with Mark Millar's Nemesis, beautiful stories with ugly characters.
I can't say enough about this series, except I want more, and if one has not read it, give it an issue. It might not be for everyone, but one will know pretty quickly. As I stated Horvath has become a creator I look out for, and I eagerly await what he has planned next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
*Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring* was everything I hoped for in a sequel and more. Having first discovered this story on Webtoon, it has been incredible to watch Patrick Horvath's wonderfully twisted world continue to grow. The contrast between the adorable animal characters and the dark, disturbing horror at the heart of the story remains as effective as ever, creating a reading experience that is equal parts charming and deeply unsettling.
Eight years after the events of the first volume, Samantha Strong is still one of the most fascinating serial killers I've encountered in comics. What makes this sequel so compelling is seeing how the world around her has changed. The first story thrived on secrets hidden in a small town where information traveled slowly, but now the internet age threatens everything Samantha has carefully built. The idea that technology and online communities could succeed where traditional investigations failed adds a fresh layer of tension and makes the stakes feel higher than ever.
Patrick Horvath once again excels at balancing cozy small-town aesthetics with genuine horror. The artwork remains absolutely fantastic, with bright, colorful illustrations that make the darker moments hit even harder. There is something uniquely unsettling about watching these cute woodland creatures navigate such horrific events, and the visual contrast never loses its impact.
I particularly enjoyed the emotional depth added through the duck family's continued search for answers. Their refusal to give up on finding justice gives the story a strong emotional core and makes the coming confrontation feel inevitable. The narrative explores themes of grief, accountability, and the idea that the truth can only stay buried for so long. Watching the past slowly catch up with Samantha created a constant sense of suspense that kept me turning pages.
The pacing is excellent, blending mystery, horror, and character development in a way that never feels rushed. Every revelation feels earned, and the growing sense of dread builds beautifully throughout the volume. While I still slightly prefer the shock and originality of the first installment, this sequel expands the world in meaningful ways and deepens the story rather than simply repeating what worked before.
Overall, *Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring* is a fantastic follow-up that proves this series is far more than its clever premise. It's smart, creepy, emotional, and wonderfully unique. Fans of the first volume will find plenty to love here, and anyone who enjoys horror that blends darkness with unexpected warmth should absolutely give this series a try. I cannot wait to see where Patrick Horvath takes Samantha's story next.
*Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring* was everything I hoped for in a sequel and more. Having first discovered this story on Webtoon, it has been incredible to watch Patrick Horvath's wonderfully twisted world continue to grow. The contrast between the adorable animal characters and the dark, disturbing horror at the heart of the story remains as effective as ever, creating a reading experience that is equal parts charming and deeply unsettling.
Eight years after the events of the first volume, Samantha Strong is still one of the most fascinating serial killers I've encountered in comics. What makes this sequel so compelling is seeing how the world around her has changed. The first story thrived on secrets hidden in a small town where information traveled slowly, but now the internet age threatens everything Samantha has carefully built. The idea that technology and online communities could succeed where traditional investigations failed adds a fresh layer of tension and makes the stakes feel higher than ever.
Patrick Horvath once again excels at balancing cozy small-town aesthetics with genuine horror. The artwork remains absolutely fantastic, with bright, colorful illustrations that make the darker moments hit even harder. There is something uniquely unsettling about watching these cute woodland creatures navigate such horrific events, and the visual contrast never loses its impact.
I particularly enjoyed the emotional depth added through the duck family's continued search for answers. Their refusal to give up on finding justice gives the story a strong emotional core and makes the coming confrontation feel inevitable. The narrative explores themes of grief, accountability, and the idea that the truth can only stay buried for so long. Watching the past slowly catch up with Samantha created a constant sense of suspense that kept me turning pages.
The pacing is excellent, blending mystery, horror, and character development in a way that never feels rushed. Every revelation feels earned, and the growing sense of dread builds beautifully throughout the volume. While I still slightly prefer the shock and originality of the first installment, this sequel expands the world in meaningful ways and deepens the story rather than simply repeating what worked before.
Overall, *Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring* is a fantastic follow-up that proves this series is far more than its clever premise. It's smart, creepy, emotional, and wonderfully unique. Fans of the first volume will find plenty to love here, and anyone who enjoys horror that blends darkness with unexpected warmth should absolutely give this series a try. I cannot wait to see where Patrick Horvath takes Samantha's story next.
