Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, Erica Slaughter has never been challenged on this level by a threat that is poised to eliminate her once and for all in the pages of one of the best comics on the market. Something is Killing the Children #28 by James Tynion, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design for BOOM! STUDIOS sees the walls closing in on Erica while trying to save a small town. Let’s not delay any longer and dove into this issue, shall we?

Something is Killing the Children #28 - on Sale January 11th

Creative: James Tynion, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design

Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Tribulation, New Mexico has a monster problem, literally. An evil creature is on the loose. Erica has re-emerged from hiding to protect the lone survivor of its’ initial attack and stop the creature from killing more. Erica has become a reluctant ally to Riqui, a bartender who is the “guardian” of Gabi, a teenager who watched her family be slaughtered.

All the while, the Order of St. George looks to tie up the loose end known as Erica Slaughter by having Cutter take her out. In a short time, Cutter has been systematically striking Erica with personal blows and precise planning. At the end of last issue, she helps the creature turn into a “duplicate” of Erica, framing her for more killings. Now on the move, Erica is a wounded target trying to figure out what’s next.

This issue kicks off with Erica, Riqui and Gabi driving to the police station. Gabi has a conversation with Erica about her “companion” which reveals how Erica making a stand might get everyone killed. As they arrive at the station, Erica is arrested on sight for “murders across the country” due to the manipulations of a “federal agent” on the Sheriff. Erica tries warning of the set-up but the sheriff won’t listen and takes all three into the station.

With Gabi and Riqui kept inside a locked office at the station and Erica handcuffed to the interrogation table, the agent appears. Cutter has now arrived at the front door ready to confront Erica.

What unfolds next is a frightening scenario of events. Readers will not be ready for Cutter’s next moves. Has Cutter committed checkmate on Erica? is there any hope to survive what’s coming next? The final moments of this book will shake readers up and you won’t be able to wait for the next issue to see how everything plays out.

Absolutely fantastic issue. The issue is constructed perfectly in its pacing. Tynion takes his time setting up events for the dramatic closing moments. The build works as Erica knows what’s about to unfold and can do nothing about it. This sense of despair will hit with readers and only adds more impact when Cutter arrives. In only a few pages, the plan of attack Cutter demonstrates sinks in and will haunt readers for what’s next. It’s brutal, unforgiving and gives the sense that Erica won’t survive this time, which is what every great antagonist should be presenting.

The artwork by Dell’edera & Muerto brings Cutter’s twisted plans to life without holding anything back. From the moment Cutter arrives at the station, the feel of the book shifts with such tension. Seeing how psychotic Cutter is with her plans’ execution was an intense visual to play out. It’s only matched by the frustration of Erica who slips further into doubt of finding a way out of this. One of the final images solidifies that frustration carrying readers into the next issue.

FINAL POINT: One of the great strengths of SIKTC is when they play a slow build, the payoff never disappoints. This rings true again with this issue. Tynion, Dell’edera, Muerto & the team ramp up the drama with incredible storytelling and art to push Erica into a dire situation with very little signs of hope. Do not miss this issue at the LCS this week.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of SIKTC #28. Thanks for reading!

SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #28 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Ken M