The early days of Erica Slaughter were never easy. Her interactions with the Order of St Dumas cast have been very complex. For better or worse, these encounters have molded the monster hunter. One that immediately jumps out as an example is Jessica Slaughter.
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #42 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (BOOM! STUDIOS) continues its look at a previous time in Erica’s life with Jessica.
Let’s take a closer look at how the drama starts to play out.
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #42 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design (BOOM! STUDIOS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Nobody in Comics does slow-burn drama like SIKTC. The beginning of this chapter is innocent enough. Tynion throws in more “normal” moments between two boys at a store. Their banter is playful enough until a sheriff walks in. The small town has a problem with a rising body count of children. Readers know it’s only a formality until Erica Slaughter arrives to investigate.
The dialogue with Jessica and Erica lends itself for a touch of comic relief. Seeing the young Erica having to cover tracks for Jessica proves a possible disconnect. It lends itself to ease back into the building drama. Tynion’s writing constructs a clear picture of what is unfolding. The closing pages re-enforce the dangers looming in the small town’s forest. It ends events on a striking finish while teasing an inevitable confrontation.
Dell’edera and Muerto welcomes readers into the quiet small town scenery. The panels reflect the snowy chill taking hold of the residents. Readers watch as the two clerks provide a pause for the rising drama. The facial reactions with the sheriff deliver on growing the threat lurking in the town. They also amplify when help arrives at their doorstep to help.
The interactions with Rainey, Jessica and Erica put more of a spotlight on Jessica than first thought. The two page spread confirms Jessica’s misdirection. It also leads into exposing Erica’s growing confidence in hunting. The remainder of the chapter steers back towards the threat reveal. Panels are more candid in delving into the problem. The closing pages tie into the full exposure of what’s causing the havoc. A striking full page image puts a definitive stamp on what is brewing. Fans should have no doubt what is on the horizon here.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
Erica’s latest flashback case starts setting the foundation of a can’t miss story here. Tynion plays the slow drama perfectly with the writing. Dell’edera and company lock in on the quiet backdrop to the rising threat in question. Whenever you head into an SIKTC tale, brace for the long haul. The payoffs never miss.
Let me know your thoughts on SIKTC #42 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
