Animated miniseries “Over the Garden Wall” returns with the Halloween season, rising in popularity as it does each Halloween since its release on Nov. 3, 2014. Created by Patrick McHale, “Over the Garden Wall” follows the story of Wirt and Greg, two brothers who find themselves lost in the woods. As they try to make their way home, the two must also beware of “the Beast”— a mysterious creature haunting these woods.

“Over the Garden Wall” is a coming-of-age story with a twist; its storytelling. While Wirt and Greg’s adventure is filled with singing frogs and talking bluebirds, its fairytale-like premise is deceiving. Much of the show is kept a mystery, including the origins of both the characters and the settings. As each episode progresses, these mysteries subvert. The unknown becomes known.

The “villains'” intentions turn out to be good while the “heroes'” intentions turn out to be evil. While most coming-of-age stories choose to explain it, “Over the Garden Wall” chooses to leave you guessing. Nothing is as it seems in “Over the Garden Wall”, subverting your expectations of it in ways both subtle and not-so-subtle during the entirety of the show.

Also advancing the storytelling of “Over the Garden Wall” is its score, soundtrack, and art, and how it also uses them to tell said story. The score and soundtrack, both made by the Blasting Company, hint at the true nature of the forest and its inhabitants. Cues in the art, such as the season changing from autumn to winter by the end of the show, may or may not be symbols or allegories for the show overall. Both visual and audial ensure that, by the end of the show, everything comes full circle.

Overall, I would rate “Over the Garden Wall” a ten out of ten. The combination of art and writing is what makes “Over the Garden Wall” a work of art. To me, “Over the Garden Wall” is a masterpiece; no matter how many times you see it, its secrets will keep you watching and re-watching for many Halloweens to come. “Over the Garden Wall” is also available for streaming on Hulu.