Helen of Wyndhorn #5

Helen of Wyndhorn #5

by Tom King, Mat Lopes (cover_art), Bilquis Evely (cover_art)

In this penultimate issue, Helen’s frustrations continue to exacerbate as her drinking worsens and her longing for the ways of the other fantasy world continue to plague the house of Wyndhorn. From the Eisner award-winning creative team of Woman of Tomorrow—the upcoming film helmed by director James Gunn.

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Ebooks

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom King gives us a devastatingly beautiful issue that strips away Helen's physical and emotional armor, revealing the raw vulnerability that still permeates this young woman who has dealt with so much in her young life. As she grapples with Barnabas's sudden cold shoulder after the events of the previous issue, Helen's inner turmoil boils over, leading to a heart-wrenching confrontation with her internal demons that makes her contemplate taking her own life. King's writing weaves a narrative that treats depression with grace, making it impossible not to be moved by Helen's anguish.

King astutely relies less Lilith’s narration in favor of Helen's own emotions via first-person dialogue, which is both cathartic and crushing. Her struggles with her father's legacy and her own mental state are laid bare, culminating in a haunting moment where she’s prepared to do the unthinkable. It's a testament to King's skill that he can tackle such heavy themes with sensitivity and nuance, never once feeling exploitative or manipulative.

Meanwhile, Lilith's fearless protection of Helen is a stunning showcase of King's ability to craft strong, complex female characters. Her unwavering loyalty to her ward is inspiring, and her confrontation with Barnabas as he battles a sea monster serves as the issue’s dramatic climax.

Bilquis Evely's artwork continues to set the tone brilliantly, imbuing every panel with a sense of wonder and magic. Even in the darkest moments, her lines and compositions are infused with a captivating beauty that refuses to let your attention wander. The swarm of fairies surrounding a broken Helen is a particularly striking image, conveying the character's emotional state. Matheus Lopes's colors are the perfect complement to Evely's lines, transporting us to a world that's fully alive. Clayton Cowles's lettering guides readers through the emotional rollercoaster of King's script and the fantastical visuals.

Helen of Wyndhorn #5 is another beautifully crafted issue in a series that leaves me in awe and yearning for the next adventure every single time. Every word, every line, and every color is imbued with purpose and feeling, making this issue a near perfect example of the comic book medium’s ability to tell a story.

[Colin Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is developing into a devastating story about overcoming personal failures and traumas - and how this passes on through generations. Helen breaking down in the garden - ‘we run where our parents were running’ - destroyed me.

Plus, how do these stories get recorded: on tapes that are about to be sold at a garage sale!!

[Jason Holtzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't *as* explosive as the last issue, but was still pretty great. Really interesting development for both Helen and the teacher's character, but seems like we have a lot to wrap up in the last issue in regard to the small bits of flash-forwarded time shown.

[Elizabeth (Miss Eliza) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen, broken by her grandfather’s decision contemplates suicide. Her governess confronts the great man and tells him Helen’s life is in his hands. Once again spectacular. I want it to never end.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad that this series is ending. I didn't know we were only getting six issues 😭 I need more!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this world.

[solène · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is getting better and better, both in terms of artwork and plot, and I'm pretty sure the last issue is going to be utterly devastating. I'm not ready for this to end...

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent example of speculative fiction.

It is a great read because the characters in the story are realized without resorting to sex or some other kind of cheap gimmickry.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The penultimate…