April 30, 2026
This is the Shady Hollow series if it was written by Thomas Harris. So, right up my alley for weird and Hannibal level gore. What I find odd about this second arc is that given how phenomenal the first volume was I was expecting a long run for this series and instead the two volumes appear to be nothing but bookends and this one lost the plot. Putting aside the complete mindfuck that this is supposedly set in the United States and when Sam said she had "traveled the world" she actually meant Europe, which I so thought would be an arc on its own not a throwaway line at dinner with her parents, by jumping forward in time it lost it's nostalgic vibe. Yes, you can still be nostalgic for the nineties, obviously, but even though the previous arc was set in the eighties it had a timelessness. This arc comes out of the thoughts Sam has with regards to how all the nameless victims she kills all have families coupled with the advancement in true crime, from DNA and internet message boards. So, Sam isn't our star, but Monica. A duck. Which brings in too much Howard the Duck PTSD for me to enjoy. Sam admires Monica, because she has an obsession on the same level of Sam's, giving off some strong protege vibes. Instead she exposes Sam and Sam enacts her doomsday protocol, which is, well, she destroys the whole town with incendiary devices she planted after she was almost caught previously. And then she rides off into the sunset, all of her crimes eventually exposed, and the internet making her a star. So, that's the end of that? Without Sam as the true focus the overall feeling I had while reading this was boredom, which is a feeling you should never have when there's a hunt for a serial killer. Throw in the unnecessary and pointless story about the nursing home and I barely made it through this book. The horror pastiches were cute, especially the nod to Norman Bates dumping Marion's car in the swamp, but the movie posters and the children's book covers just felt too obvious. But the nail in the coffin, much like the nail that Sam used to kill Moncia's brother, is that the digital galley provided by NetGalley was such poor a quality with an obtrusive watermark that I was beyond annoyed. Hovath’s artwork is full of details and clues and to not be able to reveal in it was frustrating and disappointing. In fact I can’t be sure how much of my enjoyment was tainted by the near illegibility. I understand the need to protect the artwork, but you still have to give the reviewers artwork that can be easily looked at. And this was not that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2026
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring is the second volume in Patrick Horvath's bizarre and brilliant graphic horror series, and somehow it's every bit as good as the first. Eight years have passed since the events of the original book, and Samantha, the serial-killer bear who runs Woodbrook's local hardware store, has successfully escaped suspicion for her crimes. Unfortunately for her, the year is now 1994, free internet trial disks are arriving in everyone's mailbox, and the age of armchair sleuthing is about to begin. When someone becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about one of Samantha's victims, her carefully constructed life begins to unravel.
One of the things I continue to love most about this series is the strange world Horvath has created. The residents of Woodbrook are all anthropomorphic animals (a dog police force, a pigeon mailman), but ordinary animals exist too. In the first volume, Samantha's acceptance of her own violent nature comes after witnessing a real bear fight in the wild, and the series has always seemed interested in asking what really separates "civilized" beings from animals. Are intelligence and morality actually connected, or are humans simply better at rationalizing their cruelty?
I also really enjoyed the way this volume incorporates the early internet. In 1994, Woodbrook is suddenly connected to the wider world, bringing with it both friendship and danger. Reading this in 2026, it's hard not to see parallels with our relationship to contemporary technology (AI?) and the ways we choose to engage with it.
This series feels like the answer to the question, "What if Arthur the Aardvark grew up to be a psychopath?" It's darkly funny, surprisingly thoughtful, and much gorier than its cute artwork would suggest. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but a must-read for graphic horror fans looking for something genuinely different.
Disclosure: I received an e-ARC copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of the things I continue to love most about this series is the strange world Horvath has created. The residents of Woodbrook are all anthropomorphic animals (a dog police force, a pigeon mailman), but ordinary animals exist too. In the first volume, Samantha's acceptance of her own violent nature comes after witnessing a real bear fight in the wild, and the series has always seemed interested in asking what really separates "civilized" beings from animals. Are intelligence and morality actually connected, or are humans simply better at rationalizing their cruelty?
I also really enjoyed the way this volume incorporates the early internet. In 1994, Woodbrook is suddenly connected to the wider world, bringing with it both friendship and danger. Reading this in 2026, it's hard not to see parallels with our relationship to contemporary technology (AI?) and the ways we choose to engage with it.
This series feels like the answer to the question, "What if Arthur the Aardvark grew up to be a psychopath?" It's darkly funny, surprisingly thoughtful, and much gorier than its cute artwork would suggest. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but a must-read for graphic horror fans looking for something genuinely different.
Disclosure: I received an e-ARC copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 28, 2026This is a continuation of the Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees comic series which is a compilation of issues #1-6 of Rites of Spring.
Eight years later the mysteries of bodies murdered and disappeared still intrigue the residents of Woodbrook, Vermont. It’s also been eight long years since Daniel Brewer’s (white male duck) missing persons case and it’s still unsolved. It’s as if he fell off the face of the planet. The police have been very unhelpful and consider it a cold case. Frustrated, Daniel’s sister Monica takes matters into her own hands having visited 126 police precincts to get the answers she wants and deserves. Monica even relocated, worked crappy jobs, and put up missing persons posters, all in pursuit of solving her brother’s disappearance. She receives false hopes including identifying a white male duck John Doe.
