Something is Killing the Children #39 is written by James Tynion (Author), Werther Dell’Edera (Artist)
Something is Killing the Children #39 is available now, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Comixology UK here.
Synopsis
Ahead of the landmark 40th issue of Something is Killing the Children, get ready for the final issue of the character-defining Year Zero arc with another nightmarish standalone adventure!
As Erica takes on a vital mission in a remote and isolated town, witness her terrifying journey into a gruesome challenge that will take a miracle to escape. Charting her path to becoming the legendary rogue monster slayer, fans can expect a closer look at the trial by fire that forged her in this self-contained issue…
Review
Diving into the Slaughter-verse, this standalone issue offers a fresh perspective on Erica Slaughter, shining a light on her life as the person behind the famed hunter of the supernatural. Rather than the expected chaos of battles with monsters, Erica faces an entirely different kind of challenge: herself, in therapy. Yes, you read that right…Erica Slaughter in therapy. Not only does this give us a rare peek into what makes Erica tick, but it makes her super relatable and down to Earth. If you’ve read a single page of the Slaughter-verse, then you need to witness Ericas in therapy firsthand to believe it.
In this issue, Erica takes a break from her usual day-to-day life and spends the entire session with a therapist. They naturally discuss typical topics such as trauma and why she is the way she is. What’s interesting about this setup is Erica herself. Although we’ve learned a lot about her past and her journey, we haven’t heard much about her childhood…until now. The issue thoughtfully portrays Erica’s habit of hiding her feelings, a survival tool in her hunting career, but one that’s heavy on her mental health. This exploration reveals new depths to Erica, showing the person behind the hunter.
The entire issue hinges on the writing, as it takes place as one extensive conversation between Erica and her therapist. Thankfully, the writing is excellent, blending comedy, devastation, and intrigue effortlessly. It goes without saying that the art is top-tier as well. Although the issue may seem a bit simple at first glance when we catch a glimpse of Erica’s memories for just a split second, the dark and chilling imagery is nothing short of fantastic. Erica is truly one of the most compelling and interesting characters I’ve ever encountered in a comic book. She possesses a quality that you can’t help but gravitate towards, shes funny, smart and twisted, and this issue is a prime example of that.
Verdict
With exceptional writing and top-tier art, this issue reveals the compelling depth of Erica’s character in an honest exploration of her mental health. Discover the person behind the hunter – a must-read for fans and newcomers alike.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
