Something is Killing the Children #40 is written by James Tynion IV and published by BOOM! Studios. Artwork is by Werther Dell’Edera.
Something is Killing the Children #40 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
The iconic Erica Slaughter has battled nightmares and monsters for over half a decade, but her journey is only just beginning…
Discover a groundbreaking new story in the Slaughterverse universe, marking the final issue of the character-defining Year Zero arc before the release of Something is Killing the Children #0!
What terrifying trials will Erica need to overcome in her formative origins before we return to the present, and the next chapter of her adventure?
This milestone issue features a premium “5 Year” commemorative foil stamp variant cover by Werther Dell’Edera, as well as additional terrifying variants by Jenny Frison, Guillem March, and Brian Stelfreez!
Review
Issue #40 of Something is Killing the Children marks another issue in the Road Stories, which offers a glimpse into Erica’s early days as a trainee. The Road Stories have been excellent prequels that have answered questions and provided a deeper exploration of the Something is Killing the Children universe, and issue #40 is no exception.
Issue #40 starts with a scene from Erica’s childhood, offering us a peek into Erica’s training. What’s fun about this scene is how it explores Erica’s moral issues with her obligation as a hunter and the tough choices and losses involved. This sets the perfect stage for what’s to come, placing us alongside Erica in the present as she grapples with numerous questions about her life following a mission that didn’t unfold as expected. What’s remarkable about moments like this is that they offer a glimpse of the person behind the curtain. As a character, Erica has done a great job pretending she is calm, cool and collected with her I don’t care attitude, but at her core, she cares too much, and this issue does a great job of exploring that.
What underscores Erica’s struggles is the writing, which is nothing short of brilliant. One quote in particular stood out to me while reading this issue, “It shouldn’t be so easy for someone to die, but it always is. Somehow, it always is.” A quote that punched me squarely in the chest. Erica’s struggled with her role as a hunter and the challenges it presents before, but you can really feel the emotional turmoil she’s dealing with, more so than ever before.
In this particular instance, the prequel stories manage to avoid feeling redundant and distracting. Instead, they effectively add depth, expand the lore, and generate excitement while serving as the foundation for what comes next.
Verdict
If you are a fan of this world and its characters, then you need to check out Issue #40. Its emotional depth, nuance, and thrilling nature keep you on your toes. It sinks its claws into you, which keeps you flipping each page eagerly anticipating what follows. The conclusion leaves you with the sense that it’s a stepping stone to something greater, hinting that the formidable Erica Slaughter’s journey is far from over…it’s just beginning.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