Until one day she gets a clue from one of the message boards she frequents seeking help. The clue tells her to look in Woodbrook, VT. She borrows her co-worker’s car, drives to Woodbrook where she identifies her brother’s jacket from the police station’s evidence. The police are unwilling to pursue the case any further as they think it’s a long shot and cannot dig up thousands of acres of land. Without police encouragement, Monica hopes have dwindled. Suddenly, Samantha Strong shows up in her car telling her that she can help. Or can she?
These series of comics have become somewhat of a cult following. It’s understandable considering the cozy drawings of anthropomorphous characters but with horror elements of blood and guts. You cannot help but keep reading. It’s like a train wreck – you can’t look away. Plus, you are on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next, if there is a next victim, who will be the next victim, what happens to the next victim, will Monica finally discover the answers, etc., etc. These intriguing questions keep the reader glued and engaged until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Eight years later the mysteries of bodies murdered and disappeared still intrigue the residents of Woodbrook, Vermont. It’s also been eight long years since Daniel Brewer’s (white male duck) missing persons case and it’s still unsolved. It’s as if he fell off the face of the planet. The police have been very unhelpful and consider it a cold case. Frustrated, Daniel’s sister Monica takes matters into her own hands having visited 126 police precincts to get the answers she wants and deserves. Monica even relocated, worked crappy jobs, and put up missing persons posters, all in pursuit of solving her brother’s disappearance. She receives false hopes including identifying a white male duck John Doe.
Until one day she gets a clue from one of the message boards she frequents seeking help. The clue tells her to look in Woodbrook, VT. She borrows her co-worker’s car, drives to Woodbrook where she identifies her brother’s jacket from the police station’s evidence. The police are unwilling to pursue the case any further as they think it’s a long shot and cannot dig up thousands of acres of land. Without police encouragement, Monica hopes have dwindled. Suddenly, Samantha Strong shows up in her car telling her that she can help. Or can she?
These series of comics have become somewhat of a cult following. It’s understandable considering the cozy drawings of anthropomorphous characters but with horror elements of blood and guts. You cannot help but keep reading. It’s like a train wreck – you can’t look away. Plus, you are on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next, if there is a next victim, who will be the next victim, what happens to the next victim, will Monica finally discover the answers, etc., etc. These intriguing questions keep the reader glued and engaged until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I remain, as ever, both fascinated and disgusted by the main character of this series. There’s something truly intriguing about the Richard Scary-esque artwork paired with the absolute body horror of a serial killer who quite literally chops her victims into pieces. You can’t help feeling a little separated from it simply on account of the fact that the characters are all humanoid animals, which serves the dual purpose of shocking you whilst pulling you in. I think I was a little less shocked during Volume 2, if only because any of the grotesque scenes are similar to what I’ve already seen before and, to a small extent, are lessened. We’re returning to the quaint little town in which our serial killer resides eight years after the events of the first book to find that she’s invited, via posts on the internet, thee sister of one of her previous victims.
I’m mixed on how I feel about the story as a whole, still being rather impressed by all of it but also deeply disgusted by the main character. Samantha Strong remains intriguing, especially as we spend much of the story in her head. Of course, unlike the previous novel, events are going to play out much differently than they did in the past. At the end, I’m left feeling as though the ending was deeply earned and makes perfect sense, even if it leaves me feeling angry and sad for everyone who has ever had to deal with this bear.
Definitely one of those unique reads you can’t help picking up when you find it and are more than willing to continue on reading as new volumes come out, though I can’t imagine returning to this bear’s mind frequently for rereads. Even so, the Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees books are certainly some of the best horror/mystery stories I’ve ever read.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m mixed on how I feel about the story as a whole, still being rather impressed by all of it but also deeply disgusted by the main character. Samantha Strong remains intriguing, especially as we spend much of the story in her head. Of course, unlike the previous novel, events are going to play out much differently than they did in the past. At the end, I’m left feeling as though the ending was deeply earned and makes perfect sense, even if it leaves me feeling angry and sad for everyone who has ever had to deal with this bear.
Definitely one of those unique reads you can’t help picking up when you find it and are more than willing to continue on reading as new volumes come out, though I can’t imagine returning to this bear’s mind frequently for rereads. Even so, the Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees books are certainly some of the best horror/mystery stories I’ve ever read.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Patrick Horvath proves once again that no one blends cozy aesthetics with psychological horror quite like he does. Rite of Spring raises the stakes from the very first pages, turning the seemingly peaceful town of Woodbrook into a place where every smile hides something sinister.
What continues to amaze me is the contrast between the adorable, storybook-inspired artwork and the brutal reality lurking beneath it. The pastel-colored woodland animals make you lower your guard, only for the story to remind you that this is, at its core, a serial killer thriller. That juxtaposition never loses its impact.
This sequel shifts much of its focus toward the consequences of Samantha Strong's past. As the years pass and technology evolves, the secrets that once seemed impossible to uncover begin resurfacing. Watching Samantha try to maintain the carefully crafted life she's built while the walls slowly close in is both tense and fascinating.
