Something is Killing the Children #3 // Review
After two installments of character introduction and situational exposition, issue three of Something is Killing the Children from Boom! Studios settle down for some real character development. This issue is almost entirely about three conversations. All of which provides some insight into the situation facing the town in the story. As well as the mindsets and motivations of some of the story’s major players.
After a terrifying prologue where another child is brutally murdered by the mysterious monster, the book moves to a brief interlude at a local watering hole, where people are grieving the loss of their loved ones from whatever monster is preying on the kids. Most of the issue focuses on a game of verbal cat-and-mouse between Erica Slaughter, the mysterious teenage monster hunter, and a detective trying to solve the mystery of the disappearances.
James Tynion IV is at his best as a writer when he’s able to let characters just talk, and that’s what he does here. Tynion makes clear that the young man we met in issue #2 grieving his sister is going to be a major problem for our heroes moving forward. Tynion also lets us see just how convincing Erica Slaughter can be as she manages to talk herself out of a stint in the drunk tank and get back to the business of monster hunting.
Werther Dell’Edera cleverly shows us just how distorted the world of this town has become by devising layouts of two-page spreads of panels across them, almost as though the world has turned sideways. Dell’Edera shows great facility with faces and physical acting, keeping this issue of mostly conversations thrilling and filled with tension. The colors by Miquel Muerto help create mood, particularly in the terrifying early pages where we see the monster at work. The lettering by Andworld Design is understated and simple, keeping the characters and story forward and staying out of the way.
Something is Killing the Children remains one of the most exciting books of the year, in a year that has brought many interesting horror series to the forefront. Tynion and Dell’Edera’s facility with character is a treat.