Patrick Horvath‘s Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 is an outstanding sequel that matches—or even tops—the original miniseries with familiar art and fresh, chilling twists.

It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice… but this brown bear was smart… she covered her tracks… and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers.

But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice. A reckoning is coming to Woodbrook.

You can never really relive the feeling of reading a comic issue for the first time. When I first picked up Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees #1, it was a fresh and captivating story with artwork that was the opposite of what you’d expect but worked so well in this format. While the rest of the first volume was fantastic, I never thought I’d feel that spark again from reading the debut issue. I was 100% wrong. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring brought back that magical first-read feeling in the best way.

The original series blend of Dexter-style story with Richard Scarry-esque artwork was truly original and breathtaking. It hit in such a way that made it standout from the crowd. I couldn’t image how Horvath would replicate the lightning in a bottle success while crafting a fresh and gripping continuation. Yet here we are. This sequel not only matches the original series, but in many ways surpasses it. Patrick takes the story eight years forward and delivers a twist I didn’t see coming from a mile away.

The time jump in Rite of Spring opens the door for many places for Horvath to take the story. Samantha must not only continue to face her dark past but also contend with the new reality of living in a time when nothing truly stays hidden, thanks to things such as the internet. This debut issue of the volume two sets a strong start for what could once again be one of my favorite comics of the year.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 delivers with its signature artwork and engrossing story, Patrick Horvath has truly outdone himself. This sequel has the same engird and suspense of the original series but takes it to a new level that I didn’t see coming. Horvath has me wanting to immerse myself in the world of Woodbrook and Samantha all over again! Like with the first series, Rite of Spring is a must-read.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 hits local comic shops on July 9, 2025 (FOC: June 2) from IDW Publishing as part of IDW Dark.