Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points!
For this edition, we are heading back into BOOM! Studios “Slaughterverse”. Last time fans saw Erica Slaughter, she was reeling from her encounter with Cutter. The emotional toll is still being felt by fans to this day. Where do things go from here?
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #36 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (BOOM! STUDIOS) heads into the past before showing Erica’s future.
Let’s take a trip back in Slaughterverse history!
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #36 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (BOOM! STUDIOS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story begins five years prior to the showdown with Cutter. A Young child named Randy is raiding their refrigerator. On the news, the news anchor mentions children being mauled. It is presumed a bear or wolf is responsible. Readers know all too well it is more than that.
Randy sneaks into a barn with the stolen food. A figure is waiting inside for Randy. It is Erica Slaughter. Their talk is broken up by a dog belonging to one of the victims. Erica bonds with the dog as she starts piecing together her hunt.
Readers watch as Erica tries solving this mysterious case. What is the monster up to? Why the specific targets? The case heads into a distinct direction. The fallout delves into the composition of Erica. It is a bittersweet closing as the soul behind the hunter starts revealing itself to the audience.
Tynion takes readers into a self contained moment of Erica’s early life to much delight. The case is very straight forward. Erica is written as a evolving hunter, honing her craft. The connection with Randy and the dog make for memorable moments. Readers sense Erica’s growing concerns as she sorts through the hunt. The resolution exposes some elements while re-establishing her distance from others. Few writers can make a simple story so layered but Tynion pulls it off flawlessly.
Dell’edera and Muerto do a wonderful job building a tense feel in the beginning section of the issue. The use of 4-6 panels on each page constructs a slow pace leading to reveals. The art team also catches Erica having some glimpses of happiness with her animal companion. It is rare for her guard to be let down, but works to break up the brooding aura. The parting images leave the case closed with a noteworthy ending panel. There is no question that one case is closed but many more have just been opened.
FINAL POINT: 9.4
The journey into Erica Slaughter’s past is filled with emotion and mystery with this latest chapter. Tynion’s superb writing is setting the stages for a long pay-off. Dell’edera and Muerto provide impressive imagery capturing a side of the legendary hunter rarely seen. It’s phenomenal work that shouldn’t be missed.
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