In The Space Between the Trees, writer and illustrator Norm Konyu delivers a chilling, twisty tale about a couple who get lost in a creepy, labyrinthine woods.
Published by Titan Comics, The Space Between the Trees is both written and illustrated by Aurora Award-winning creator Norm Konyu, the superstar indie creator behind such titles as A Call to Cthulhu and Downlands.
This gorgeously illustrated graphic novel draws you in from the very first page. It follows loved-up couple, Meera and Mark, as they search for a new home. After viewing a potential forever home, they find themselves stranded in a forest when a road in a sleepy village mysteriously ends, leaving them to crash into the depths of the woodland. But this isn’t just any woods; it bends time and defies all logic. They aren’t just lost; they are mere pawns in a forest with a mind of its own, governed by its own rules.
This graphic novel presents a straightforward premise, but Konyu masterfully brings his vision to life. From the very first page, a lingering sense of unease pervades the story. Unlike traditional tales with monsters or visible enemies, the inherently creepy and unnerving woodland setting keeps readers psychologically invested. In terms of unease, dread, and eeriness, it’s reminiscent of The Backrooms.
There’s constant twists and turns, leaving you on the edge of your seat. As Meera and Mark venture further into the unnavigable woods, they encounter myriad paradoxes as time becomes distorted. And yet, these high concepts are never jarring to the reader.
Konyu uses the comics medium to all of its strengths, from utilising his unique artistic style, to using contrasting colours to enhance tension. The atmosphere he sets up is claustrophobic and really gets under your skin.
I don’t often say this, but The Space Between the Trees left me lost for words. It’s a home run, cementing Konyu as one of the brightest creators in indie comics.
You can pre-order The Space Between the Trees here.
Rating: 5/5
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