Something is Killing the Children #31
Seth A. Romo
Recap
After narrowly surviving the Duplicitype, Erica Slaughter must still reckon with the murderous Cutter in order to save the people of Tribulation. Separated from Dolly and driven by desperate rage, Cutter won't stop until she exacts her revenge on Erica.
Comic Watch Review: Something is Killing the Children #30: Survival May be Possible
Review
Something is Killing the Children #31 is a fast paced issue that brings all of the pieces crashing into one another for a stellar opening to the third act of the Tribulation arc.
The past ten issues of Something is Killing the Children have been a slow burn with lots of quiet moments throughout. Readers will be happy to know their patience is paying off.
The Tribulation story takes place in New Mexico and it’s fitting as the tone and drama unfold similar to that of spaghetti westerns from the 1960s.
From the traveling anti-hero (Erica), the dastardly villain (Ms. Cutter), the town problem (a duplicitype), the desert landscape, and the emphasis on tension rather than action, issue 31 delivers a payoff making a strong jump back into the series. This is the crescendo and it’s awesome.
Written by James Tynion IV, the story line has been weaving multiple players and is connecting them beautifully. Werther Dell’Edera’s art is always a stand out and the design of Ms. Cutter is finally seen in full effect as she dons her bandanna. Miquel Muertos’ colors once again are beautifully paired making the violence feel impactful and terrifying—especially in scenes where Ms. Cutter is clearly losing it.
So much worked in this issue and it’s exactly what the series needed. Succinct pacing, a payoff in plot, and Ms. Cutter being given the push she needs to show how psychotic she can be.
There’s a reason SIKTC is one of the best indie series around and issue thirty-one is a great reminder. Where the Archer’s Peak plot gave readers a hero to root for, this issue is giving the villainous Ms. Cutter her time to shine.
In addition to the main cover, SIKTC continues to have some of the best variant covers with a host of different artists. While the main cover feels more menacing, the variants from Jenny Frison, Dike Ruan, and James Harren might make for a difficult choice on which cover to pick up.
Final Thoughts
This issue brings the series to a strong return. Where the pressure was constantly building, issue thirty-one is coming to a full boil and ready to explode. Fans of the series need to buckle up because the clash of Erica, Ms. Cutter, and the duplicitype look to set a high standard for the series.
Something is Killing the Children #31: Let the Villain Out
- Writing - 9.5/109.5/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9.5/109.5/10
- Color - 9.5/109.5/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
