Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow Prequel Comic 2026: Origin of Lady Van Tassel Revealed

How did a young girl surviving in the woods become the legendary villain of Sleepy Hollow? The world created by Tim Burton in his 1999 cult classic is expanding. Publishing imprint IDW Dark has announced a new prequel comic series that dives deep into the dark origins of Lady Van Tassel and her unholy bond with the Hessian.

Sleepy Hollow Prequel Comic 2026: The Witches of the Western Wood

Titled Sleepy Hollow: The Witches of the Western Wood, the series shifts the focus to Sarah Archer—the girl who would eventually become the terrifying Lady Van Tassel. Written by Delilah S. Dawson and illustrated by Jose Jaro, the comic promises a darker, more horrific exploration of the lore than ever seen on screen.

The plot follows Sarah and her twin sister as they endure a traumatic upbringing in the wild Western Wood. According to IDW Dark, the story captures the pivotal moment when a chance encounter with the Headless Horseman at his beheading ignites a dark power within Sarah. Editor Riley Farmer noted that the collaboration with Paramount allowed them to push the boundaries of horror, resulting in a "gruesome" and captivating visual experience.

Release Schedule and Series Format

This prequel will be a five-issue limited series. Fans can mark their calendars for the debut issue dropping on May 6, 2026. Pre-orders are set to begin on March 30. While the official price is TBA, it follows the success of last October's Return to Sleepy Hollow sequel comic, which took place 15 years after the original film's events.