Review – The Woods #5 (BOOM! Studios)

Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Michael Dialynas
Release Date: 3rd September 2014

Following on from my review of The Woods volume 1 TP, I also grabbed a copy of #5, which follows on from the cliffhanger left in the previous issue. This time, we get to see more of what was happening before the transportation, with relationships between Karen and Sanami and Maria being the awkward third wheel.

James Tynion IV seems to have really found his voice with the series, managing to channel teen friendships without it coming across as the adult trying to “act cool”. With the new added threat of the mysterious hunters in the woods, the pace of this issue is considerably slower than previous issues, but it feels like a well needed step back in order to provide some set up for future issues. Again, something hit a wrong chord with me with the secret language Karen and Sanami use, but then even as a kid, pig Latin never sat well with me. Maybe its because I didn’t have anyone to use it with? I’d be curious to hear JT IV’s inspiration for including it.

Dialynas continues to excel in the art department with the flow of the book being spot in, and the way he has characters looking so at home on the page makes it a really easy read. The colour palette of the book is also a nice touch, making it obvious when we’re on the alien world and when we’re back on earth.

A solid issue, but one that fails to meet the standards of the previous 4 by a smidge. Still found it to be a necessary read, mind you!

Rating: 4/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK.

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