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Helen of Wyndhorn falls deeper and deeper into a depression as her grandfather Barnabas continues to distance himself from her. Helen then takes drastic measures to get his attention. It’s when she decides that life isn’t worth living anymore that her governess Lilith decides to talk some sense into Barnabas Cole. A trek through the swamp and a battle with a giant serpent is just what the doctor ordered!
- Written by Tom King
- Art by Bilquis Evely
- Colors by Matheus Lopes
- Letters by Clayton Cowles
- Published by Dark Horse Comics
Helen of Wyndhorn Healing from Wounds Old and New
Helen Cole is still healing from wounds suffered in a recent battle in the “Other World”, but she is also healing from old wounds created by her family. For a brief moment she felt a sense of purpose and pride. She had trained her body and mind to survive the fantastical world of her grandfather. She looked up to him, seeking his approval. After she almost lost her life however, he does his best to push her away and treat her like a fragile thing.
That’s where we find Helen now. Beaten and broken, not by physical injuries per se, but by a lifetime of loss and rejection. She lashes out at her Grandfather through acts of chaos and defiance, looking for any sort of attention she can garner from him. As her depression sets in deeper, in becomes apparent that she’s giving up on life.
Catch up with my review for Helen of Wyndhorn Issue #4
The Downward Spiral of Depression in Helen of Wyndhorn
In a way she is physically dying because her mind has given up. This is the last straw for her Governess Lilith, who up to this point has found all of this adventuring to be a waste of time. When Helen finally accepts that she no longer wishes to live, Lilith has had enough. She puts herself in harms way to follow Barnabas into a dangerous swamp, intent on giving him a stern lecture. As she accidentally lures a dangerous serpent to their location, Barnabas must fight to protect her and himself from danger.
Tom King is brilliant in his depiction of depression. His grasp on Helen’s feelings are almost too familiar to him. Helen’s dialogue is from the heart. Lilith is also wonderfully depicted in this issue. She has been our narrator since the beginning but this is the first time we’ve seen her brave everything, including her life, to stand up to the stoic and rough Barnabas. Every word she speaks as he battles the swamp serpent is hammer strike against the wall that surrounds his heart.
Primal Feelings in the Elegant Artwork of Helen of Wyndhorn
After 4 issues I’m not sure how much more I can say about the beautiful, enchanting artwork of Biquis Evely. There is a beauty in every panel that shines through, even in the darkest of moments. She enchants us with a swarm of fairies around a broken Helen. She creates strong and fierce moments between Barnabas and the serpent in the swamp. Everything is balanced and pure. The colors from Matheus Lopes take that raw energy and transport us into the world.
Everything Points to 9.5/10
This series continues to take us on a rollercoaster of emotions. Ever character feels so tangible and authentic. Tom King puts us into their shoes, giving us a full range of their emotions. Bilquis Evely emotes that writing in away that you can’t help but feel in a very raw way. Every line, every movement, with purpose and feeling. From colors, to pencils, to writing, this issue is in its entirety, beautiful.
