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Children of the Woods
After a tale of revenge leads to a monstrous outcome, Amber and Quinn pay the price for power and magic as they become the newest children of the Black Woods.
As Amber becomes intertwined with the secrets of woods and the town they live in, Quinn learns he is not alone in the woods. And not all who reside there are welcoming.
Featuring art by Joshua Hixson and story from Joe Ciano, Children of the Woods will explore the monster within and what is left when that monster finally comes out.
As Amber becomes intertwined with the secrets of woods and the town they live in, Quinn learns he is not alone in the woods. And not all who reside there are welcoming.
Featuring art by Joshua Hixson and story from Joe Ciano, Children of the Woods will explore the monster within and what is left when that monster finally comes out.
144 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
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218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 15, 2022
Some solid horror about a loser teenager and the girl he loves becoming the next Children of the Woods. Ciano could have done a better job of explaining what's going on with the woods. The creators concentrate more on the horror elements than the explanations for the horror which always bothers me even if the horror elements are very good.
February 6, 2022
Joshua Hixson je u mňa number two hneď za Christianom Wardom čo sa umelcov v komikse týka a oprávnene. To, akú atmosféru dokáže jeho kresba navodiť je úžasné. Shanghai Red či The Plot milujem a Children of the Woods sa k mojim favoritom pridáva. Tešila som sa na to odkedy Hixson spomenul, že na tom pracujú a to bolo niekoľko rokov dozadu s tým, že som nedúfala, že to niekedy vyjde. A woohoo, ono to tento rok došlo. Je to viac ako horor, je to viac ako I-am-a-teen-I-have-serious-problems komiks, a určite si to dám znova v období halloweenu. 5/5
September 20, 2022
This story was all over the place. While the artstyle was nice...the story not so much
April 18, 2023
A kind of Frankenstein's monster in the woods, but it never reaches the fever pitch I'd like to see. The art is generally okay, but questionable in places.
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing a review copy through Edelweiss)
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing a review copy through Edelweiss)
October 18, 2022
2.5 Stars
While this graphic novel was okay, it could've been so much more. The art was great and the story idea was interesting but it just didn't pan out well. The story kept going back and forth and all mixed up instead of just moving smoothly. I found I had to make myself read it after awhile because there was just no pull for me to want to do so on my own.
While this graphic novel was okay, it could've been so much more. The art was great and the story idea was interesting but it just didn't pan out well. The story kept going back and forth and all mixed up instead of just moving smoothly. I found I had to make myself read it after awhile because there was just no pull for me to want to do so on my own.
February 9, 2024
At times this was almost a four-star book. The horror elements and darkness is definitely there. It was enough to keep me reading, my interest piqued. The first three-quarters are quite good. And I enjoyed Hixson’s art. It’s very appealing for this kind of story. It reminds me a bit of art by the likes of Sean Phillips and David Mazzuchelli. I’m a fan.
But unfortunately, the story loses focus three-fourths of the way in and rushes toward a rather flat conclusion. For me, “Children of the Woods” never quite made the turn into four star territory. It failed to elaborate on the deep history of the woods, just sort of brushing over it. I wanted to know more about why the Black Woods is the way it is. Where did the book of dark sorcery come from? Why was the hanging witch doing what she did in centuries past? Who was she? Who the hell is the taunting sinister force behind everything? Who was the bespectacled nameless doctor? What motivated that guy? It’s all left too nebulous, too unresolved. And the main characters, Amber and Quinn, they just fail to achieve that satisfying arc I look for in great character development.
Overall, “Children of the Woods” isn’t bad. I’m glad I read it. It did hold my interest throughout. I simply wanted a bit more. It fell a little short in overall depth, and I think perhaps it would have benefited from going another couple of issues. I’m giving it 3.3 stars.
But unfortunately, the story loses focus three-fourths of the way in and rushes toward a rather flat conclusion. For me, “Children of the Woods” never quite made the turn into four star territory. It failed to elaborate on the deep history of the woods, just sort of brushing over it. I wanted to know more about why the Black Woods is the way it is. Where did the book of dark sorcery come from? Why was the hanging witch doing what she did in centuries past? Who was she? Who the hell is the taunting sinister force behind everything? Who was the bespectacled nameless doctor? What motivated that guy? It’s all left too nebulous, too unresolved. And the main characters, Amber and Quinn, they just fail to achieve that satisfying arc I look for in great character development.
Overall, “Children of the Woods” isn’t bad. I’m glad I read it. It did hold my interest throughout. I simply wanted a bit more. It fell a little short in overall depth, and I think perhaps it would have benefited from going another couple of issues. I’m giving it 3.3 stars.
January 2, 2023
I liked when the parents fell into the hole. That is what happened there, right?
July 18, 2024
Story: 3* | Art: 4*
Nice horror graphic novel with great art reminiscing the work of Francesco Francavilla.
