Review by Frank Plowright
The Woods is a coming of age story that begins seeming to wear its influences on its sleeve, but rapidly develops into something more original. The opening six pages skilfully introduce a group of older children attending a Milwaukee high school via the shorthand of identification boxes accompanying something showing their personality, but that’s in keeping with the fast pace James Tynion IV employs throughout the entire story. By the time the opening chapter ends the entire high school has been transported to a clearing on a heavily forested alien planet and the main cast have split into two groups.
Despite an intimidating size, this is a book where the pages will rapidly turn. As noted, Tynion keeps the plot moving fast. Two years are covered from beginning to end, although that incorporates a couple of leaps forward. The changes are fast and frequent, with the cast adapting to circumstances via finding aspects of their personality that might have remained hidden if not for the terrible things that happen in this horror fantasy. An early tragic discovery is the feral creatures occupying the forest, and having introduced the main cast, Tynion establishes they’re not the first to have been abducted to the planet.
Artist Michael Dialynas has a tight cartoon style excellently applied in character design. Beginning with a main cast of seven teenagers, the amount of people needed to tell the story constantly grows, and Dialynas ensures everyone can be distinguished whether or not they’re named, and when they change. His designs for creatures impress, and his storytelling is excellent, transmitting the emotional nuance necessary at times. More so than any other series that comes to mind, the colouring provided by Josan Rodriguez is integral. In black and white Dialynas’ scenery would resemble standard woods, but Rodriguez colouring the trees and plant life in shades of purple instantly establishes an alien environment. Vivid shades of green serve for all magical events.
Tynion throws out questions and mysteries, and answers most pretty quickly, knowing more are on the way. The only extended puzzle is why the school was transported, and the purpose, although one pupil forms a rapid understanding. The eventual solution is smart, and also explains the other communities we meet.
There’s a shorthand approach to large groups, which are represented by small numbers of people. A feared organisation called the Horde plays a large part, but they’re personified through their commander. When late in the story Milwaukee again becomes relevant, it’s the parents of the core cast who represent a variety of views and personalities. These can change throughout the book, which is a character study about the search for a way home. Not everyone’s going to make it.
In addition to 36 serialised comics, The Woods has previously been issued as three hardcover Yearbook Editions, and nine paperbacks beginning with The Arrow. Follow the links for more detailed reviews of individual segments. This collection also comes in an even more expensive slipcased edition.