The pacing is excellent, with every issue ending on a note that makes it almost impossible not to continue. The suspense builds gradually instead of relying on constant violence, making every shocking moment feel earned. The psychological cat-and-mouse game becomes just as compelling as the murders themselves.
Horvath also expands the emotional side of the story by giving more space to the people affected by Samantha's crimes. It adds another layer to the narrative, reminding us that every victim leaves behind someone still searching for answers.
Overall, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring is everything I wanted from a sequel: darker, more suspenseful, and emotionally richer while preserving the unique identity that made the original so memorable. If you loved the first volume, this is an absolute must-read, and if you haven't started the series yet, do yourself a favor and begin with Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees before diving into this one.
What continues to amaze me is the contrast between the adorable, storybook-inspired artwork and the brutal reality lurking beneath it. The pastel-colored woodland animals make you lower your guard, only for the story to remind you that this is, at its core, a serial killer thriller. That juxtaposition never loses its impact.
This sequel shifts much of its focus toward the consequences of Samantha Strong's past. As the years pass and technology evolves, the secrets that once seemed impossible to uncover begin resurfacing. Watching Samantha try to maintain the carefully crafted life she's built while the walls slowly close in is both tense and fascinating.
The pacing is excellent, with every issue ending on a note that makes it almost impossible not to continue. The suspense builds gradually instead of relying on constant violence, making every shocking moment feel earned. The psychological cat-and-mouse game becomes just as compelling as the murders themselves.
Horvath also expands the emotional side of the story by giving more space to the people affected by Samantha's crimes. It adds another layer to the narrative, reminding us that every victim leaves behind someone still searching for answers.
Overall, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring is everything I wanted from a sequel: darker, more suspenseful, and emotionally richer while preserving the unique identity that made the original so memorable. If you loved the first volume, this is an absolute must-read, and if you haven't started the series yet, do yourself a favor and begin with Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees before diving into this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a cozy, dark horror comic set in the early ’90s, featuring anthropomorphic animal characters. It is the six-issue sequel to the limited series Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees and is best enjoyed in order.
Eight years after Nigel’s murders, the small town of Woodbrook is still not the same. The survivors are struggling, and Samantha is restless. When she finds someone searching for one of her victims on this new thing, the “internet” it sparks a new wave of serial killer creativity.
Another stellar installment in the series! It is full of beautiful, cozy watercolor illustrations of the charming town and cute animals, mixed with graphic gore. The issue covers were also a fantastic mix of nods to classic children’s book covers paired with murder. I liked that there was a very specific technology and timeline. I don’t think I fully picked up on the timing when I read the first volume. There was a graveyard with dates, but I didn’t connect the dots, it felt a little more timeless. This book makes it very clear when it’s happening. I loved the layering of stories and the way the events and characters built on each other. I wouldn’t say it’s darker, graphically it may have slightly less shock-value gore, but Sam’s history is explored more, and the events in this book feel morally worse. She’s definitely escalating.
This book has an open-ended conclusion that left me going “oh no, what’s next?” but in the best way. I can’t wait to see what’s coming!
Art: 5+/5
Plot: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
My Enjoyment: 5/5
***I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This is a cozy, dark horror comic set in the early ’90s, featuring anthropomorphic animal characters. It is the six-issue sequel to the limited series Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees and is best enjoyed in order.
Eight years after Nigel’s murders, the small town of Woodbrook is still not the same. The survivors are struggling, and Samantha is restless. When she finds someone searching for one of her victims on this new thing, the “internet” it sparks a new wave of serial killer creativity.
Another stellar installment in the series! It is full of beautiful, cozy watercolor illustrations of the charming town and cute animals, mixed with graphic gore. The issue covers were also a fantastic mix of nods to classic children’s book covers paired with murder. I liked that there was a very specific technology and timeline. I don’t think I fully picked up on the timing when I read the first volume. There was a graveyard with dates, but I didn’t connect the dots, it felt a little more timeless. This book makes it very clear when it’s happening. I loved the layering of stories and the way the events and characters built on each other. I wouldn’t say it’s darker, graphically it may have slightly less shock-value gore, but Sam’s history is explored more, and the events in this book feel morally worse. She’s definitely escalating.
This book has an open-ended conclusion that left me going “oh no, what’s next?” but in the best way. I can’t wait to see what’s coming!
Art: 5+/5
Plot: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
My Enjoyment: 5/5
***I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s been eight long years since Samantha kidnapped a young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces into the wood. But it’s no longer the 80s and the missing duck’s sister is determined to find what happened to him and the internet is helping her find those answers.
While Samanth shifted the blame from herself at the end of the previous volume, we quickly see that she hasn’t stopped her killing spree. She just has to do more research and go further from Woodbrook to kill. But while we do see a brief glimpse of a new victim, this mainly focuses on her befriending the sister of one of her victims, and trying to “help” her search for her brother. But as you can imagine, it doesn’t go as planned and her secret is revealed again.
