Just when you think Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees has hit its pinnacle, Patrick Horvath seems to continue to push the world of Woodbrook to heights I cannot easily explain…but I will try. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special is a collection of stories by some of comics most talented creators that deepen the universe created by Horvath. A near-perfect addition the Beneath the Trees Universe filled with horrors, scares, and left me eagerly awaiting the next arc in the series.
Years have passed since Samantha Strong left Woodbrook, but her legend has only grown. Now that the cat is out of the bag, more and more horrific murders have been tied back to her. Some are her doing… others mere folklore… but all absolutely gripping stories featuring everyone’s favorite cuddly serial killer. Gather around the campfire on Halloween night with some of the best creators working today and listen as the citizens of Woodbrook spill the beans on Samantha Strong’s most terrifying deeds.
Sometimes I feel these holiday specials are just another way to keep us interested in a property while we wait for the next arc. And while this is almost exactly what the Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special is, it’s more than that and is done in a way that really stands on its own two feet. I don’t know of many specials that have done it like Horvath’ one-shot, telling stories based around Samantha and Woodbrook from those who live within the town and have been through the horrors that have befallen said town at the hands of Samantha.
Horvath sets us up with a group of friends telling scary stories around a fire on Halloween night, which just so happen all revolve around Samantha and her killing ways. Each tale, told from the point-of-view of a different character, is handled by a unique group of creators. Some heavy-hitters. Writer Che Grayson teams-up with artist Matt Emmons; familiar duo of writer Tony Fleecs and artist Dave Wachter band together; Artist Tyler Boss is joined by writer James Tynion IV; and cartoonist Jared Cullum all join the fun to bring this story to us in wonderful fashion.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special left me I awe as these creatives bring forth new stories from Woodbrook in the vibe and feeling of Horvath’s original creation but with their own touch and spin as well. The one-shot wouldn’t be the same however without Horvath’s introduction and interstitials throughout to bring these tales together in one overarching story. These individual tales add depth to the overall series with words from those who have lived through the horrors of having Samantha in their own backyards in small-town America. All while amping up Samantha as a horror legend. It’s a true masterpiece of horror, just elevating Beneath the Trees to a whole new level.
We will always see Samantha and Woodbrook in Horvath’s art-style, but each artist brings their own version of the characters to this one-shot, while also keeping with the overall visual tone of the series so far. Horvath’s Samantha is still top-notch, but each artist adds their own flare and style to this story, giving us the chance to see the world created by Horvath in a new pencil. Luckily, Horvath is also along for this ride, giving us moments of Woodbrook greatness in between tales.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special somehow adds to the fact that this overall series is one of the greatest comics to be created in recent years, if not ever. Patrick Horvath’s unique concept is expanded upon by some of comics top-tier creators bridging the gap between story arcs in a nearly-perfect Halloween Special. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special is a must-read comic, one of 2026’s best single issues.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special hits local comic shops on October 7, 2026 (FOC: August 31), just in time for the spooky season, from the IDW Dark imprint at IDW Publishing.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special #1 Covers
