It’s always interesting to compare the work of comics creators on established properties to work on ones personally created. Always peeking out of James Tynion IV’s Batman work was the desire to write young people, so seeing what Tynion does when allowed to write virtually whatever he wants is a specific kind of satisfying. The second arc of his and Michael Dialynas’s The Woods — an intimate, teenage drama in a light-horror/fantasy setting from BOOM! Studios — has thus far taken advantage of a more complex fashion of storytelling focused on flashback. This shift in storytelling style has at this point proven itself successful, providing a deeper, satisfying look into characters’ psyches, issue #6 being no exception.

Issue #6 focuses on Calder, a trouble-making, down-trodden kid who has been here since the first issue without a great amount of focus. The angle Tynion takes with the flashbacks here is unique and interesting, actually managing to make big triumphs into something sad. Calder developed great talent through rough adversity caused by his abusive older brother that ended up being crucial to his survival in the present. The concept that awful events in life can result in strangely positive outcomes in the future is a fascinating concept that is smartly put on display here. Calder’s characterization is complex, thanks to the great joy he finds in a problem-solving process that makes things more difficult for him than he probably realizes. Additionally, this flashback-laden style doesn’t come at the expense of the pace like it did in the last issue to an extent; things still zip along at a nice, brisk pace.

There is more to be found in the sixth issue besides character exploration for Calder, most notably progression on an increasingly intriguing relationship between two young men stranded together. Their interaction together becomes more and more intimate as the story progresses, offering a nice rush of sweetness in the bad place all of these characters find themselves in. Dialynas’s art is key, bringing the finesse needed for the personal moments as well as the sharp, creepy and monstrous approach needed for the creatures and the woods. The coloring from Josan Gonzales does a lot for the creatures and environment, offering a really striking and cool color palette.

The Woods has been wonderful since it started and still manages to be wonderful six months later. BOOM! Studios scored itself a real winner with this series.

Story: James Tynion IV Art: Michael Dialynas
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

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BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review