The most anticipated sequel of 2025 in comics is upon us! It’s time to return to Woodbrook and find out what everyone’s favorite serial killing bear is up to. This follow up to the 2-time Eisner Nominated series Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees is set to take the comic book world by storm. IDW Publishing was kind enough to send us an advanced copy ahead of the books June 2^nd Final Order Cutoff (FOC) and here are our spoiler free thoughts.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees:

Rite of Spring #1

Written and Art By Patrick Horvath

Letters By Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Edited By Jake Williams – Published By IDW Publishing

In Search of a Duck

Over the last eight years Monica Brewer has been searching for her brother Daniel Brewer who went missing. Hunting down leads in the city, online, and even visiting numerous police precincts has turned up nothing. She has pretty much thrown her whole life away for this mission to find her brother. However, little does she know that Daniel was the first victim of Stephanie the serial killing bear. But an anonymous tip has now sent Monica to Woodbrook for answers, and possibly an encounter with her brothers’ killer.

Return to Woodbrook

This first issue hits the ground running with an intriguing story and some edge of your seat suspense. Patrick Horvath does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the despair of a sister in search of her missing brother. The heartbreaking story of her last eight years puts the reader in her shoes and makes us face her world of despair and the disappointment of not knowing the truth. Meanwhile, the suspense is mostly due to her hope of a resolution, well also waiting for the reveal of our favorite antagonist.

The art in this book is fantastic and follows all the charm of the original story arc. Patrick Horvath really nails the creepiness of using children’s storybook art in a horror book. At the same time his anthropomorphic character design is awesome and on point. He brings the world to life and really immerses the reader in said world.

Check Out Off the Cuff Tom’s Review of Beneath the Trees #6

Final Thoughts

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 is an awesome first issue for this highly anticipated sequel to one of the most talked about books of 2024. If this first issue is any indication this series will be the most talked about series of 2025 and beyond. Make sure to get to your LCS or order your copy online before Monday June 2^nd so you can be locked in to get your copy when the issue officially drops on July 9^th. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this issue or this series, so make sure to order now.

Overall Grade: 10/10

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