Key Facts
- ✓ The sequel series Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring is concluding with its sixth issue.
- ✓ Protagonist Samantha burned down her own store in issue #5 to eliminate the police hunting her.
- ✓ Creator Patrick Horvath is already working on the third volume of the planned trilogy.
- ✓ Samantha is scheduled to appear in the DC K.O. crossover event, entering the DC Universe.
- ✓ The series finale, Rite of Spring #6, will be released on March 4.
- ✓ The original series and its sequel are published by IDW and are available for purchase on Amazon.
Quick Summary
The indie comic world is buzzing as IDW prepares to release the final issue of Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring. This sequel series has taken the dark, charming premise of its predecessor to new, shocking heights.
With the protagonist's carefully constructed life in ruins, the finale promises to resolve the explosive cliffhanger from issue #5. The series has become one of the biggest indie success stories, blending adorable anthropomorphic characters with grisly horror.
A Burning Identity
The series took a dramatic turn in its penultimate chapter, issue #5. The clandestine serial killer, Samantha, finally broke her cover in a desperate act of survival. To eliminate the police force hunting her, she made the drastic decision to burn down her own store.
This act of arson shattered the facade of the mild-mannered bear, leaving her with no place to hide. The narrative now pivots to the immediate aftermath of this destructive event. Readers are left to wonder where Samantha can possibly go from here with her identity fully exposed.
- Protagonist Samantha's true nature revealed
- Her store destroyed to kill pursuing police
- The core mystery shifts to her next move
"As I write this, the paint is drying on the very last page. It's bittersweet bringing Rite of Spring to a close. It was a bit of an undertaking trying to thread the needle of putting together a second installment that felt true to the world that we set up in the first book while also shifting gears to allow all the growth that felt necessary. I couldn't be happier with how it's come together, even though it felt a little scary to go through with it."
— Patrick Horvath, Creator
Creator's Vision Realized
The series is the work of Patrick Horvath, who serves as both writer and illustrator for the entire run. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou provides the lettering, completing the creative team. Bringing the sequel to a close has been a significant undertaking for Horvath.
He described the process as a delicate balance between honoring the original world and allowing for necessary character growth. The creator has been planning this specific story arc for a considerable time.
"As I write this, the paint is drying on the very last page. It's bittersweet bringing Rite of Spring to a close. It was a bit of an undertaking trying to thread the needle of putting together a second installment that felt true to the world that we set up in the first book while also shifting gears to allow all the growth that felt necessary. I couldn't be happier with how it's come together, even though it felt a little scary to go through with it."
Horvath expressed immense gratitude to the readers, critics, and retailers who supported the series. He also credited IDW for giving him the creative freedom to pursue the story's darker elements.
Beyond the Forest
Despite the dire situation for Samantha, her journey is far from over. Horvath has already confirmed that he is actively working on the third volume of the Beneath the Trees trilogy. This ensures that the story will continue beyond the current series finale.
Furthermore, Samantha is set for a major crossover event. She will be taking a detour into the mainstream DC Universe as part of the upcoming DC K.O. crossover. This appearance will introduce the character to a much wider audience.
- Third volume already in development
- DC Universe crossover planned
- Series continues despite shocking events
Release and Availability
The final issue, Rite of Spring #6, is scheduled for release on March 4. Fans can secure their copy by preordering at their local comic shop. The original series is also available for purchase through major retailers like Amazon.
For those new to the series, the premise offers a unique twist on the horror genre. The combination of cute animal characters and a grim serial killer narrative has created a distinct and compelling reading experience.
The success of this indie title highlights a growing market for unconventional stories that defy genre expectations. Its ability to maintain a dedicated fanbase through multiple volumes and a crossover event speaks to its strong narrative and artistic quality.
Looking Ahead
The conclusion of Rite of Spring marks a pivotal moment for the franchise. With Samantha's identity exposed and her world upended, the stage is set for a dramatically different third act. The confirmed trilogy ensures that this is not the end of her story.
As the series finale approaches, readers are poised to witness the resolution of this shocking chapter. The upcoming DC crossover will further expand the character's universe, solidifying Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees as a standout title in modern comics.