I was a bit surprised at the ending of this. Samantha really had some surprises for if her secret came out again and it was so loud for such a quiet killer. It was unexpected and made for a very action packed ending. While I did enjoy this, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. I think this is because the sister searching for her brother wasn’t as exciting as the previous storyline of a friend uncovering the truth.
Overall, I enjoyed this and it was interesting to see how Samantha was dealing with all the changes in the world and the higher risks of being caught. I will be interested in seeing if the author creates another volume with her in a new place or if this is the end of Samantha’s story.
TW: graphic death; parricide; grief; drug addiction; large fires; gun violence;
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
While Samanth shifted the blame from herself at the end of the previous volume, we quickly see that she hasn’t stopped her killing spree. She just has to do more research and go further from Woodbrook to kill. But while we do see a brief glimpse of a new victim, this mainly focuses on her befriending the sister of one of her victims, and trying to “help” her search for her brother. But as you can imagine, it doesn’t go as planned and her secret is revealed again.
I was a bit surprised at the ending of this. Samantha really had some surprises for if her secret came out again and it was so loud for such a quiet killer. It was unexpected and made for a very action packed ending. While I did enjoy this, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. I think this is because the sister searching for her brother wasn’t as exciting as the previous storyline of a friend uncovering the truth.
Overall, I enjoyed this and it was interesting to see how Samantha was dealing with all the changes in the world and the higher risks of being caught. I will be interested in seeing if the author creates another volume with her in a new place or if this is the end of Samantha’s story.
TW: graphic death; parricide; grief; drug addiction; large fires; gun violence;
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of those cases where the first part is so good that you don’t think you want a sequel, but once it’s here, you can’t help but read it. With that being said, I really liked this volume, even if I liked the first one a little bit more.
In this sequel, we don’t just follow Sam, the serial killer, but also Monica, the sister of one of Sam's victims. Monica knows that her brother is dead and just wants closure for what happened 8 years ago, until one day she gets a clue that leads her straight to Woodbrook and Sam.
I didn’t like that this story wasn't much of a mystery. The first volume was half mystery and half cat and mouse game, whereas this volume is mostly about a mouse thinking the cat is its friend.
As for the story, we had the necessary number of characters for it to work. However, this is a graphic novel, and I was a little disappointed not to see more diverse anthropomorphic animal designs.
I didn't quite understand Sam's motivation in this story. She doesn’t need a reason to kill, but I didn’t understand her reasons for everything else, including why she plays with Monica.
It’s incredible how this story made me root for Sam not to be discovered, while at the same time making me feel bad for Pauline. The whole time, I was hoping nothing bad would happen to Pauline. I think it’s like when you're watching a horror movie and you don’t care when the group of teenagers camping in the forest dies, but then the dog gets murdered and you can’t help but feel the pain.
I really liked this story. If you liked the first volume, definitely give this one a shot. It didn’t feel like a final conclusion, as it had more of an open ending. That's okay, but I certainly wouldn’t mind having a third volume.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this sequel, we don’t just follow Sam, the serial killer, but also Monica, the sister of one of Sam's victims. Monica knows that her brother is dead and just wants closure for what happened 8 years ago, until one day she gets a clue that leads her straight to Woodbrook and Sam.
I didn’t like that this story wasn't much of a mystery. The first volume was half mystery and half cat and mouse game, whereas this volume is mostly about a mouse thinking the cat is its friend.
As for the story, we had the necessary number of characters for it to work. However, this is a graphic novel, and I was a little disappointed not to see more diverse anthropomorphic animal designs.
I didn't quite understand Sam's motivation in this story. She doesn’t need a reason to kill, but I didn’t understand her reasons for everything else, including why she plays with Monica.
It’s incredible how this story made me root for Sam not to be discovered, while at the same time making me feel bad for Pauline. The whole time, I was hoping nothing bad would happen to Pauline. I think it’s like when you're watching a horror movie and you don’t care when the group of teenagers camping in the forest dies, but then the dog gets murdered and you can’t help but feel the pain.
I really liked this story. If you liked the first volume, definitely give this one a shot. It didn’t feel like a final conclusion, as it had more of an open ending. That's okay, but I certainly wouldn’t mind having a third volume.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've started reading the single issues for this one months ago and forgot to finish it, since it either got delayed or intentionally not released monthly.
I really enjoyed the original/previous installment and I think it got a perfect ending and doesn't need any sequel. This has some plot threads connecting to the first one, Monica searching for clues regarding her brother's whereabouts (victim of the first book), while also opening up doors to more sequels in the future... and at this point I'm honestly won't be surprised and won't complain if there's another one. Samantha even cameo'd in the latest DC Comics Event - DC K.O. Boss Battle where she "went against" Lex Luthor.
Back to the book, aside from an origin story from Samantha we also have multiple storylines (a) the main one - Monica's quest to find what happened to her brother, (b) the Burrows family, especially Pauline and Lewis, and (c) Bertie the turtle. Among these I find the Bertie one, a bit unnecessary. I feel it's just there to contrast the bad things happening in the story. Aside from him doing something later in the series, I feel it's just there to say that there's still some goodness in Woodbrook.
