Something is Killing the Children #0 is published by BOOM! Studios. Written by James Tynion IV, illustrated by Werther Dell’Edera, cover by Werther Dell’Edera, coloured by Miquel Muerto and lettered by Andworld Design.
Something is Killing the Children #0 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
It’s been 5 years since the smash hit Eisner-winning series Something is Killing the Children changed the world of comics; now, 40 issues later, a new chapter from the past is revealed.
Witness this crucial untold story within the vast Slaughterverse, detailing the mission preceding the fateful Archer’s Peak Saga, where the entire story began.
The Eisner and GLAAD award-winning team of James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera invite fans into this intimate untold chapter of the monster hunter that sliced her way into the hearts of readers everywhere, along with the celebratory Something Is Killing The Children cover month celebrating the franchise’s 5th anniversary.
Review
It’s hard to believe it’s been over five years since the Eisner-winning series Something Is Killing the Children first managed to captivate us—one terrified gasp at a time! The series has taken big, bold swings and doesn’t plan on taking its foot off the gas anytime soon. We’ve been on quite the rollercoaster with Erica, our favourite monster hunter, who proves that not all heroes wear capes—some carry very sharp knives.
We’ve been unravelling Erica’s backstory through the Road Stories (a collection of short stories that came before issue #0), and it turns out her past is as chilling as a midnight stroll through an empty cemetery, all set before the drama of the Archer’s Peak Saga unfolded. Who knew monster hunting came with such deliciously dark backstories? If you enjoy diving deep into what makes a character tick—flaws, quirks, and all—these stories are a must-read. However, now that the Road Stories have wrapped up, Issue #0 takes us back into the unparalleled world of Erica Slaughter, but this time, we are diving headfirst into the mission that led to the fateful Archer’s Peak Saga, where the story began over 40 issues ago. And things are getting weird… well, weirder than they already were (and are).
Erica Slaughter has always been and continues to be a formidable, compelling, and lovable character that you can’t help but champion. In a world filled with monsters, her humanity and flawed but passionate nature make her so relatable to readers. Her personality and ethos are so well defined that it’s a pleasure to read, making the prospect of picking up another issue exciting. It’s like meeting up with an old friend who is always a bit chaotic, the kind who has crazy stories that are hard to believe. Still, you can’t wait to catch up, see what she’s been up to, and discover what excitement awaits.
Issue #0 is a fantastic addition to the overarching story within the Slaughterverse. While newcomers could start with this issue, those who have read Archer’s Peak Saga will especially enjoy witnessing the build-up to this epic storyline. The story involves an extensive interrogation between a mysterious man and one of the children Erica has saved from yet another monster named Sara. The conversation starts off innocently, but as it progresses and the questions become more peculiar, it becomes clear that Sara is not as safe as she thinks. The narrative skillfully shifts back and forth between the present and the past, a technique that this series has perfected. The distinct styles used to portray the present and the past, along with their vivid visual representation, are truly stunning, drawing you in and keeping you captivated.
Verdict
Thrilling and captivating, Issue #0 of Something Is Killing the Children brings Erica Slaughter back into the spotlight with an unforgettable story. With a perfect blend of suspense and stunning artwork, this instalment effortlessly draws you into the Slaughterverse, making it a must-read for both newcomers and longtime fans.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
