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An Insight into Patrick Horvath’s ‘Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees’
Patrick Horvath’s acclaimed six-issue series Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees has captivated comic book enthusiasts with its unique blend of charm and horror. Released last year, the series combines elements reminiscent of Dexter and Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town. This month, IDW published the graphic novel in a collected trade paperback format, marking Horvath’s debut in book publishing. The narrative centers around a seemingly adorable brown bear who leads a double life as a serial killer, navigating the complexities of a rival murderer who threatens to unveil her sinister secret. Publishers Weekly referred to the work as “deceptively cute horror” and a “hairy twist on the slasher genre.” Fans can meet Horvath at New York Comic Con, where he is set to participate in Artist Alley across all four days of the event. Horvath recently spoke with PW at San Diego Comic-Con about his graphic novel, the emerging trend of “cozy horror,” and more.
Classic Aesthetics with a Modern Twist
Although the general perception is that comics are not solely for younger audiences, Horvath’s work embraces a classic picture book aesthetic while also exploring the darker realms of horror. He describes it as part of an evolving genre that merges picture book charm with horror themes. “I’ve also encountered the term ‘cozy horror,’ which I find rather amusing. While it certainly targets mature readers, the story unfolds in a quaint town inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. At the center is Samantha, the bear who runs a hardware store, and unbeknownst to most, she is a seasoned serial killer. For years, she has thrived by committing her crimes in a neighboring city where disappearances go unnoticed. However, the peace of her dark world is disrupted when a new sociopath appears, causing chaos and potentially revealing her hidden life. The plot follows Samantha’s desperate quest to identify the rival killer lurking among her fellow adorable animal townsfolk.
Collaborating with Talented Artists
The limited series also features a variety of striking variant covers. Horvath shares that he connected with many talented artists for these covers, some of whom he had not yet met, like Jae Lee. He explains the process, noting that retailers select artists and propose cover art concepts to IDW for approval. “If it gets approved, they need to commit to producing a certain number of copies, which can then be sold.” This project is Horvath’s first experience with variant covers, and he candidly admits that much of the year has been a learning experience for him. Initially envisioned as a graphic novel in five chapters, he was encouraged by his editor to expand it into six standalone issues.
New Insights from Additional Content
The additional issue, according to Horvath, enriched the storytelling. While the premise may appear cute at first glance, it quickly delves into disturbing themes. “There’s an emotional depth to it that I enjoyed exploring,” he confides, highlighting an issue dedicated to themes of sadness and grief. “The violence, while grounded, creates a stark contrast with the overall aesthetic, allowing the story to resonate deeply with readers. The community feels the impact of these consequences, further enhancing the narrative weight.”
The Allure of ‘Cozy Horror’ in Contemporary Culture
When reflecting on society’s increasing fascination with “cozy horror,” Horvath draws parallels with the true crime boom of the 1990s. He notes that many of his readers are older, primarily in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, echoing his own experiences as someone in his 40s. He believes the genre resonates particularly with individuals who grew up in the 1980s. Simultaneously, younger audiences are discovering the book, thanks to influences from manga and comic culture. Horvath recognizes the diverse appeal of Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, emphasizing how it speaks across generational divides.
Through this graphic novel, Horvath invites readers into an unsettling yet captivating world, blending humor, horror, and emotional depth in a way that is both novel and familiar.
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