This sequel reminds me of Scream 2 rule - where sequels are said to be bloodier. I'll add to that, specially the 2 last issues/chapters - it's way bigger and honestly a bit crazier. I still can't believe what happened in the last pages of issue 5.
While I still prefer the first one, this one is still very enjoyable to read.
I really enjoyed the original/previous installment and I think it got a perfect ending and doesn't need any sequel. This has some plot threads connecting to the first one, Monica searching for clues regarding her brother's whereabouts (victim of the first book), while also opening up doors to more sequels in the future... and at this point I'm honestly won't be surprised and won't complain if there's another one. Samantha even cameo'd in the latest DC Comics Event - DC K.O. Boss Battle where she "went against" Lex Luthor.
Back to the book, aside from an origin story from Samantha we also have multiple storylines (a) the main one - Monica's quest to find what happened to her brother, (b) the Burrows family, especially Pauline and Lewis, and (c) Bertie the turtle. Among these I find the Bertie one, a bit unnecessary. I feel it's just there to contrast the bad things happening in the story. Aside from him doing something later in the series, I feel it's just there to say that there's still some goodness in Woodbrook.
This sequel reminds me of Scream 2 rule - where sequels are said to be bloodier. I'll add to that, specially the 2 last issues/chapters - it's way bigger and honestly a bit crazier. I still can't believe what happened in the last pages of issue 5.
While I still prefer the first one, this one is still very enjoyable to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the advanced copy in return for an honest review. #idwreviews
I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE WILL BE MORE VOLUMES! I'm not ready to let this story end. 🥺
Just like the first set, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring is a masterclass in how to construct a brilliant horror graphic novel by mixing adorable children's book characters with the goriest piece of narrative I've read in a graphic novel. And if you thought the first book was twisted, wait 'til you find out what happens in this one. Sam is back, crazier and more murderous than ever!
I was so happy to also get to know Samantha's backstory and the aftermath of the killings from the first set of volumes. The story about Pauline and her kids after Charlie's death was really interesting, and the fact that it was even touched in here took me by surprise. I also looooved Monica's character!
The inclusion of the internet's first days and globalization was also really smart because it led to conflicts you didn't have in the first part. Now it's not so easy to get away with murder!
The illustration style is immaculate as always, and between chapters/volumes it also changed to portray Sam in different children's cartoon styles. The ending also included movie posters with Samantha as the main (bloody) character. These (apparently simple) touches are the cherry on top of the cake, in my opinion!
Now I just need to get more; I really do think Samantha's story is not over yet!
I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE WILL BE MORE VOLUMES! I'm not ready to let this story end. 🥺
Just like the first set, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring is a masterclass in how to construct a brilliant horror graphic novel by mixing adorable children's book characters with the goriest piece of narrative I've read in a graphic novel. And if you thought the first book was twisted, wait 'til you find out what happens in this one. Sam is back, crazier and more murderous than ever!
I was so happy to also get to know Samantha's backstory and the aftermath of the killings from the first set of volumes. The story about Pauline and her kids after Charlie's death was really interesting, and the fact that it was even touched in here took me by surprise. I also looooved Monica's character!
The inclusion of the internet's first days and globalization was also really smart because it led to conflicts you didn't have in the first part. Now it's not so easy to get away with murder!
The illustration style is immaculate as always, and between chapters/volumes it also changed to portray Sam in different children's cartoon styles. The ending also included movie posters with Samantha as the main (bloody) character. These (apparently simple) touches are the cherry on top of the cake, in my opinion!
Now I just need to get more; I really do think Samantha's story is not over yet!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BTTWNBS: Rite of Spring is a sequel that is set 8 years after the events of the first book. It does not work as a standalone, so for best enjoyment make sure to read Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees before diving in.
In the first book we were in the age of newspapers but time has passed and we are in the new age of the internet. The sister of Sam's victim is looking online for answers to her brother's disappearance. Sam makes the decision to help point her in the right direction of Woodbrook in order to observe the sister's obsession in person and toy with her victim's family for a sick thrill. What could possibly go wrong?? Overall the plot of this book was great. I think some of the side stories seemed out of place. My guess is that they are there to show how the town is doing in the aftermath of the first book but it didn't quite land for me. I found myself just trying to get back to Sam and Monica's main storyline. I was very surprised by the ending! It seemed extreme but I think it added an extra layer to Sam we haven't seen before since she's always been rather quiet with her crimes up until this point.
While I think the first one was better I really enjoyed this comic overall and would recommend it to those that like dark, gory stories (definitely not a comic for kids). Curious to see if this universe is continued! I'm not quite ready for Sam's story to end yet.