The story gave me vibes of the Archie Horror universe because of the Francavilla-esque art and teenage main protagonists. The premise of the "evil within" is interesting enough to keep you turning one page after another.
This is a fun and entertaining read for fans of series like Archie Horror or Harrow County. It's most likely something you'll read once, enjoy, but never really want to re-read.
Nice horror graphic novel with great art reminiscing the work of Francesco Francavilla.
The story gave me vibes of the Archie Horror universe because of the Francavilla-esque art and teenage main protagonists. The premise of the "evil within" is interesting enough to keep you turning one page after another.
This is a fun and entertaining read for fans of series like Archie Horror or Harrow County. It's most likely something you'll read once, enjoy, but never really want to re-read.
May 10, 2022
I would LOVE to see this adapted into a series or movie! What a fun and original story.
August 30, 2022
I found this book okay. The artwork was good and I liked the horror elements but something was missing for me
October 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this graphic novel; the story kept me guessing and the dynamic between different characters was captivating. The artwork is dark and fits the story but unlike some graphic novels, where very dark colours are used, with this one you can still see the picture and see what is happening.
December 11, 2021
"Sometimes, we need to become what we could never imagine.”
.
.
.
The Black Woods holds secrets, power and magic.
This is a tale of revenge that has Amber and Quinn
become the newest children of the Black Woods.
.
.
I absolutely devoured this graphic novel. It had me intrigued with the art style, and the way the story is told. You read from different points of view at the same time and it was beautifully done. It’s not only dark, but it makes you feel for the characters and what they all are going through. I honestly can’t wait for this story to continue on. Thank you to @edelweiss for allowing me to give my honest opinion for this ARC.
.
.
.
The Black Woods holds secrets, power and magic.
This is a tale of revenge that has Amber and Quinn
become the newest children of the Black Woods.
.
.
I absolutely devoured this graphic novel. It had me intrigued with the art style, and the way the story is told. You read from different points of view at the same time and it was beautifully done. It’s not only dark, but it makes you feel for the characters and what they all are going through. I honestly can’t wait for this story to continue on. Thank you to @edelweiss for allowing me to give my honest opinion for this ARC.
October 12, 2022
I felt like there wasn't much story here. The black magic aspect wasn't explored very thoroughly, the characters felt one note, and I wasn't very interested in the resolution. The art was pretty good though.
June 9, 2022
In the movie “Brave”, a prince wanted the strength of ten men. With this vigor, he thought he could wrest rulership from his three brothers with whom he was forced to share a kingdom. He went to a witch to grant his wish…and the magic she gave him turned him into a 13-foot-tall bear. As a bear, he murdered his family and gradually lost touch with his human nature. Wish granted.
Stories of wishes are often cautionary tales and what are enchantments demanding supernatural force if not wishes given flesh and blood? Poor Quinn doesn’t realize this and uses a dangerous spell that calls to power. Perhaps he expected a demon to show up that he could turn on his enemies or that he’d be granted magical abilities like Harry Potter. In any case, his demand for power has immediate and terrible consequences and robs him of his humanity.
Quinn slouches off to get even with the bully who attacked him. This violent action precipitates a long chain of horrible events. It all ties in with a hanged girl in the Black Woods, the unseen entity who whispers to her and Quinn’s ongoing battles with the hanged girl’s twisted followers.
The horror pulls us in deeper with every passing page as we struggle to understand what’s going on. Is the hanged girl an innocent victim or a justly punished criminal? Who is the whisperer in the forest? Why do people pledge themselves to the witch or the whisperer? Who wrote the magical book that causes so much mischief?
It gradually becomes clear that the people in the town have some sort of understanding with whatever lies in the woods, that some crave its magic, to the point of committing horrific crimes. Poor Amber, who only wanted to help Quinn, falls prey to this siren call.
Victims, innocent or guilty, fall to the witch or the Black Woods. It’s a sobering and depressing message about the downfalls of might or the wish to get it. In the end, it takes more than fire to burn out evil.
Stories of wishes are often cautionary tales and what are enchantments demanding supernatural force if not wishes given flesh and blood? Poor Quinn doesn’t realize this and uses a dangerous spell that calls to power. Perhaps he expected a demon to show up that he could turn on his enemies or that he’d be granted magical abilities like Harry Potter. In any case, his demand for power has immediate and terrible consequences and robs him of his humanity.
Quinn slouches off to get even with the bully who attacked him. This violent action precipitates a long chain of horrible events. It all ties in with a hanged girl in the Black Woods, the unseen entity who whispers to her and Quinn’s ongoing battles with the hanged girl’s twisted followers.
The horror pulls us in deeper with every passing page as we struggle to understand what’s going on. Is the hanged girl an innocent victim or a justly punished criminal? Who is the whisperer in the forest? Why do people pledge themselves to the witch or the whisperer? Who wrote the magical book that causes so much mischief?
