Welcome to Comic You Should Be Reading, a weekly column that spotlights essential comic series, events, or storylines that long-time fans may want to revisit, while ensuring new readers can appreciate the narrative unfolds without too much disclosure. This month, we are embracing the Halloween spirit by exploring noteworthy horror and horror-adjacent comics that deserve your attention.
Scott Snyder has earned recognition in the comic book industry for his penchant for darker stories. His current reinterpretation of a DC icon in Absolute Batman is captivating audiences, following a distinguished tenure with the Dark Knight that often explored horror-themed narratives. Snyder’s prominence has escalated since he launched Wytches in collaboration with the renowned artist Jock in 2014, drawing an ever-growing fanbase to his typically horror-oriented creator-owned work.
However, Snyder’s rise within DC has inadvertently led to a lull in new content for *Wytches* since the conclusion of its first volume. Yet, this does not signal the end of the tale, nor has enthusiasm for the mini-series waned. On the contrary, *Wytches* is poised for renewed attention with the upcoming adaptation, making the original Image Comics series an essential read. Preconceived notions about witches—so often linked to Halloween—are deftly upended in Snyder and Jock’s haunting narrative.
The story plunges readers into a distinctive universe right from the onset, beginning in a forest echoing with eerie cries for assistance. As we delve deeper, it becomes evident that the plaintive voice belongs to a figure ensnared within the trees. A small boy, dressed in antiquated garb, stands before her, seemingly unfazed by her desperate pleas. As she implores for aid, he silences her with a stone, embodying complicity in the sinister occurrences entwined with the woods. His chilling declaration, “Pledged is pledged,” encapsulates the chilling ethos of this world.
The unease builds from this foundation, showcasing why Scott Snyder is often overlooked as a master of horror. The debut issue of *Wytches* expertly establishes both peril and intrigue while introducing the conflicted Rook family as they strive for a fresh beginning. Sailor Rook, a young girl adjusting to a new school, is haunted by a tumultuous past. Her father, Charlie—an accomplished children’s book author—is desperate to create a safe environment for Sailor and his wife, Lucy, who has recently suffered paralysis, while grappling with his own sobriety. All the while, a malevolent supernatural force looms, hungry for retribution tied to their new town.
CHIT CHIT
Did you hear something?
Regardless, *Wytches* doesn’t delay in exposing fans to the titular threat. The overarching mystery that propels the series, alongside the Rook family’s personal struggles, expertly intertwines into a narrative that, despite its brevity, remains impactful. Jock’s intricate artistry, tinged with horror aesthetic, has significantly contributed to the title’s initial appeal among genre enthusiasts. Over the years, Snyder and Jock have collaborated on various projects, yet none possess the distinctiveness of *Wytches*.
Jock’s characters, spanning the Rook family to various denizens of the town, are precisely crafted, rich in personality, and seamlessly integrated with Snyder’s fluid dialogue. Conversely, the ghastly supernatural beings starkly contrast this, amplifying their horror. Rendered with jagged lines amidst dense thickets and burrows, the wytches compel readers to scrutinize closely, often regrettably wishing they had not. These figures bear no human resemblance and evoke an instinctual terror rooted deep within the psyche.
These entities are intrinsically unsettling, their existence over centuries sends chills down the spine. Jock effectively captures the moment of terror Snyder describes in the series’ supplementary content, providing an added layer of enjoyment in nearly every issue, enhancing the narrative’s effectiveness. The visual storytelling evokes the same fear Snyder experienced as a child during his imaginary exploits in forest witch-hunts.
CHIT CHIT CHIT
I hadn’t noticed how abundant the trees were around here until now.
Ah, where was I? Oh yes, Matt Hollingsworth—while Jock’s illustrations imbue the story with weighty darkness, it’s Hollingsworth’s masterful application of color and digital techniques that invigorate the pages. With layered painted colors, hand-spattered accents, and digital overlays on Jock’s inkwork, the resulting artwork is both vivid and meaningful. Rather than illuminating an otherwise grim tale, it intensifies the agitated atmosphere that keeps readers engaged throughout. This fusion of daring colors and eclectic techniques magnifies the emotions of the narrative, even as the wytches threaten to ensnare them.
The eerie creatures may draw initial focus, yet Snyder’s adeptness at crafting relatable characters and real-life dilemmas resonates strongly with readers. The Rook family navigates unique challenges that shape their journey, ultimately fortifying their resolve against the wytches.
Charlie Rook, a once-anxious child, found refuge in a local amusement park that inspired his beloved children’s book series, which also serves to explore his mental state in *Wytches*. However, he struggles to assist his daughter in confronting her anxieties and past traumas. Charlie’s affection for Sailor permeates his efforts, yet is sonically filtered through their intertwined struggles. The narrative adeptly examines parental fears and the quotidian horrors that accompany them, making those worries as tangible as the looming threat. Of course, once they confront that menace, parenting may seem comparatively manageable.
Further enriching the folklore embedded in these dark denizens, *Wytches* introduces a captivating concept: “Pledged is pledged.” The existence of these monstrous wytches lurking outside is terrifying enough, but the true horror reveals itself in their ability to target unsuspecting victims through a timeless ritual with no apparent leeway for escape. Once pledged, victims are marked—and the wytches will pursue them relentlessly.
No narrative of horror is complete without an opposing force. *Wytches* introduces the enigmatic Irons, yet interestingly refrains from full exposition. Lives are forever altered once the Rook family becomes aware of the Irons, an aspect of nuanced worldbuilding that keeps fans eagerly anticipating the story’s next chapter.
After Snyder’s successful 2010 Vertigo launch of *American Vampire* with Rafael Albuquerque, he transferred to *Detective Comics* in 2011, collaborating with Jock on several notable arcs including “The Black Mirror” and later works like *The Batman Who Laughs*. The creative synergy found in their early Batman narratives flourished in *Wytches*, granting them the latitude to explore far darker themes.
Jock’s richly articulated characters meld seamlessly with Snyder’s dialogue. Yet, it is the monstrous wytches that instill the primal fear, depicted in grotesque forms that disrupt any conventional semblance of humanity, evoking discomfort and dread. This artistic choice significantly reinforces the horror inherent in the narrative.
As the Halloween season approaches, *Wytches* stands out as a quintessential read that transcends conventional spooky themes typically offered by seasonal merchandise. Although fans have eagerly awaited the long-speculated second volume, a one-shot titled *Wytches: Bad Egg Halloween Special* released in 2018 provided deeper insight into the intriguing mythology, introducing new characters to bridge the wait. More excitingly, an animated series based on the comic is in development at Amazon Prime Video, further amplifying the anticipation surrounding the legacy of Snyder and Jock’s *Wytches*.
CHIT CHIT CHHIT CHHHIT
That seemed a bit too close for comfort.
Seek the Irons.
Based on reporting by CBR.com. Read the full story at CBR.com.