Something is Killing the Children #28
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.)
The latest type of monster, a duplicitype, has shown up in New Mexico. One of its victims is the family of Gabi causing her to go to family friend Riqui for help. After Erica appears, they attempt to take on the monster but fail resulting in Erica getting severely hurt.
Meanwhile, Erica is being hunted by the psychotic Ms. Cutter, leader of the House of Cutter, and there is no one she is willing to spare to hurt Erica.
Review
Something is Killing the Children #28 continues the New Mexico story arc and builds the tension in the teased standoff between Erica Slaughter and Ms. Cutter. This issue added little to the plot and the art felt rushed—making it a weaker entry in the series.
What I have enjoyed in the New Mexico story arc is the parallel challenge of the duplicitype monster and Ms. Cutter. Erica Slaughter, the bandana-donned monster hunter, has previously taken on one type of monster at a time. Now, she faces two horrific opponents and this challenge feels like the stakes are higher.
In issue #27, the decision was made by Riqui and Erica to take Gabi and go back to the cops to help stop the newest monster. Issue #28 has the group returning and not getting the help they had hoped to receive. In the overall narrative I agree with the plot elements that happen in #28. However, the past few issues have provided nudges in the plot rather than the jumps that would contribute to a stronger pace.
Issue #28 feels like a dip in its final product. The sluggish pace matched with rushed art is not the typical experience from previous issues. Characters have less detail and the usual cinematic design of the panels feel lost. James Tynion IV as the writer and Werther Dell’edera as the artist are a fantastic combination. While I wish this issue was better, it could be rushing to get the issue completed that impacts what readers will receive.
A standout was Miquel Muerto’s coloring. The way gradients were used and the intentional popping of colors enhanced the art in ways that were helpful to the experience. Where the art did not fall short was the cover. The split between Erica and Ms. Cutter is such a good cover and is easily one of my favorites.
I would not say to skip this issue as the entire series has remained great. It could be my excitement and appreciation for the series that leaves me wanting more from this issue, however, I know the journey has been worth following and I trust it to continue despite this less than exciting issue.
Final Thoughts
Something is Killing the Children is one of my favorite series and I trust that the payoff will deliver, I wish this issue felt less rushed in the writing and in the art. Fans will likely be left wanting more, but I am hoping next month will get the pacing back on track.
Something is Killing the Children #28: A Nudge, Not a Jump
- Writing - 7/107/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 7/107/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10