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The Woods
The Woods, Vol. 5: The Horde
Time flies when you're fighting for your life.
Over a year has passed since Bay Point Preparatory High School found themselves countless light years away in the middle of an ancient, primordial wilderness. Against all odds, they’ve built their own civilization and made contact with other humans who have inhabited the planet for many years prior. But the crew finds themselves divided, choosing sides in a war that has been raging for hundreds of years. Created and written by James Tynion IV (Cognetic, Batman Eternal), illustrated by Michael Dialynas (Amala’s Blade), and colored by Josan Gonzalez, The Woods: Movie Night collects the critically acclaimed fifth arc of the bestselling series, issues #17-20.
Over a year has passed since Bay Point Preparatory High School found themselves countless light years away in the middle of an ancient, primordial wilderness. Against all odds, they’ve built their own civilization and made contact with other humans who have inhabited the planet for many years prior. But the crew finds themselves divided, choosing sides in a war that has been raging for hundreds of years. Created and written by James Tynion IV (Cognetic, Batman Eternal), illustrated by Michael Dialynas (Amala’s Blade), and colored by Josan Gonzalez, The Woods: Movie Night collects the critically acclaimed fifth arc of the bestselling series, issues #17-20.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2016
31 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,694 books2,018 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 12, 2020
Casey plans come to fruition and it's not good. Karen finally steps into the leadership role she's been avoiding. Things change in a big way. On to volume 6. Loving this series.
June 5, 2017
Bullet Review:
THERE we go. Enough of this weird traipsing around, teenaged mumbo jumbo melodrama (though who is Dominic again and where was the scene where Maria and him argued???). Time to start getting some answers!
THERE we go. Enough of this weird traipsing around, teenaged mumbo jumbo melodrama (though who is Dominic again and where was the scene where Maria and him argued???). Time to start getting some answers!
May 7, 2021
More backstories. The plot becomes more complex and weirder. Several revelations, some expected and others not so much. Monsters, drugs, bodily harm and death. After reading five volumes more or less back to back, I ran out of steam a little though. I need a break. I might continue at a later point.
November 3, 2017
This was so crazy!! So much has changed and these kids are going through so freaking much! I'm curious to see what they are going to do to keep themselves safe from these horrible creatures and the power of the planet. I can't imagine going through what they're going through. This was AMAZING. If you haven't checked them out yet please do so soon.
December 14, 2016
The Woods is set to run 36 issues or so, and as this volume brings us up to 20, we can call this the end of the second act. If this was a TV show, this would be the midseason finale, as Casey's plot with the Horde goes south, and the remaining 'sane' people at Bay Point try to deal with the insanity.
I think drawing back to the focus to the school and away from New London makes sense; I felt like some of the characters were getting lost in the shuffle when they were in the larger colony, whereas this makes the story much more personal again.
The developments with Karen, and Adrian and Isaac, are especially intriguing because I have no idea how they fit into the larger narrative yet. They're going to be the ties that bring it all together, but there's no indication just how yet, which is great news because it keeps us on our toes - the fact that there's still an unknown quantity this late into the story.
Michael Dialynas' art never seems to lag. As far as I'm aware, he's pencilled 20 issues in a row, as well as guest stints in other anthology books like his parts of Gotham Academy, and only skipped month or two in the schedule. Amazing.
And of course, there's a TV adaptation on the way, which, if it sticks to the source, will be awesome too.
I think drawing back to the focus to the school and away from New London makes sense; I felt like some of the characters were getting lost in the shuffle when they were in the larger colony, whereas this makes the story much more personal again.
The developments with Karen, and Adrian and Isaac, are especially intriguing because I have no idea how they fit into the larger narrative yet. They're going to be the ties that bring it all together, but there's no indication just how yet, which is great news because it keeps us on our toes - the fact that there's still an unknown quantity this late into the story.
Michael Dialynas' art never seems to lag. As far as I'm aware, he's pencilled 20 issues in a row, as well as guest stints in other anthology books like his parts of Gotham Academy, and only skipped month or two in the schedule. Amazing.
And of course, there's a TV adaptation on the way, which, if it sticks to the source, will be awesome too.
