Samantha Strong, the serial killer brown bear living in the idealistic suburb of Woodbrook, got away with her crimes in the first tale. But now it’s eight years later, and Samantha will quickly learn that there are no secrets in the age of the internet… and some of her victims’ loved ones want justice. Plus, her sinister origin is revealed as the story explores what happened after her very first kill… Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 kicks off the sequel to the praised series with a start that continues its excellence.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees was one of my favorite comics of 2023/2024. The story followed Samantha Strong, a serial killer in a quiet town whose bloody hobby is interrupted by another killer. By the end, Strong was able to get away with her crimes but it was an excellent mystery keeping readers guessing as to the killer’s identity while the visuals were beautiful to look at. Patrick Horvath, as the writer and artist, had one of the strongest debuts I’ve ever come across and the series and he were awarded with praise and numerous recognition with award nominations.
Where Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees saw the focus on Samantha and her disruption of other lives being disrupted, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 shifts the focus to the sister of what we assume is one of Samantha’s victims.
Horvath presents a rather sad tale of Monica Brewer whose brother went missing eight years ago and she’s spent it since attempting to figure out what happened to him. While she has hope for the best, she also is resigned to expect the worst. She spends her time working in a copy shop, having moved to the city where her brother lived, and when she’s not working, she focuses on the search for her brother. She shuns the companionship of others, instead traveling to local police stations and coroners to check in and remind them she’s still searching. She also spends her time on bulletin boards attempting to connect with anyone who might know what happened to her brother.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 is interesting where the spotlight was on Samantha, here we see some of the impact of her killing spree with a family member of a victim search for the truth. Where Samantha’s life was disrupted, we’re reminded that Samantha’s actions have disrupted others. While Samantha was the center of the first volume, Samantha isn’t a hero or someone to cheer for. Where Horvath takes it all will be interesting especially as we get teases that Monica may have some darker inclinations as well.
Horvath’s art is fantastic as usual. The second volume continues the idyllic style that belies the sinister underpinning. The lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou also stands out giving “personality” to Horvath’s dialogue such as a radio or answering machine messages which differ from the average discussions.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 is another hell of a debut from Horvath and a must get for those who enjoyed the first volume and a solid entry for those who missed out on its excellence. On sale July 9, this is one you don’t want to sleep on as I’m sure it will see similar praise and awards based on the first issue alone.
Writing & Art: Patrick Horvath Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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