COMICS WARLOCKS

We just read Whisper of the Woods, a quiet and eerie horror story rooted in Romanian folklore. Let’s talk about it!

Whisper of the Woods TP
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Writer & Artist: Ennun Ana Iurov
Release date: October 24, 2023

Whisper of the Woods is written and illustrated by Ennun Ana Iurov, a creator based in Romania whose work feels deeply connected to their roots. It’s clear from the first page that this is a personal story wrapped in local folklore, with a beautiful art style that carries the eerie tone just right. There’s a softness to the illustrations that makes the unsettling moments even more effective.

The graphic novel follows Adam, a sweet and determined guy who ventures into Romania’s Hoia Baciu forest in search of his missing friend. Locals tell him stories of strange disappearances, of creatures called iele who hunt men, and a witch even warns him he’ll meet the same fate. But Adam refuses to give up. With each passing night, reality slips a little more as he meets a survivor, sees strange things, and finds himself deeper in something not quite natural. The atmosphere builds steadily, blending gentle horror with emotional weight.

I really liked the main character. There’s something moving about his hope and how he doesn’t give up. His journey through the woods feels quiet but intense, and the folklore elements give the book a very unique vibe. The locals, the warnings, the witch, the survivor, all of it builds into something very strange in the best way. The ending leaned into mystery, and part of that was not fully understanding everything, including the Romanian dialogue, which actually made the atmosphere even more creepy. We just wish it had been a little longer to let the story breathe more and wrap up at the same pace it started. Still, this was a very good slice of folklore horror, with just the right amount of weird.

If you love short atmospheric horror with heart, Whisper of the Woods is a haunting little trip worth taking!