Something is Killing the Children #36: Erica’s Early Days
Creative Team
writer: JAMES TYNION IV
artist: WERTHER DELL’EDERA
colorist: MIQUEL MUERTO
letterer: ANDWORLD DESIGNS
publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
Something is Killing the Children #36 (SIKTC) diverges from the recent arc's politics and drama, transporting readers five years into the past. This installment focuses on Erica Slaughter, the black-masked monster hunter, showcasing her formidable skills while also highlighting her humanity.
This smaller-scale entry weaves call backs to early issues in its re-introduction of Erica while serving as a great narrative for new readers.
Since its inception in 2019, SIKTC has crafted memorable heroes and a world teeming with secrets and monsters. For newcomers, this franchise is known as the Slaughterverse, and it is a world where monsters exist and can only be seen by children and members of the Order of St. George. For hundreds of years this battle has existed and factions have emerged to create a web of “houses.” One of the most notable is the House of Slaughter, where Erica received her training and her surname.
Co-created by James Tynion IV with Werther Dell’Edera, this series was not always designed to be as expansive as it has become. In fact, the original script had Erica solving problems from town to town similar to that of a western film. More about the creation of the Slaughterverse can be found here.
Issue #36 is a return to Erica’s roots and possibly what Tynion and Dell’Edera might have intended, but regardless it’s a refreshing issue as the past 15 chapters have dealt with Erica on the run, fighting a complex monster that mimics people, while facing off against a psychopathic hunter known as Ms. Cutter.
In this issue, Erica collaborates with a boy named Randy as she hunts a creature responsible for killing dogs. The exploration of fear and what it presents to humans and animals is a nice addition to the rules this universe operates in and adds depth to the story. With the aid of a Saint Bernard named Birdie, Erica and Randy make a plan to kill the Oscuratype monster.
This script balances the characters and pacing well and first time readers won’t feel excluded. Some readers might note the limited action and it is an element that could have been given more attention.
Artist Werther Dell’Edera and colorist Miquel Muerto continue their collective stellar work in this series and the script provides great moments for the rich reds and dark blacks to enhance the atmosphere and tone. The cinematic design of the panels and close ups of Erica craft an intimate experience readers will likely appreciate.
Final Verdict
SIKTC has consistently set a high standard with its narrative and issue #36 is not to be missed. Not only does this chapter provide an excellent story for new and old fans alike, but it is a reminder why Something is Killing the Children is one of the best titles on stands and continues to impress.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.00 |
| Story/Plot | 9.75 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.75 |
| Colors | 9.75 |
| Final Score | 9.6/10 |