Jessica Slaughter may not have been the best mentor for a young hunter in training. On a mission in upstate New York, there has been a disconnect between her and Erica Slaughter. This rift isn’t solving a case of murders any faster. It certainly won’t keep both alive much longer.
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #44 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (BOOM! STUDIOS) continues its’ look into a past mission of Erica Slaughter.
Let’s take a closer look at where events land now.
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #44 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (BOOM! STUDIOS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
As with much of SIKTC, it is the best at slow burn drama. Tynion dives into the aspects of Aaron Slaughter for a good portion of the book. His search for answers leads into a roadblock at the Order of St. George. The writing is sharp as it showcases the quiet conflict. Once there is some ground broken, more is revealed to the audience. Whenever the Order is involved, there is no such thing as open and shut.
Readers see when the story swings back to Erica/Jessica, time is focused on Jessica’s perspective. The dialogue with her and a hotel employee jumps out. As more clues become into light, there seems to be darkness brooding in the background. This pushes towards a very surprising final act. Throwing in a flashback of Jessica’s into the game gives more weight to her erratic behavior here. It provides a few twists before bowing out gracefully. Another case of strong set-up which is never a bad thing.
Dell’edera and Muerto keep events very grounded for this issue. Aaron Slaughter’s morning routine is simple in nature. This is a calm before a larger storm. The eyes tell a story as the inquiry of a case causes tension. It is a very strong delivery while fine detail in presentation.
Erica and a witness to the case have an easier exchange of dialogue. There is much optimism on Erica’s face as she discusses events. This shifts quickly to Jessica’s methods. A suborn approach to hotel rules leads to the most impactful art of the book. The flashback sequence pops off the page. This is largely due to Muerto’s coloring. The light tones add more to the fear growing into the unknown. This builds into the final image. It sets the stage for a larger payoff much in this series winning formula of storytelling.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.8
What really happened on Valmont Mountain? The mystery continues to peel back layers in the latest SIKTC chapter. Tynion’s writing is relentless in building the drama. Dell’edera and Muerto bring out the tension with each panel. This series continues to set a high quality level of storytelling every time out.
Let me know your thoughts on SIKTC #44 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!