“Sleepy Hollow: Witches of the Western Wood #4” Review – Toil and Trouble

The Run Down

If you missed the last issue, let me tell you that it was a doozy and leads perfectly into this issue! As we go on, Sarah is falling more and more into her wicked ways, becoming the witch we know and love. While she wasn’t initially trying to be like her mother, she’s growing to accept it as sometimes, we become the thing we hate the most. Writer Delilah S. Dawson continues to perfectly capture this descent into madness and now you’ll follow me down too.

Writer: Delilah S. Dawson
Artist: Jose Jaro
Colorist: Xenon Honchar
Letterer: LetterSquids

The Writing

So, I’m going to start here with something I don’t think I’ve yet touched upon: just how well the dialogue is written. Whenever I’m reading one of Delilah S. Dawson’s “Sleepy Hollow” books, it feels like being transported back in time. When I say that, I mean that all of the dialogue feels appropriately old and of the time the story takes place. At the same time, it feels very menacing and biting when needed and makes everything going on feel that much more grounded and intense.

In a bit of an odd way, the dialogue and how the characters speak also helps lend to this being a character study. From where young Sarah was in the first issue to where she’s at now, we really get a feel for how far she’s gone. Where young Sarah spoke more innocently, adult Sarah speaks with madness, vulgarity and violence, every word having intense intent. Dawson’s making this a wild ride of a look into the mind of a psychopath and I’m going to be sad to see it end in the next issue.

The Art

As has always been the case, the artwork here from Jose Jaro is absolutely incredible. Throughout each issue, there hasn’t been a single time where I’ve felt taken out. The theming has stayed completely on the mark while remaining befittingly violent to the R-rated flick it’s based on. In other words, it continues staying true to Tim Burton’s original vision while remaining wholly his own.

When it comes to the coloring by Xenon Honchar, it also remains just as great. The colors on display perfectly capture each moment and emotion, helping the reader to full engulf themselves in the story. The two of them together are an absolute force to be reckoned with.

Final Thoughts

As the penultimate issue, “Sleepy Hollow: Witches of the Western Wood #4” continues an absolutely incredible streak. Dawson takes readers into a true mind of madness and doesn’t let up on the gas. If you want an utterly fantastic “Sleepy Hollow” story, this is it.

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Overall Grade: 10/10

Comments

Have you been reading “Witches of the Western Wood”? Are you a fan of Delilah S. Dawson or the “Sleepy Hollow” legend? Let’s discuss in the comments below!