It gradually becomes clear that the people in the town have some sort of understanding with whatever lies in the woods, that some crave its magic, to the point of committing horrific crimes. Poor Amber, who only wanted to help Quinn, falls prey to this siren call.
Victims, innocent or guilty, fall to the witch or the Black Woods. It’s a sobering and depressing message about the downfalls of might or the wish to get it. In the end, it takes more than fire to burn out evil.
April 28, 2022
Children of the Woods is a great comic that takes me back to the days of classic horror. Taking a gritty and bleak approach, the story makes for a great read that feels fresh in many ways. Especially with the way environments, characters and creatures are designed.
As with previous works such as The Plot, Josh Hixson’s artwork is the highlight of the book. It is very beautiful and gritty to look at, giving him a chance to focus on new scenery and elements. Hixson’s style intensifies the horror, which is great in many ways. Especially with how it deals with themes of social isolation, obsession, and using the unknown to a great effect.
Amber’s role as the main character is very interesting and creepy. Her descent into madness as the story progresses is foreshadowed in ways that pay off in the ending. This book made me realize that single-volume stories should get more attention as they are a great way to showcase talent without turning them into a series. I recommend reading Children of the Woods and checking out other comics with Hixson’s art.
Final Score: 78/100
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As with previous works such as The Plot, Josh Hixson’s artwork is the highlight of the book. It is very beautiful and gritty to look at, giving him a chance to focus on new scenery and elements. Hixson’s style intensifies the horror, which is great in many ways. Especially with how it deals with themes of social isolation, obsession, and using the unknown to a great effect.
Amber’s role as the main character is very interesting and creepy. Her descent into madness as the story progresses is foreshadowed in ways that pay off in the ending. This book made me realize that single-volume stories should get more attention as they are a great way to showcase talent without turning them into a series. I recommend reading Children of the Woods and checking out other comics with Hixson’s art.
Final Score: 78/100
For more film, game, and book reviews follow me on:
▶️ YouTube - https://youtube.com/channel/UCpWCw5dV...
👨💻 Twitch - https://twitch.tv/grantnkeegan
Follow my channel Tomorrow Matters for technology and philosophy content:
▶️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKy...
��� Official Site - https://tomorrowmatters.net
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/TomorrowM4tters
📷 Instagram - https://instagram.com/tomorrow_matters_
February 21, 2022
A good, solid horror story of competing evil forces that inhabit the woods near a small town. New champions/avatars are chosen, and while actual hell doesn't break loose, things get creepy, scary, and bloody pretty quickly. There's classic teen horror story stuff here - a nerdy teen boy, the jerky jock who bullies him, and the pretty girl that dates the jock but is nice to the nerd. The nerd finds a book of witchcraft in the woods, and of course that won't go badly *insert eye roll here*. He gets the power to fight back against the bully jock, but it's not quite what he was expecting, and things go downhill from there. It's a good story, but I would've liked more back story about the supernatural forces involved, and more character development for the nerd and the girl. The art and coloring were great, very creepy and unsettling, and I appreciated the gore being more implied than shown, it makes things creepier, in my opinion. Definitely worth reading!
January 9, 2022
I had the pleasure of interviewing the author the other day. He’s just getting started in the genre and does an excellent job with this book. It’s a revenge tale but encompasses way more than that simple plot line. It’s about the rejections you face growing up, the complications of family, there’s a strong horror component… it’s almost too much but the creative team manages to create something simultaneously creepy, timeless, but with a throwback feel to it that reminds you of horror comics and movies of the 80s.
It’s a page turning, enjoyable read if you like your Riverdale with a touch of horror.
It’s a page turning, enjoyable read if you like your Riverdale with a touch of horror.
June 15, 2022
A tale of revenge turns a teenager into the new child of the woods. And not all are welcome.😨
I was a bit confused throughout this graphic novel.😅
I did not fully understand the story of the woods and the children within it.🧐
But the horror elements made this a great reading experience.😱
At times I did not want to flip the page, out of fear of what I would encounter on the other side.🫣
Also the drawing style makes the drawings even more dreadful and gnarly.😖
I empathized so much with the boy who turns to the woods.😔
Bullying just gets to me every time… 😢
Spooky graphic novel, quick read, perfect fort hat horror itch. 💙
I was a bit confused throughout this graphic novel.😅
I did not fully understand the story of the woods and the children within it.🧐
But the horror elements made this a great reading experience.😱
At times I did not want to flip the page, out of fear of what I would encounter on the other side.🫣
Also the drawing style makes the drawings even more dreadful and gnarly.😖
I empathized so much with the boy who turns to the woods.😔
Bullying just gets to me every time… 😢
Spooky graphic novel, quick read, perfect fort hat horror itch. 💙
November 30, 2024
Honestly, I thought this was going to be one of those so-called supernatural horror graphic novels with extreme fight scenes and random panels showing us overly sexualized teenagers.