October 26, 2019
The stakes were raised here, perhaps a bit too high. What I did like about this volume was that we’re starting to learn character back stories a bit more. It seems a bit late in the game to be adding dimension to these characters (especially when some are now dying when they really only ever had a chance to be archetypes), but it was an offering that’ll keep me going. I think the rest of the series isn’t on unlimited, but I’m willing to fork over a bit of cash to finish this series off.
January 22, 2021
3.5/5
They pull no punches. We get more than one meaningful death.
I need to take a break but chances are I'll read Vol. 6 today.
They pull no punches. We get more than one meaningful death.
I need to take a break but chances are I'll read Vol. 6 today.
February 7, 2017
This is where the rubber hits the road - all the scheming and planning play out as the Horde and the school have it out, and most of the players get their moments to shine, especially Karen, Isaac, and Maria. There's also a lot of flashbacks that help to flesh out the characters, and some are very powerful. This is just as powerful as The Walking Dead, and just as dark, despite its still-distinctive color schemes. Some impressive action and some wrenching emotional bits make this a highlight of the series. There's still a lot of places for it to go from here, but it gives some good closure too.
February 20, 2020
Weird things happen, korean-leader-nazi-guy -with-mustache is evil, green lights everywhere, Karen is being badass, monster attack and it is still fun!
I really enjoy Kalder and Karen, other characters are a little bit annoying but some of them died. (yay) I have to marvel because I like the intrigue that Tynion build here. It still feels like a cross between an alien story and fantasy and so far it works. Hope it will all pan out in the end!
I really enjoy Kalder and Karen, other characters are a little bit annoying but some of them died. (yay) I have to marvel because I like the intrigue that Tynion build here. It still feels like a cross between an alien story and fantasy and so far it works. Hope it will all pan out in the end!
December 8, 2021
An entirely pivotal volume, as major changes happen at the school, and our core cast of characters finally (re)assembles themselves. We also get some nice characterization along the way. Tynion is really doing a great job of balancing a lot of elements and pushing forward an intriguing mystery box.
March 1, 2020
(3,5 of 5 for lighting the fuse of the story's culmination)
The start of The Woods was terrible. The art - it is what it is, I do not like it, but I got used to it, and it is not wrong, but kind of sloppy and not a style I would prefer. There are some blunders in it, but mostly for the educated reader and easily overlooked by the dynamic of the story, which is getting better and better. The twists are good and I like the direction of the story. I didn't get rid of the role of the observer and kind of enjoying it, looking forward to what'll come next.
The start of The Woods was terrible. The art - it is what it is, I do not like it, but I got used to it, and it is not wrong, but kind of sloppy and not a style I would prefer. There are some blunders in it, but mostly for the educated reader and easily overlooked by the dynamic of the story, which is getting better and better. The twists are good and I like the direction of the story. I didn't get rid of the role of the observer and kind of enjoying it, looking forward to what'll come next.
May 20, 2017
This really is a spectacular series.
July 23, 2020
honestly, i have no idea where it's heading and i'm very very confused by what's happening in the story. i still hope that it will come around in the end, but i don't know...
March 3, 2017
*3.5/5 Stars*
Had everything I expected from a volume of The Woods - crazy plot twists, great fight scenes, character development and emotion. Not my favourite volume but it certainly wasn't lacking in anything that makes this series what is it. I always want to know what's going to happen next so bring on volume 6!
Had everything I expected from a volume of The Woods - crazy plot twists, great fight scenes, character development and emotion. Not my favourite volume but it certainly wasn't lacking in anything that makes this series what is it. I always want to know what's going to happen next so bring on volume 6!
July 30, 2018
There is no time for questions! So much is happening!
A slower build than normal for this series but the intensity was real and present throughout. I've said it so many times and I'll keep saying it, this series is so good. Constant character building with consistent spectacular artwork, all wrapped up into a fun and engaging story.
The previous book had a big jump forward leaving many questions on what happened in-between. This book has no such thing. Questions yes but we start to piece things together slowly and not fully. In this book starts basically minuets after the last so there is no time to dwell on them due to the events that happened in the last plus many more that happen here.
We've seen it before but Tynion takes risks in his story telling. This book is very much not that expectation. Death, betrayal and mystery to the max here and I can't wait to see what else is waiting around the corner.
Not skipping a beat. Book 6 is in my hands. Ready, GO!
A slower build than normal for this series but the intensity was real and present throughout. I've said it so many times and I'll keep saying it, this series is so good. Constant character building with consistent spectacular artwork, all wrapped up into a fun and engaging story.
The previous book had a big jump forward leaving many questions on what happened in-between. This book has no such thing. Questions yes but we start to piece things together slowly and not fully. In this book starts basically minuets after the last so there is no time to dwell on them due to the events that happened in the last plus many more that happen here.
We've seen it before but Tynion takes risks in his story telling. This book is very much not that expectation. Death, betrayal and mystery to the max here and I can't wait to see what else is waiting around the corner.
Not skipping a beat. Book 6 is in my hands. Ready, GO!
April 25, 2019
i'm honestly always ready to beat casey's ass i'm glad calder finally did it
April 22, 2022
Now that a new leader of Bay Point is close to being voted in, the details behind his plans become clear. They aren’t good and they’re going south. Fast. It’s a good thing there’s many good people among Bay Point, and some of them are determined to make sure they pull through the deadly shenanigans and not find their community under a dictatorship when all is said and done.
Remember when I was feeling pretty iffy about where the series looked like it was heading? This volume threw those feelings straight out the window and renewed my faith in the series. We were also taken back to the original fast paced but not confusing days earlier in the series because things went from zero to a hundred and nothing was confusing. It’s clear where it’s going and what Bay Point is facing not only from the dictatorship coming in, but also from one of their own happily trying to bring it in.
We saw many of the characters coming into their own as well as more flashbacks telling us how they came to be who they were when the series first started. It also looks like we’re one step closer to finding out who has been bringing people from Earth to this moon for centuries and why. All I know is that the next volume is most likely going to be equally fast paced and packed with information that makes sense to the series.
I’m back to looking forward to seeing where this series is going to continue to take me, and I’ve already got the next two volumes. I went from feeling iffy and a little sad that I was most likely dropping the series to snatching up the next two volumes and ready to get reading. Hopefully we’ll get some answers soon, but I can’t picture the characters getting back to Earth. I think they’re here to stay.
Remember when I was feeling pretty iffy about where the series looked like it was heading? This volume threw those feelings straight out the window and renewed my faith in the series. We were also taken back to the original fast paced but not confusing days earlier in the series because things went from zero to a hundred and nothing was confusing. It’s clear where it’s going and what Bay Point is facing not only from the dictatorship coming in, but also from one of their own happily trying to bring it in.
We saw many of the characters coming into their own as well as more flashbacks telling us how they came to be who they were when the series first started. It also looks like we’re one step closer to finding out who has been bringing people from Earth to this moon for centuries and why. All I know is that the next volume is most likely going to be equally fast paced and packed with information that makes sense to the series.
I’m back to looking forward to seeing where this series is going to continue to take me, and I’ve already got the next two volumes. I went from feeling iffy and a little sad that I was most likely dropping the series to snatching up the next two volumes and ready to get reading. Hopefully we’ll get some answers soon, but I can’t picture the characters getting back to Earth. I think they’re here to stay.
June 19, 2020
"'What's going to happen now?'
'We're going to go find answers.'"
It's also my fourth read for the MakeYourMythTaker Readathon, created by Ashleigh (aka A Frolic Through Fiction). My "second" character is the Royal Spy. It fills the following challenge:
🕵 Read an underhyped book.
I have such a soft spot for this YA sci-fi series! It has the perfect mix of teenage drama, survival craziness and scientific points, and the stakes keep getting higher and higher. I won't talk much because it's the fifth volume, but the plot is currently very interesting. The cast of characters is super diverse: there are latinx characters, as well as black and asian ones; F/F and M/M relationships. I really enjoy it!
'We're going to go find answers.'"
It's also my fourth read for the MakeYourMythTaker Readathon, created by Ashleigh (aka A Frolic Through Fiction). My "second" character is the Royal Spy. It fills the following challenge:
🕵 Read an underhyped book.
I have such a soft spot for this YA sci-fi series! It has the perfect mix of teenage drama, survival craziness and scientific points, and the stakes keep getting higher and higher. I won't talk much because it's the fifth volume, but the plot is currently very interesting. The cast of characters is super diverse: there are latinx characters, as well as black and asian ones; F/F and M/M relationships. I really enjoy it!
August 20, 2021
In James Tynian IV’s sci-fi/horror/teen drama graphic novel series The Woods, Volume 5, “The Horde”: the evil force that possessed Adrian is now possessing Isaac; Calder is beginning to suspect that his brother has made a real deal with the devil; Karen, still reeling from guilt after killing Adrian, doesn’t think she can be a leader, but she might be thrust into the role; Maria learns what true leadership is as she attempts to lead several dozen students to safety from the monsters attacking the school; Calder finally crawls out from his brother’s shadow and grows a pair; Isaac—with the help of Karen and Adrian’s ghost—-learns to control his powers; the surviving kids prepare for war!
A fun, enjoyable blend of “Lost”, “Predators”, and “Degrassi Junior High”. I’ll keep reading until the end…
A fun, enjoyable blend of “Lost”, “Predators”, and “Degrassi Junior High”. I’ll keep reading until the end…
May 31, 2023
This series keeps getting better. Tynion is doing some interesting things with Adrian, Isaac, and Karen. I can’t wait to see how it pans out.
This was an intense, battle filled volume featuring a pretty significant death. We’re at a very pivotal point in the story where the kids are forced to retreat to New London again.
Onto the next!
This was an intense, battle filled volume featuring a pretty significant death. We’re at a very pivotal point in the story where the kids are forced to retreat to New London again.
Onto the next!
June 23, 2023
There's a lot more queer rep here than I thought and I like that there's some trans characters, although it's not a big focus. There's a little touch of homophobia like systematically that I liked. Beyond that, I liked the story I just really don't want Adrian to get a redemption arc.
June 1, 2017
I'm really loving the story and the art is absolutely fantastic. People make choices and there are consequences, it's gritty and real and I'm so eager for more!
December 25, 2019
I am really enjoying this series. It’s kind of like The Walking Dead but with teenagers beamed to an alien planet infested with crazy monsters. Good stuff.
September 9, 2021
Catching up on this series after to long an absence. Lots of action and heartache in this volume
October 26, 2021
Shit is really going down!
October 18, 2025
Read as part of my October 2025 spooky reading marathon (book eight).
February 14, 2017
Silly me thinking this volume would be the end of the series! Well, all caught up – and now 100% invested in the fates of these characters. Bring on the next one … what? I have to wait until March? And then July for #7? Noooooooo!!!
December 10, 2016
Macready winning the election and opening the high school up to the horde turns out to be the brilliant idea that one would expect. Students die. A lot of them. Even some that we like. I like Calder's redemption arc, and Karen seems to be moving past how annoying she is. Isaac is finally honest with Ben and through that we learn even more about the strange, alien world our heroes inhabit. Even Sander gets a good speech, though I would have liked to see more of him and Sanami.
Overall, this book continues to be one of the best comics out there. I would highly recommend it to all readers.
Overall, this book continues to be one of the best comics out there. I would highly recommend it to all readers.
November 24, 2016
HOLY F*CK! This series is so damn good and gets better with every issue! The absolute best part of this volume was the drama between Calder and his older brother Casey, and the flashbacks about them. And the big reveal about what Casey was really up to was terrifying and had some MAJOR ramifications! I loved that Karen stepped up in a big way too. Very much looking forward to seeing what happens next!
*Also, this volume is supposed to be titled The Horde. Movie Night was volume 4.
*Also, this volume is supposed to be titled The Horde. Movie Night was volume 4.
July 30, 2017
I accidentally skipped this volume and read Vol. 6 first, and it was just as well as this book continued the lull in the storyline from Vol. 4 that made me think it was time to drop it. Vols. 6 and 7 seem to put the series back on track.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews