HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #4 by James Tynion, Tate Brombal & Chris Shehan (BOOM STUDIOS) review

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH podcast. On this edition, We’re checking out the current issue from the Something Is Killing The Children spin-off hit: House Of Slaughter #4 by James Tynion, Tate Brombal, Chris Shehan, Miquel Muerto, Andworld Design & Werther Dell’edera for Boom Studios. The behind the scenes look at where monster hunters are made hasn’t disappointed & the current story involving Aaron Slaughter has been a fantastic read. Let’s jump in and check the latest chapter in this story, shall we?

HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #4 - On Sale January 26th
Creative: James Tynion, Tate Brombal, Chris Shehan, Miquel Muerto, Andworld Design & Werther Dell’edera (Cover by Shehan, Muerto & Dell’edera)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The series thus far has been taking a flashback look at Aaron’s younger years and his first love, Jace. When they jump to the future, it is easy to tell something has happened & much like their love, it won’t be good. In the past, Aaron & Jace’s relationship is discovered by Jessica, a well known name at the House & Aaron is given a hard order that he can’t say no to: End it. Reason being is the House recognizes Love as a weakness & will only get someone killed. No matter what Aaron tries pleading, his case falls on deaf ears.

Meanwhile (in this “present time” Aaron goes to complete his mission of killing Jace. There is a whole sew of emotions brought up here & a “final request” by Jace. It’s counterbalanced by Jace’s first hunt being in the House. After surviving that, Jace escapes the grounds with Aaron& tells him his true intentions. It’s not the story Aaron wants to hear & the ending will drive that point home.

One of the most heartbreaking issues you will ever read. Tynion really puts Aaron thru all the emotions that come with finding & losing love at a young age. The flashback sequences with Aaron pleading with Jessica to the rooftop chat, readers can’t help but feel for the pain Aaron’s going thru. Tynion hits readers with so much emotion that when the story flashes forward, you have to guess how long these feelings lingered with no closure. What an intense issue.

The art plays well into the story being told here. Shehan’s panel set up works so well for images being presented here. The “Then & Now” designs gives readers an easy path to follow everything happening here. The talk with Jessica really stands out for this issue. The side-to-side double pages is a fresh look to what is happening here. Even the “little” Monster action readers get here is noteworthy and gives a small break to the tale being told here. Excellent job!

House of Slaughter #4 is a heavy emotional tale that will hit readers very hard. It’s a masterful issue with amazing storytelling & equally incredible art. Highest possible recommendation for this week. Make sure to grab a copy from the LCS this week!

Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you thought of House of Slaughter #4.

As Always, thanks for reading.

HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #4 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M