R-24 #15

Frank Schmolke's "Der Wald der Pfade" ("The Forest of Paths") arrives in this 2002 Reprodukt release, its cover inviting readers into a hushed, snow-laden winter forest where pale bare trees press close in shades of icy blue and white. The hand-lettered title in vivid red-orange cuts through the cold scene with striking warmth, hinting at something both mysterious and quietly poetic within. A wholly solo creation by Schmolke — writing, drawing, and lettering every page — this is the kind of intimate, atmospheric work that makes the German independent comics scene so rewarding to explore.