Something is Killing the Children #27: Pain and Discovery
Seth A. Romo
Recap
Erica Slaughter kills monsters visible only to children and members of a secret society. Until recently, she was part of an order that assigned masked hunters to neutralize these horrific creatures. After a complicated mission in Archer’s Peak, Wisconsin, she is now alone and avoiding the Order of St. George at all costs. (Covered in issues 1 - 15.)
Gabi, a girl from New Mexico, is in the path of the latest monster attack. After losing her parents and sister and with no one to turn to, she relies on family friend Riqui for help. Soon, they meet Erica who has been notified of the monster and they devise a plan to stop it. Unprepared for the monster’s true strength, Erica gets badly injured and they escape far away from the town.
Meanwhile, the Order of St. George is still tracking Erica and sends the psychopathic leader of the House of Cutter to assist. After flying to New Mexico from Europe, Ms. Cutter connects with Officer Carter making the situation worse for Erica. (Covered in issues 21 - 26.)
Review
Something is Killing the Children #27 is an emotional and revelatory issue in the New Mexico story arc. A slow burn, this issue may lack action, but its goal of giving insight into the characters and monster add to the conflict unfolding in New Mexico.
The history between Gabi and Riqui has hinted at their shared trauma of losing a person they both cared about. Issue 27 starts with Riqui reminiscing about the past and the promise she made to take care of Gabi. It is a puzzle piece that readers have had an idea about, but until now were not given the full details on Riqui’s connection to Gabi’s family.
Meanwhile, Erica is bandaged from her failed attempt at taking down the oscuratype monster. When Riqui confronts her, it is clear they need more help and they decide on the next best steps.
Back in town, Ms. Cutter makes progress on tracking down the monster by any means necessary. As she encounters it, she and her team learn about what makes it tick. It is an unlikely discovery that could impact how the Order of St. George proceeds with capturing Erica.
The writing in this issue flows well and the multiple storylines feel connected. Throughout this arc the tension and conflicts were always present, and this issue makes the personal histories of the characters even more meaningful. The pacing from writer James Tynion IV makes each issue feel relevant to the overarching story. This particular issue is all about reflecting on the past and what comes next.
As always, the writing is matched by Werther Dell’edera’s art and Miquel Muerto’s colors. The rough designs have been a consistent theme of this comic and the art continues its beautiful and dark design. The line work in the emotions in this issue adds to the information presented. Muerto’s choice to change colors when the tone needs it helps the concurrent plots feel different despite happening in the same issue. This is further elevated by the lettering made by Andworld Design. The sharp letters during emotional moments make what is being said also be felt.
Final Thoughts
Issue 27 of Something is Killing the Children is focused on pausing the action and focusing purely on the drama and tension building. It adds to the histories of the characters and expands on the lore of this universe. Readers will definitely feel like this issue was worth their time and I am excited to see how it all comes together.
Something is Killing the Children #27: Pain and Discovery
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10
