Something is Killing the Children #29
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. They opt to go to the police, but the psychotic leader of the House of Cutter is waiting to frame Erica.
Review
Something is Killing the Children #29 continues to build toward final confrontation between Erica Slaughter and the psychotic Ms. Cutter. While I suspect the payoff will be worthwhile, this issue had me hoping for more action and less filler.
The plot of this issue has two tracks it follows. The first of which is Erica, Gabi, and Riqui getting out of the police station with a better idea on how to take on Ms. Cutter. The other is the political impact happening at the House of Slaughter from all of the commotion happening in New Mexico.
I am a big fan of the series, but I can’t help but feel the New Mexico arc has a lot of filler. Taking a step back, it is easy to see the progress of the story; however, each issue feels like a small movement in plot and by the end of the issue I am left wanting more and wondering why everything is feeling a tad too dragged-out.
Part of the appeal of this series wasn’t just the homerun design of Erica Slaughter and the other hunters. It was the actual monster hunting itself. While I don’t believe each issue should feel like a rinse and repeat of “this month in monster hunting,” I also wish there was less dialogue and more forward momentum where the plot and pacing are concerned.
The art and coloring are both strong and I appreciate how consistent it has been throughout this series. The cover is not as impressive as last month’s, however, I understand the theme happening within the covers for this specific arc.
Final Thoughts
This issue continues the story and adds very little. Fans of this series are likely going to get frustrated as waiting a month for small movement feels like this story might read better in trade.
Something is Killing the Children #29: The Quiet Before the Storm
- Writing - 7/107/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 7/107/10
