Sweetbriar is a charming indie comic that follows the journey of a young girl named
holly who moves to a mysterious, seemingly abandoned town called Sweetbriar after inheriting her grandmother's cottage. The town is shrouded in folklore—whispers of hidden fae creatures and a curse that keeps the seasons frozen in autumn. Holly, initially skeptical, starts noticing oddities: doors that weren't there before, shadows moving on their own, and a recurring fox with unnaturally intelligent eyes. As she digs deeper, she uncovers her grandmother's secret role as a 'keeper' of the balance between humans and the fae. The plot thickens when Holly realizes the town's eternal autumn is a result of a broken pact, and she must decide whether to restore it or let the magic fade forever.
The art style is a huge part of the appeal—whimsical yet eerie, with a palette of burnt oranges and deep greens. It's a slow burn, focusing on atmosphere and personal growth rather than action. By the end, Holly's choice isn't just about the town; it's about embracing her own identity and the legacy of her family. I adore how it blends slice-of-life moments with supernatural intrigue, making it feel like a Studio Ghibli film in comic form.