Thank you to NetGalley, IDW Publishing, and Patrick Horvath for this ARC! My review was freely given and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the first book we were in the age of newspapers but time has passed and we are in the new age of the internet. The sister of Sam's victim is looking online for answers to her brother's disappearance. Sam makes the decision to help point her in the right direction of Woodbrook in order to observe the sister's obsession in person and toy with her victim's family for a sick thrill. What could possibly go wrong?? Overall the plot of this book was great. I think some of the side stories seemed out of place. My guess is that they are there to show how the town is doing in the aftermath of the first book but it didn't quite land for me. I found myself just trying to get back to Sam and Monica's main storyline. I was very surprised by the ending! It seemed extreme but I think it added an extra layer to Sam we haven't seen before since she's always been rather quiet with her crimes up until this point.
While I think the first one was better I really enjoyed this comic overall and would recommend it to those that like dark, gory stories (definitely not a comic for kids). Curious to see if this universe is continued! I'm not quite ready for Sam's story to end yet.
Thank you to NetGalley, IDW Publishing, and Patrick Horvath for this ARC! My review was freely given and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rite of Spring is the second instalment in the Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees series by Patrick Horvath, featuring a homicidal bear named Samantha Strong nestled in a small community. Monica Brewer (a duck) is looking for her missing brother, who was murdered by Samantha in the first volume, and she arrives in Woodbrook seeking answers.
The art is strong, as always. I love all the different little characters, foxes, pigs, raccoons, various dogs. It really adds depth to the town.
The plot itself is perhaps pulled in too many different directions because we are given some background on Monica and we also get to see how Bertie is doing (isolated, but perhaps fumbling out of his shell toward the animals in the nursing home) as well as how Lewis, Wendy, and their mother are doing after the death of their father/husband. I like it, but it means Samantha is more at the periphery until the end.
The ending is wild, and shows the tension and struggle Samantha is facing in that everything is evolving and changing around her—building and store developments, highway, Internet—and she’s finding it increasingly difficult to find her place in society.
Recommended for: people who don’t shy away from death and gore (there’s plenty of it!). If you liked the first, you’ll like this one (although I think I liked the first a smidge more; I felt more tension in that one, which I enjoyed). 3.5 out of 4, happy to round up.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The art is strong, as always. I love all the different little characters, foxes, pigs, raccoons, various dogs. It really adds depth to the town.
The plot itself is perhaps pulled in too many different directions because we are given some background on Monica and we also get to see how Bertie is doing (isolated, but perhaps fumbling out of his shell toward the animals in the nursing home) as well as how Lewis, Wendy, and their mother are doing after the death of their father/husband. I like it, but it means Samantha is more at the periphery until the end.
The ending is wild, and shows the tension and struggle Samantha is facing in that everything is evolving and changing around her—building and store developments, highway, Internet—and she’s finding it increasingly difficult to find her place in society.
Recommended for: people who don’t shy away from death and gore (there’s plenty of it!). If you liked the first, you’ll like this one (although I think I liked the first a smidge more; I felt more tension in that one, which I enjoyed). 3.5 out of 4, happy to round up.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 3, 2026The Richard Scarry-style serial killer comic returns with a story set at Easter, eight years on from its opening salvo. Which I hadn't even consciously registered as a period piece, simply taking that as part of the cosy anthropomorphic animal aesthetic, but now it's very much the mid-nineties, complete with a recession that seems positively homely compared to the sort we get nowadays, and the dawn of the consumer internet, ditto: gods help me, I even felt a little nostalgic when the credits pages were done as ye olde pop-ups. And the Easter bit, which at first seems like happenstance, is key; this is all about renewal, the old giving way to the new, but, as at the notorious Rite Of Spring from which the title is borrowed, that isn't necessarily a gentle business of chicks and bunnies – though I did feel one or both of those could have played a larger part in the cast. As is, what we get is a duck who lost her brother eight years ago, has never given up seeking closure. And Sam, the bear who of course killed him, finds the grieving sister on an early messageboard, is fascinated, lures her to town, possibly not even knowing at first quite what she has in mind. From which spins off a surprising amount about the impact we have on each other, what matters in life, all that, which could easily have come off as corny if it weren't interspersed with the schemes and reminiscences of a psychotic bear.
(Netgalley ARC)
(Netgalley ARC)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rite of Spring the sequel in the Beneath the Trees where Nobody Sees comic starts off with a bang and brings a reckoning to Woodbrook while still maintaining its cozy horror serial-killer-esque vibe that fans of the series enjoyed.
The pace of the story starts off pretty chill and provides some context for the new plot with a duck trying to seek answers to the disappearance of her family member some eight years ago. Eventually a lead pops up in Woodbrook, Samantha Strong’s hometown, and things rocket into a world of mayhem and chaos from there.
The cover art and illustrations are charming with their soft pastels tones, which creates a deceptively calculated contrast between perceived nostalgia and the horror drenched atmosphere the story actually portrays. Rite of Spring delivers on obsession, plot and crash out to the wildest extent. It is subtle action, thriller, suspense, dark and fantastic in its execution.
