Something is Killing the Children #6 is written by James Tynion IV and published by BOOM! Studios. Artwork is by Werther Dell’Edera and colours by Miquel Muerto. Main cover art (left) is be Dell’Edera.
Something is Killing the Children #36 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Something is Killing the Children returns to reveal more of Erica Slaughter’s formative past, set before the Archer’s Peak saga. A perfect starting point for new readers and die hard Slaughterverse fans alike, each standalone issue of this arc highlights Erica’s appearance in five different American towns, chronicling her journey that forged her into the unparalleled monster hunter she is today.
Review
The latest addition to the Slaughter-verse series is a delightful treat for both new and long-time fans of Erica Slaughter. The story is full of mystery, such as the enigmatic origins of the ‘Oscuratypes’, as Erica battles these monstrous creatures. It also includes character development, as Erica’s past and present selves are intertwined. The narrative explores the moral complexities of Erica’s duty, which adds depth to the story. Erica’s quick wit and playful banter have become her signature traits, endearing her to fans and cementing her role as a beloved character in the series.
In her latest adventure, Erica plunges into the heart of danger in a quaint town, tackling a foe that’s as mysterious as it is monstrous. While facing formidable enemies is just another day for Erica, this volume breaks new ground with its distinctive ‘Year Zero’ anthology format. This clever twist not only enriches the familiar tale with deeper context but also peppers in fresh, intriguing elements. It’s this style of innovative storytelling that breathes new life into the series, offering long-time fans a novel perspective and providing an inviting gateway for those just discovering Erica’s world.
The last time we saw Erica, she was engaged in a fierce confrontation with the ruthless Cutter, all in an effort to protect the inhabitants of Tribulation. The journey was bloody, twisted, thrilling, and suspenseful, ultimately resulting in a finale that provided numerous revelations and twists. However, it intriguingly left us pondering even more questions, which makes this latest story all the more exciting.
In this stand-alone instalment of the Slaughter-verse saga, we journey to a pivotal chapter in Erica’s life five years back in time. We join Erica in her relentless quest to protect a town that is being terrorised by a monster known as the “Oscuratypes“. The “Oscuratypes” begin their reign of terror by targeting dogs in the woods. However, the situation quickly intensifies as two children are tragically found dead – and this is where Erica’s involvement comes into play. This particular instalment within the Slaughter-verse offers readers an intimate glimpse into Erica Slaughter’s past, enriching her character with depth and relatability and adding intriguing layers to her persona.
While narrative time jumps can be a cheap and convenient plot device to introduce additional elements to a story, this flashback enriches the narrative from the onset, which is all thanks to the writing. James Tynion IV masterfully integrates story beats and elements from the previous volumes, all while delving into them with newfound depth. This approach not only adds context but also enriches the characterisation of Erica, as well as supporting characters like Gary, Jessica, and Cecilia, offering readers a more profound understanding of their motivations and connections within the Slaughter-verse.
Given its anthology-style format, the story is understandably brief. However, it would have benefited from more depth and length. The pace is brisk, almost too much so, leaving little room to acquaint oneself with the fresh faces and their histories. Although this rapid storytelling technique reflects Erica’s professional detachment – a ‘get in, get out, leave no trace’ kind of ethos – as a reader, I craved more substance to fully connect with the narrative and its characters. This is still an excellent read, highly entertaining, and definitely worth checking out.
Verdict
In this stand-alone chapter of the Slaughter-verse saga, we explore a critical moment in Erica’s life, five years prior. This enjoyable adventure deepens our understanding of the Slaughter-verse, appealing to both new and long-time fans with its signature blend of mystery, gore, and witty dialogue.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
