Picture a Canadian storyteller whose chilling tales creep under your skin like a shadow in the woods—meet Emily Carroll! This award-winning comic artist and writer burst onto the scene with her viral 2010 webcomic His Face All Red, blending haunting fairytale vibes with gothic horror. Known for her vivid visuals and spine-tingling narratives, Carroll has carved a unique niche in contemporary comics, captivating readers with stories that linger long after the final panel.
The Making of Emily Carroll
Born in June 1983 in London, Ontario, Emily Carroll grew up with a love for storytelling that took root early. As a kid, she was shocked and enchanted by the grim, unfiltered versions of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, sparking a lifelong fascination with dark, surreal narratives. After studying animation at Sheridan College, she dove into comics in 2010, inspired by friends in the cartooning world. Her first webcomic, posted on her site, marked the start of a career that would soon go viral with His Face All Red, a chilling tale that spread like wildfire around Halloween.
Emily Carroll’s Unforgettable Stories
Carroll’s work is a masterclass in gothic horror, weaving fairytale-inspired stories with themes of isolation, guilt, and suspense. Her debut collection, Through the Woods (2014), is a haunting anthology of five stories, including the print version of His Face All Red. With its vibrant colors and eerie pacing, it won Eisner, Ignatz, and British Fantasy Awards, cementing her as a comics powerhouse. When I Arrived at the Castle (2019) dives into baroque horror, exploring lust and addiction with a decadent, unsettling flair. A Guest in the House (2023) tackles domestic dread, following a newlywed uncovering dark secrets in her husband’s home. Carroll’s graphic novel adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak (2018) showcases her ability to handle heavy themes like trauma with powerful, empathetic illustrations. Her webcomics, like The Hole the Fox Did Make, experiment with digital formats, using infinite canvas to amplify unease.
What sets Carroll apart is her visual storytelling. Her art—often crafted with flat colors and scanned ink washes in Photoshop—creates a dreamy yet sinister atmosphere. She plays with pacing and ambiguity, leaving readers to wrestle with open-ended conclusions that haunt long after the story ends. Critics praise her as a “master of atmosphere and mood,” with stories that feel like campfire tales spun with a modern, feminist edge.
Why Emily Carroll Matters
Emily Carroll’s impact on horror comics is undeniable. Her work has redefined the genre, blending traditional fairytale elements with contemporary psychological depth. She’s inspired a new generation of comic artists to embrace digital platforms and experiment with form, proving that webcomics can rival print in artistry and impact. Her stories resonate with readers who crave narratives that are both beautiful and unsettling, offering a fresh lens on fear and human nature. Carroll’s awards and adaptations, like her webcomic Some Other Animal’s Meat becoming an episode of Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, highlight her growing influence.
About Emily Carroll
- Born: June 1983, London, Ontario, Canada
- Key Works: Through the Woods, When I Arrived at the Castle, A Guest in the House, Speak (graphic novel)
- Awards: Eisner Awards (2015), Ignatz Award (2015), British Fantasy Award (2015)
- Lives: Stratford, Ontario, with her wife, Kate Craig, and two dogs
Ready to get spooked? Snag Through the Woods or visit Emily Carroll’s website to dive into her mesmerizing world of gothic horror!