Horvath keeps you on the edge of your seat - waiting for something just out of frame, waiting for the residents of Woodbrook to catch on, waiting for the new Duck character in town to wise up, waiting for Samantha to get caught, waiting for Samantha to get away with it - and that suspense is a menacing thread throughout the story.
Thanks NetGalley and IDW Publishing, for this free arc/copy of Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring by Patrick Horvath; all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pace of the story starts off pretty chill and provides some context for the new plot with a duck trying to seek answers to the disappearance of her family member some eight years ago. Eventually a lead pops up in Woodbrook, Samantha Strong’s hometown, and things rocket into a world of mayhem and chaos from there.
The cover art and illustrations are charming with their soft pastels tones, which creates a deceptively calculated contrast between perceived nostalgia and the horror drenched atmosphere the story actually portrays. Rite of Spring delivers on obsession, plot and crash out to the wildest extent. It is subtle action, thriller, suspense, dark and fantastic in its execution.
Horvath keeps you on the edge of your seat - waiting for something just out of frame, waiting for the residents of Woodbrook to catch on, waiting for the new Duck character in town to wise up, waiting for Samantha to get caught, waiting for Samantha to get away with it - and that suspense is a menacing thread throughout the story.
Thanks NetGalley and IDW Publishing, for this free arc/copy of Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring by Patrick Horvath; all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Somehow this sequel is maintaining the cozy-horror tension that made the first volume a breakout hit. While the narrative naturally lacks the initial shock feature that defined the first trip to Woodlore, it more than makes up for it by deepening the lore and the psychological stakes. Horvath proves that the success of the debut wasn't a fluke, delivering a sequel that feels almost as sharp and twice as confident, cementing this series as a modern dark-fable classic.
The highlights of this volume remain its strongest pillars: the excellent pacing and the amazing art. Horvath’s ability to juxtapose storybook aesthetics with stomach turning dread is perfect. Sam remains an excellent main lead, her cold survival instincts make her one of the most compelling and unconventional protagonists in comics today. It's hard to like someone so evil but I do. The story moves with a relentless energy, never lingering too long on fluff, and for that, it should win a fucking award.
As the story reaches its climax, things truly go balls to the walls. The final act is an explosive, chaotic descent that reframes the town's safety and leaves the reader breathless. Even without the element of surprise from the first book, the intensity here is top-notch. I know this can’t be the last of it. The ending practically demands a continuation of Sam's dark journey. This is a visceral, beautifully rendered nightmare that easily earns a 4 out of 5. Give me more!
The highlights of this volume remain its strongest pillars: the excellent pacing and the amazing art. Horvath’s ability to juxtapose storybook aesthetics with stomach turning dread is perfect. Sam remains an excellent main lead, her cold survival instincts make her one of the most compelling and unconventional protagonists in comics today. It's hard to like someone so evil but I do. The story moves with a relentless energy, never lingering too long on fluff, and for that, it should win a fucking award.
As the story reaches its climax, things truly go balls to the walls. The final act is an explosive, chaotic descent that reframes the town's safety and leaves the reader breathless. Even without the element of surprise from the first book, the intensity here is top-notch. I know this can’t be the last of it. The ending practically demands a continuation of Sam's dark journey. This is a visceral, beautifully rendered nightmare that easily earns a 4 out of 5. Give me more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. I don't read many horror graphic novels, but this series offers something unique and makes the horror feel more approachable. Our serial killer main character Samantha is terrible and, even as you root for her to get caught, you realize this would end the series and you would miss this weirdly charming world.
Just like the first volume, the artwork is stunning. The cutesy vibes enhances the unsettling horror elements while making you feel for the characters that you know will likely die. This series is worth reading for the artwork alone.
In this volume, we have many different storylines, all intersecting at the climactic end. Unfortunately, there were too many characters to become truly connected to any, and the side stories kept interrupting the growing tension from the main plotline. I wish we had spent more time with the side characters to appreciate the journey. I found the plotline of our serial killer less developed and complex than the previous volume. This volume could have easily been separated into two volumes, with a more carefully constructed lead-up to the finale. The last 30% felt rushed and became too outrageous.
I did find the weaving of past and present in the beginning artfully done. This series is best when it takes its time to create tension and intrigue.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Just like the first volume, the artwork is stunning. The cutesy vibes enhances the unsettling horror elements while making you feel for the characters that you know will likely die. This series is worth reading for the artwork alone.
In this volume, we have many different storylines, all intersecting at the climactic end. Unfortunately, there were too many characters to become truly connected to any, and the side stories kept interrupting the growing tension from the main plotline. I wish we had spent more time with the side characters to appreciate the journey. I found the plotline of our serial killer less developed and complex than the previous volume. This volume could have easily been separated into two volumes, with a more carefully constructed lead-up to the finale. The last 30% felt rushed and became too outrageous.
I did find the weaving of past and present in the beginning artfully done. This series is best when it takes its time to create tension and intrigue.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews