Welcome to a brand new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out the latest chapter in the world of Erica Slaughter via Boom Studios. This has been a big year for the SIKTC universe with a successful spin-off (House Of Slaughter) making a lot of noise but the flagship book remains one of the best reads at the comic shops each time. Something is Killing the Children #27 by James Tynion, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design continues to push Erica into the line of danger with threats attacking her on multiple levels. Coming off the heels of the monumental issue #25, the new arc is raping up speed quickly. Before we jump into this review, can we all take a moment to acknowledge the Dan Mora cover!

That said, let’s dive into this issue, shall we?

Something is Killing the Children #27 - on Sale December 21st
Creative: James Tynion, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (Cover: Dan Mora)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

There’s a monster in Tribulation, New Mexico that Erica has re-emerged to take care of. Her presence has made the radar of the House of St. George who has unleashed Cutter to take care of Erica once and for all. Cutter has only just been attacking Erica but has struck the deepest cut with her murder of Erica’s ally Big Gary (see issue #25). Now recovering from her initial encounter with the monster, Erica is surviving with the help of Riqui, who is the reluctant “guardian” of Gabi, the sole witness to the monster’s initial killings.

This issue opens up to a flashback with Riqui talking with her girlfriend Fernanda. Fernanda is dying of cancer. She makes Riqui promise to look after Gabi after she’s gone. It’s an emotional sequence that will hit readers pretty hard. From here, the story shifts to Riqui making plans to take Gabi and Erica to the police station for protection. Erica overhears this and throws in a counter offer to handle the monster. This doesn’t sit exactly well with Riqui, but a resolution happens as they both are unaware what lies ahead. Erica is not ready to fight anything in her current state but isn’t going to let the monster win. Erica knows Cutter is lurking but not sure what her play will be.

Readers don’t wait long to see what Cutter’s up to. She makes a big move in her attempt to draw out Erica in Tribulation. After painting the narrative of how “evil” Erica is to the sheriff, Cutter unveils what’s next. Holy smokes, readers aren’t ready for what they see next. The final image…..GET READY! It will have fans on the edge of their seats waiting for the next chapter!

Tynion delivers a powerful opening with Riqui and her girlfriend. With everything we’ve seen thus far involving Riqui and Gabi, this moment puts so many extra emotions into their story. Seeing how Riqui is hurting watching her lover dying and flash forwarding to showcase her drive to keep Gabi safe blends perfectly. It’s counter balanced by the disturbing actions of Cutter. As readers have seen since her debut, Cutter is vicious and ruthless with her actions. This issue plants that idea up close to readers as her panel time displays how deranged she is and how much danger Erica is truly in. Pacing was never a problem here as the major plot points all connect for a fantastic read.

Dell’edera brings out the impact of Riqui and Fernanda’s talk with heartfelt emotion. The panels (with Muerto’s assist) will connect with the readers and does so much for the story if you’ve been reading since Riqui’s introduction. It’s extremely well done. From there, Erica and Riqui do have their moments in this issue, but nothing like the intensity and insanity that Cutter brings to this issue. No spoilers here but it’s a frightening set-up to display what’s she’s capable of. Readers have seen when she appears, nothing good comes from those panels. This issue has a 6 panel page that readers will see Cutter smiling about something happening. It’s almost a lost panel but it’s a subtle touch that conveys so much.

FINAL POINT: Something is Killing the Children #27 provides a roller-coaster of events to move the latest chapter of Erica Slaughter forward. Tynion, Dell’edera, and the creative team take readers on a journey with phenomenal writing and art that is second to none. SIKTC sets a high benchmark and always hits. Make sure you don’t miss this issue on new comic book day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Something is Killing the Children #27! Thanks for reading!

SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #27 (BOOM STUDIOS)

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