Dwellings #6

Plot

Jay Stephens' dual passions for horror and mid-century kids' comics comes full circle with this final, self-contained tale of adorable-looking shock and revulsion. Dwellings Vol. 6: 'Undergrowth' explores the cold, black, core of what this series of disturbing tales has been scratching at all along: innocent horror and the horror of innocence—that familiar horror from within.

This cute-as-hell story explores the lingering effects of trauma, botanophobia, the bad influence of toxic alpha-kids, self-mutilation, and unsolved murder. Once again drawn in a vintage, retro-cute style to most perfectly invoke the half-remembered terrors of youth; pulling readers in close with an expectation and comfort that makes the frantic bursts of bloody tragedies all the more and shocking and disturbing.

The fictional town of Elwich is based on quiet places in Southern Ontario, Canada, where Jay grew up, and continues to dwell. Hilly river towns that grew too slowly for most of the old stone to have been replaced by modern architecture. Where a short walk with your dog takes you past the park gazebo, the farmers market, and the church bazaar, over the river on an historically designated bridge, and home along winding streets lined with ancient trees. Peaceful places where secrets are easier to hide, and dark histories blissfully forgotten.

In Dwellings vol. 6, 'Undergrowth', the hushed horrors that took root long ago will be unearthed.