Erica Slaughter. The complex monster hunter has always been a magnet for trouble. Even in her early days, Slaughter has had a shroud of mystery haunting her. Before moving on from the battle with Cutter, there has been a focus to look at her past.
With the 5 year anniversary of the “Slaughterverse” at hand, a prequel is very fitting. It allows for a key change in direction to form. A new player entering the deadly game. Who is this imposing figure and what do they want with Erica?
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #0 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (BOOM! STUDIOS) takes readers back to right before the Archer’s Peak mission.
Let’s not wait any longer & see where things lead now.
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #0 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (BOOM! STUDIOS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Even with a prequel, nobody has mastered the craft of “slow burn drama” like James Tynion IV. A simple case morphs into an introduction for a debuting threat. The conversation between Sarah and Victor brings forth many avenues for drama. Sarah’s recap of events plays into the foundation of Erica’s drive. It is capped off by a subtle panel of Sarah hugging Erica. At this moment, readers watch as Erica lets her guard down just enough to be “normal”. It’s a side rarely seen. Readers watch a break in her armor form but not for too long.
Pacing keeps the emotions running high all chapter. The remainder of the hunt plays into familiar territory. Erica handles her business before getting the call for the next case. Once the attention is back on Sarah and Victor, Tynion finally dishes a cold response to Sarah’s impactful support of Erica. The fallout drops a big reveal as readers find themselves wrapped up in the chaotic landscape of the Order of St. George. With a superb cliffhanger, the sins of the past might find their way into the present timeline. Can Erica hope t survive? Only time will tell.
Dell’edera and Muerto continue to balance the build and create exciting panels for this special issue. The flashback sequences pop right off the page. With Muerto’s excellent coloring, the scenes come across as warm and feature Erica in a new sense. The full page image of Erica hugging Sarah is an easy connect with readers.
It plays off the multi panel pages of Victor and Sarah recapping. The art paints him as a charismatic being looking for details. With each page, readers can feel the tension building around Victor. These moments are briefly overshadowed by a two page conclusion to the flashback. The “feel good” moment is short lived as Victor comes to the end of this questions. His response speaks volumes of his character. With the final two pages, it becomes crystal clear of how imposing he will become in the present. The use of shading in the closing panel sells readers on what lies ahead as year 6 begins for the Boom! Studios franchise.
FINAL POINT: 9.4
The prequel mission before Archer’s Peak hits many emotions as SIKTC delivers another fantastic read. Tynion’s slow burn writing keeps readers locked in wy before the last pages. Dell’edera and Muerto provide the backdrops for an initial hunt which leaves many questions in its’ wake. Brace for the forthcoming impact. SIKTC is back in a big way!
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