Esme in the Woods

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” meets “Adventure Time” in this whimsical graphic novel about the life of a young introverted witch who slowly learns to trust others.

Esme in the Woods is a world building exploration project meant to be open ended and applicable to many adaptations with a primary focus on graphic novels, and potential to branch into an animated series or a visual novel. In this world, Esme, a young wood-dwelling witch, spends her time making potions from foraged ingredients and managing a magic shop. Despite her best efforts, her simple, quiet life is often interrupted by a colourful cast of mischievous fae and whimsical fellows. This is a story about an anxious, introverted girl who slowly learns how to connect with others.

THE WORLD

THE CHARACTERS

Esme is our main protagonist. She is a witch who specializes in potions, and lives in her late grandmother’s stone house with her crow familiar, Serendipity (also known as Seren or Dipdip). Together they explore the woods behind her house, forage for ingredients, nap in mossy groves, and get in all sorts of trouble together.

Stumpy, named by Esme, is a fae spirit which takes the form of a tree stump. Stumpy is very slow moving, following the cycles of the seasons, he sleeps in the winter and wakes in the spring. Stumpy resides near the fairy knoll, a short walk from Esme’s house.

Jingle Baby, named by Esme, is a fae spirit from the Deep Woods. He is the guardian of the deep wood, though his soft fur and jingly demeanour might lead you to believe otherwise.

Acorn Boy, named by Esme, is a little acorn fae spirit full of childlike curiosity and wonder. Bumbling around the woods willy-nilly, he makes a lot of friends but spends most of his time at the foot of Crescent Mountain with the Caretakers.

Cheeky, named by Esme, is a mischievous fae spirit that loves to prank humans and steal their knick knacks. Esme often finds him wearing some item she’s been looking for for a while. Cheeky lives in the stones of the Fairy Knoll.

The Moss Spirits can be found in any soft and cushy spot in the forest, but especially love the banks of the Weirding River. They come in many shapes and sizes, but tend to all have playful and sleepy personalities, much like young puppies. The Moss Spirits are very friendly and love to interact with those who can see them.

The Caretakers, named by Esme, are the grandparents of the forest. Mami Mushroom and Papi Pine live a slow life near the base if the Crescent Mountain, tending to the plants and animals, and taking care of Acorn Boy. They are kind spirits, but very unforgiving if you hurt the woods or creatures within without good reason.

The Bugs are a complex ecosystem of tiny lil’ guys that keep the forest’s ecosystem going. They seem to have some fae blood, but all humans can see them no matter how little their spirit-sensing abilities.