But nope!
It was better than I thought it would be.
An unknown entity who existed far beyond anyone could know, a witch ( who is Hanged btw, not burnt ! Historical accuracy people !!! ) with a raging vendetta, a boy who only thinks he can't find help in what he doesn't understand and a girl who does the same and both pay the price.
I loved the art style and most importantly the storytelling is something you don't see in many other horror graphic novels !!!!
But nope!
It was better than I thought it would be.
An unknown entity who existed far beyond anyone could know, a witch ( who is Hanged btw, not burnt ! Historical accuracy people !!! ) with a raging vendetta, a boy who only thinks he can't find help in what he doesn't understand and a girl who does the same and both pay the price.
I loved the art style and most importantly the storytelling is something you don't see in many other horror graphic novels !!!!
August 18, 2022
A horror tale about a bullied kid that gets his revenge through help from a spirit in the woods and a dark book of magic. A fellow student investigating the disappearance of the bullied kid gets herself mired in dark magic and horror.
The art fits the horror story pretty well. The story leaves you with some unanswered questions that might be answered in the next volume or at least I hope it does.
I kind of felt that this was a pretty average story that may have the potential to be something more. I think I'll know by the next volume if I want to continue with this series or not.
The art fits the horror story pretty well. The story leaves you with some unanswered questions that might be answered in the next volume or at least I hope it does.
I kind of felt that this was a pretty average story that may have the potential to be something more. I think I'll know by the next volume if I want to continue with this series or not.
January 9, 2022
Full disclosure: I know the author. That being said, I 100% would have picked this book up for my horror comic reads. My roommate even came over while I was reading to discuss the absolutely beautiful gothic art in this book. The monsters are amazing, And while it will definitely require a second read for me (most good horror comics do!) I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up on my Spooktacular list easily.
Looking forward to co-hosting Panelology and discussing how this book came to light!
Looking forward to co-hosting Panelology and discussing how this book came to light!
April 23, 2022
Pretty good horror graphic novel. A teenage victim of bullying seeks power in a magic book and the haunted woods. Then a girl tries to investigate what happened to him and gets caught up in the magic herself.
I like the art; heavy blacks and thick brushstrokes. The story was a little trope-y but not completely predictable. I think the characters and the town could have been fleshed out more to make the story more compelling.
I like the art; heavy blacks and thick brushstrokes. The story was a little trope-y but not completely predictable. I think the characters and the town could have been fleshed out more to make the story more compelling.
November 25, 2022
One of the biggest strengths I think a supernatural horror graphic novel has is it's ability to coherently build a mythos and provide enough context to the reader so that they can connect it with the plotline. "Children of the Woods" struggled with this idea.
The world of the "woods" was intriguing and beautifully drawn and imagined, but toward the end of the book it became very unclear as to what its motivations or history was. The basic plot is protagonist versus antagonist, but this book ended feeling like two antagonists just getting hits in at each other. Having a murky "good side/bad side" makes a book more interesting, but I'm not so sure about having two sides that hate each other for no obvious or explained reason. The art style of "Children of the Woods" was beautiful, but I was confused as to what type of conclusion the author was going for.
The world of the "woods" was intriguing and beautifully drawn and imagined, but toward the end of the book it became very unclear as to what its motivations or history was. The basic plot is protagonist versus antagonist, but this book ended feeling like two antagonists just getting hits in at each other. Having a murky "good side/bad side" makes a book more interesting, but I'm not so sure about having two sides that hate each other for no obvious or explained reason. The art style of "Children of the Woods" was beautiful, but I was confused as to what type of conclusion the author was going for.
January 28, 2023
A grim horror story about two teenagers who become involved with magic in the woods, twisting them into horrible new versions of themselves, this book fits well with fans of Harrow County. The art is clean and cinematic, with layouts and colors similar to Francavilla, but the story seems to end too abruptly, and I keep looking for a second volume.
April 23, 2023
The artwork and layout is impeccable. The narrator tends to speak in mysterious nuggets of vague wisdom, and I found myself wondering if the mystery and pacing would have worked better without that aspect being present at all.
July 6, 2023
Some interesting moments in this book, with good art by Josh Hixson, but the story doesn't really go anywhere - in fact the scene in the basement when Amber says "Go away!" is the high point for me, but that's only half-way through...
October 20, 2023
While the narration style isn't my favorite it did grow on me and overall the story twisted and worked very well together. I would've preferred to know more about "the voice" but overall I think it was an enjoyable story.
March 22, 2025
Great premise, beautiful artwork, lots of potential. Unfortunately the writing and pacing consistently falls flat. Still worth a read for fans of Swamp Thing, Firestarter, and occult horror creature features.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews