The Woods #1
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The Woods #1

Writer: James Tynion IV Artist: Michael Dialynas Publisher: Boom! Studios Release Date: May 7, 2014 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 22 User Reviews: 13
8.4Critic Rating
8.0User Rating

WHY WE LOVE IT: As fans of James Tynion IV's work in the Batman universe (BATMAN ETERNAL, RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS), we were eager to publish his first original comic series. Plus, THE WOODS gives us that same eerie, small-town horror feel we get whenever we read a Stephen King novel.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: If you're fan of teen conspiracy comics like MORNING GLORIES, SHELTERED, and REVIVAL, you'll immediately be sucked into THE WOODS.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT: On October 16, 2013, 437 students, 52 teachers, and 24 additional staff from Bay Point Preparatory High School in suburban Milwaukee, WI vanished without a trace. Countless light more

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal May 8, 2014

    I don't know if I can continue reviewing this series. Not because I think it's going to get bad or that I didn't like it; it's actually the opposite, I liked it too much. It's a series that I want to enjoy more than analyze and I'm sure that most people can understand that. It's like when a friend asks you why you buy a particular title but never talk about it, sometimes it's better to just enjoy a story than to talk about it and I have a feeling The Woods is going to be that way for me. That said you should pick it up. It's already moved up on my list of mini-series to pay attention to and I'm sure it has more to give us with the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Jen 'Miss J' Aprahamian May 7, 2014

    Successfully capturing teen angst and alien horror on the page with equal precision, Tynion and Dialynas make us want to explore more of THE WOODS. The high concept is definitely strange, in a good way -- it's something we've never seen before, and it's completely unpredictable where things will go. The creepy school atmosphere of MORNING GLORIES meets the pluck of Veronica Mars, with ravenous monsters and an engaging mystery to unravel. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Big Comic Page - Ross Sweeney May 6, 2014

    Theres certainly potential here – past precedent shows that Tynion can knock out some terrific stories, and theres nothing blocking this from becoming a great series, but theres also nothing herein that convinces me it's anything other than a gamble at this stage. Ill be happy to be proven wrong, and to see the score below tick up at least one notch, but for now, its maybe just one to keep an eye on. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Spectrum - Shawn Hoklas May 10, 2014

    With the strange situation and all the different characters introduced in this debut issue I found the story open and interesting when it could have been confusing. Tynion gave each character introduced a different voice and Dailynas was able to give each one a unique and characteristic look. The Woods has the potential to really turn into something special. This first issue does everything the first issue of a new series should, and I can't wait to see more. Read Full Review

  • 10
    The Kliq Nation - Timdogg May 6, 2014

    I heard going in that there would be horror elements inThe Woods but it still shocked me to see actual deaths. The main characters' personalities were fleshed out, and we got to witness a small percentage of this world that our cast will explore. Consider me intrigued to see where all this is heading. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Michael Moccio May 7, 2014

    By the end of this first issue, you'll be behind these characters like they're friends of your own. You'll know enough about them to accept them as the protagonists and yearn to learn more about why they are the way they are. It's clear from Tynion's writing that, although the woods are a central aspect of the story, the real story will be the journey these teenagers take, how it changes and tests them. He's set himself up to tell an amazing story " let's hope it doesn't get lost in the woods. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson May 7, 2014

    This book is a solid setup for an adventure, and doesn't shy away from the danger inherent in the school's new location (Poor Carrie!), leaving our characters on the precipice of a terrifying new adventure, and I'm definitely going to be following this title going forward. Tynion and Dialynas have created a world full of fully-realized characters, with a central mystery that I'm looking forward to seeing explored. (Here's hoping that it's not as drawn out as the central mystery of ‘Morning Glories', a book that starts from a passably similar premise.) I'm unsure where or not it is an ongoing series or a limited, but The Woods #1 sticks the landing, with excellent dialogue, quirky-but-solid art and an intriguing set of central characters, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars overall. If it keeps up this level of quality, this book could become the next ‘Saga'. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comicosity - Alison Berry May 9, 2014

    Hopefully the story will split time between the core team heading out into the woods and the rest of the student body and faculty remaining in the school. It would be an interesting juxtaposition; the desperate white-knuckle grab to maintain order versus the courageous/stupid embracing of the chaotic unknown.Its wonderful to see James Tynion on something without superheroes. If the rest of the story is as fun as the first issue, Im looking forward to watching him stretch his legs. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Lost Lighthouse - thelostlighthouse May 8, 2014

    I'm really interested to see how this series develops and what lies ahead for Karen, Adrian, Isaac, Ben and Calder as they venture into The Woods. I especially liked how the mysterious first page takes on an intriguing meaning as we approach the end of the issue. I'll definitely be keeping up with this series, and I suggest you do too. Check it out at your local comic book shop or digitally. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    IGN - Jess Camacho May 8, 2014

    The Woods #1 is a series with a lot of potential and just about hits a home run with this debut issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Rhymes With Geek - Mark William Pawziuk May 7, 2014

    There are a lot of new books hitting the comic shelves, so why pick this one up? Because it won't waste your time! The Woods is a fresh jolt of fun storytelling that gets right to the meat and delivers good, old fashioned horror and suspense. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker May 8, 2014

    The Woods #1 might seem familiar at times, but it's a hell of fun start. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza May 7, 2014

    "The Woods" #1 is a solid read that goes from humorous to horrific at breakneck pace. Tynion and team hold on to natural reactions and interactions, injecting humor just as real, nervous people might. The school was taken for a reason, but not everyone is going to find out why. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Forrest C. Helvie May 8, 2014

    I found this comic seemed to be setting up a Hunger Games-esque narrative with a group of teens fighting for survival in a strange setting, but there are more than enough differences that make this a fresh, new story. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Coming Up Comics - David Melton May 7, 2014

    I can't wait to follow this comic and see where it goes. So far it has all the makings of a very strong, very horrific story and I couldn't be more excited. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics Bulletin - Justin Giampaoli May 13, 2014

    I see that thread in The Woods as characters' strengths and weaknesses start to emerge, and the story identifies the alpha members of the group and the more passive followers. I think this is going to be good, so come for the sci-fi hook of the premise, but stay for the interpersonal dynamics that form a thrilling high-stakes drama. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Multiversity Comics - Vince Ostrowski May 8, 2014

    Once the supernatural events take place, the comparison's to “Morning Glories” and “Sheltered” come into focus. It remains to be seen whether “The Woods” will get as brutal and cutting as “Sheltered”, or as mysterious and clue-filled as “Morning Glories.” That's less a criticism and more a public service announcement that says that “The Woods” doesn't have an immediate hook beyond its influences. It's got a cast of characters that are well-realized (for their first issue) and a mysterious glowing indication that the cast is no longer in the world they once knew. That's enough, for now, considering most first issues don't get a chance to establish their characters properly or get to the point. “The Woods” manages to do both, rather deftly. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Geeked Out Nation - Steven Merced May 7, 2014

    I respect the story the writer is attempting to tell and I can see a lot of potential in the future of the series, but I just feel that it would have been better to use the first issue to build up the characters a bit more before disappearance. It would have allowed us to feel some emotion when characters are killed off. I think that "The Woods #1" is a good read with a lot of intrigue. It brings a cool twist on a familiar story, but the characters we are supposed to care about all do seem a bit clichd to start. Think of it like "The Breakfast Club" meets Prometheus, A group of kids looking to explore an unfamiliar planet with dangers lurking in the distance. If that at all sounds interesting to you then I would recommend checking out this series, it did what it was supposed to do, intrigue me enough to read the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Florida Geek Scene - Peter Schmeiser Jun 11, 2014

    The Woods has enough intrigue, good characters and danger to prompt me to pull the next issue and see what is beyond the tree line. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Capeless Crusader - Mai May 8, 2014

    Overall, I feel like The Woods could either end up super cool or get boring real quick. The characters, at this point, aren't strong enough in their personalities and seem a little generic. But like I said, I'm hoping Tynion surprises us and shows his readers what these kids are made of. The art, I think, is the best part. It's just so contrasting to the story that it's a winner. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    All-Comic - Joey Caswell May 12, 2014

    While The Woods mightve done more to engage readers in the plot, this is certainly shaping up to be one heck of a mystery that will surely unfold more as the story progresses. However, it needs to get there quickly as there wasnt a lot offered up in issue #1 to really hold onto. Still though, this one has a lot of potential in it's oddly random story, and the visuals were excellent. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    AIPT - Jordan Richards May 7, 2014

    The Woods #1 is a comic that shows potential with a familiar story but is ultimately hampered by a very rushed setup and ending and a confusing middle. It may be a comic that'll blossom into something truly terrifying and highly worth your time as more issues come out, but as is, it's going to a lot more polish before it's worth recommending. Read Full Review

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