Harrow County Library Edition Volume 1: by Cullen Bunn, art by Tyler Crook

Dark Horse, 2018

ISBN: 9781506710648

Available: Hardcover, Kindle edition, comiXology edition

Hester Beck is hung and burned for being a witch on the strange, crooked oak tree that stands on the Crawford farm. Emmy experiences recurring dreams about things under the earth. Emmy always knew that the woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts and monsters. The day before her eighteenth birthday, she learns more than she expected. Emmy discovers secrets her father kept from her, and faces the repercussions of his deception. Through her journey, she uncovers her deeper connection to the creatures in the woods, and to the land itself. Her perceived connection and ability to communicate with them makes her a target by the members of her formerly friendly and loving community.

This is my first delve into Harrow County, and frankly, I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read it. I love Emmy and her desire to live side by side with what the others in her community think are pure evil and dangerous. The reader sees her growth through finding herself and becoming aware of the past of the land and people in her midst, as well as her interaction with the creatures in the woods. Bunn’s storytelling left me wanting more of Emmy’s story—thankfully I have access to the next volume.

It is clear Tyler Crook puts a lot of time and effort into his artwork. Some of his panels are beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Characters’ emotions were palpable. I found myself, upon my second read of the volume, taking the time to really look at the background landscapes and architecture. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Harrow County Library Edition Volume 1. I recommend it to readers who, of course, read graphic novels, but also to readers who like Southern Gothic literature.

Harrow County Library Edition Volume 1 collects the first two volumes, Countless Haints and Twice Told, in a deluxe hardcover and includes essays, sketchbooks, and more. Highly recommended

Contains: blood, execution, gore

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker