SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN (2019-) #44 Review

Something Is Killing the Children #44 is written by James Tynion IV and published by BOOM! Studios. Artwork is by Werther Dell’Edera, colours by Miquel Muerto and letters by AndWorld Design. Main cover art (left) is by Werther Dell’Edera.

Something Is Killing the Children #44 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet.

Synopsis

The iconic story of monsters, and the ones who hunt them, continues in this issue of the award-winning, bestselling horror phenomenon. Gain more insight into Erica’s troubled past as she struggles to navigate her tumultuous connection with her mentor, Jessica Slaughter. How will Erica earn her teeth as a black mask — and what role will Jessica play?

Review

We open this issue with Aaron Slaughter dragging himself out of bed and getting ready for the day. From the teasing he gets in the corridors, it’s clear he hasn’t exactly been living up to his full potential as a Black Mask—which certainly explains the reluctance in his morning shuffle.

We come to learn he’s looking for some ‘missing’ files on Jessica and Cecilia’s training—specifically from when they were sent to deal with a monster attack at Valmont Mountain House in the ’80s. Naturally, the House wants to keep those secrets buried, but with Erica and Jessica currently there in the present day, those buried details may prove essential to their survival.

Title card. We cut to Erica and Jessica in what we now know is a potentially dangerous (and mysterious) situation. What makes these flashback stories so compelling is seeing Erica in her youth. She’s not the seasoned, sharp-edged hunter we know her as today, so watching her younger self learn, stumble, and assess danger in real time is gripping. Across various scenes in this issue, you can genuinely trace the evolution of who she was to who she becomes—and as a long-time fan of the series, that’s incredibly satisfying.

This is another issue that’s clearly building towards something, and the final pages make that obvious. We’re continuing to expand the world, develop key relationships, and lay the groundwork for what’s shaping up to be a powerful arc.

Verdict

Another compelling chapter that masterfully ratchets up the tension while expanding the world in rich, intriguing ways. The character work—particularly with young Erica—is both fascinating and deeply rewarding, offering long-time readers layers of nuance to savor. The story is clearly laying the groundwork for something monumental, and the payoff is shaping up to be absolutely thrilling.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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