Something is Killing the Children #42 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 #42 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
More secrets from Erica Slaughter’s past are uncovered in a new mission from her early days as a hunter. As Erica works alongside Jessica to earn her teeth, Jessica’s own hidden history may change her perception of the House forever
Review
We begin in the most dangerous place a monster could interrupt—your local independent coffee shop. Max and his co-worker are working behind the counter, philosophising about the curse of both busy and quiet shifts. Their back-and-forth crackles with energy, especially when they drift into an unhinged (but hilarious) fantasy about shaving the moustache off a local policeman who’s made some questionable remarks about their choice of clothing and general existence. From there, things spiral. When said moustache police officer walks through the door, and when the baristas question him about “the recent events” (in this world, always shorthand for monsters and murder), he’s utterly clueless. Enter young Erica.
Suddenly, it’s clear that we are in the past—a young Erica and Jessica are on a mission in a remote town, as she is still learning the ropes and earning her place as a hunter. They have clearly arrived shortly after a catastrophic event, resulting in the usual death and chaos, but they are weirdly calm and don’t acknowledge it? Instead, they are busy doing what appears to be life admind? Instead, the side characters take centre stage in this issue, and from here, the story spins through a carousel of duos: two officers chasing shadows, hikers unknowingly wandering into danger, the baristas still slinging sarcasm, and Erica and Jessica weirdly being calm. It’s all fun and games—until the cliffhanger hits. And it hits hard. These characters are on a collision path, but who will make it out alive? that is the question…
The writing has always been a standout in this series, but this issue? It’s on another level. The banter is tighter, the characters sharper, and the shifts between humour and horror land with surgical precision. Every conversation feels like a ping-pong match of wit—right before the monster sinks its teeth in. It knows how to keep you on your toes comedically and in the horror department. So, if you’ve enjoyed the series so far, this issue proves the creative team still have plenty of tricks—and sharp teeth—up their sleeve.
The dialogue crackles with sharp wit and incisive humour, creating an exhilarating tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Each character duo adds a unique flavour to the story, from the sarcastic baristas to the oblivious townsfolk, amplifying the unpredictability of the plot.
As the chaos unfolds, you can’t help but admire the deftness with which the writing oscillates between laugh-out-loud moments and spine-chilling dread. This instalment is not just a comic; it’s a thrilling rollercoaster that is chaotic, clever, and deliciously dark, leaving readers breathlessly awaiting the next twist in this gripping saga.
Verdict
Something is Killing the Children #42 is an exceptional masterclass that artfully marries humour and horror, firmly establishing the creative team’s prowess in crafting an engaging narrative. This issue plunges readers into the dynamic between Erica and Jessica, who navigate a chaotic landscape with an eerie calm that is both unsettling and captivating.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
