‘Beneath the Trees’ Sequel: Gorier, Scarier, Cuter First Look!

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In the Hidden Grove of Obscurity, a restricted comic book series penned and illustrated by Patrick Horvath, demonstrated an unexpected pairing: soft, fluffy creatures and ruthless killers, much like how fava beans complement a luxurious glass of red wine.

In 2024, IDW Publishing experienced an unexpected success with its release, which was a welcome brightness in a challenging sales year for the industry. The comic, reminiscent of Richard Scarry combined with Dexter, also gained significant critical recognition, securing two Eisner Award nominations.

Horvath expressed to The Hollywood Reporter via email that the mix of a nostalgic, childlike aesthetic with a deeply disturbing narrative was initially something he found questionable, yet this very contrast made it irresistible for him and many others, as evidenced by the book’s success.

This coming summer, I’m eagerly anticipating my next adventure with “Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring” by IDW! Once more, Horvath will guide me back to the peaceful suburban haven of Woodbrook and our furry friend, Samantha Strong – a cunning brown bear who’s secretly a stealthy serial killer.

In the original story, a hardware store owner fought off a rival who had uncovered her secret. The fresh tale leaps ahead eight years, setting it in a time reminiscent of the 1990s with the Internet and suburban development, dramatically reducing the world of our friendly serial killer. However, as the advertising copy hints, “Samantha will soon learn that no secrets can be kept in the digital age… and those who suffered losses from her sinister lure are still pursuing justice.” Additionally, Horvath suggests a glimpse into Strong’s initial murder.

Jake Williams, an editor at IDW, describes the debut work “Beneath the Trees” as a “revitalizing jolt” that the industry eagerly hopes for. It serves as a testament to the great potential the medium holds. The comics industry recognized its excellence by nominating it for both the best new series and best lettering at the Eisners. Moreover, THR included it in their list of top comics of 2024.

Alright, gamers! Here’s a juicy tidbit: we’ve always known there was more to explore in Patrick’s world. Remember how he introduced us to his realm in part one? Well, get ready to dive headfirst into the shadows and push towards the boundaries in this sequel. It’s going to be darker, scarier, bloodier, and even a touch adorable at times. Buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

Horvath hadn’t initially intended to write a sequel; it seemed too daring, and there was no guarantee that the book would be a success. However, as he neared completion of the first installment and was developing the world within the story, he started to see the possibility for further exploration.

He expresses that he didn’t want to abandon the story without resolution, so he concluded it but intentionally left room for potential continuation. After the initial issues gained traction, IDW inquired if he would be open to creating more content, and he revealed that he already had numerous ideas for where the narrative could progress next.

Maybe even beyond this sequel, if the new book’s reception is similar to the first series.

Starting July 9, the debut of the six-part limited series will be available for purchase. Notably, this series boasts a lengthy title that’s very much reflective of today’s era, and it’ll make its way onto shelves with multiple versions, one of which is a tribute to “American Psycho”, illustrated by Tony Fleecs, the co-creator of “Stray Dogs”. The sequel issue will echo “Natural Born Killers”, with further tributes planned.

Check out a preview of the covers and a selection of pages from the first issue below.

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2025-04-17 16:24