Comic Book Review - Something Is Killing The Children #22

Rob reviews Something Is Killing The Children #22...

James Tynion IV's blockbuster; Something Is Killing The Children has entered its second story arc. With the events of Archer's Peak well in the past, Erica Slaughter has moved on to another town that has a monster problem. Yet in doing so she's caught the attention of the 'House of Cutter' who are sending their unique agent to apprehend her. 

After the first series, and the House of Slaughter spin-off you'd think that James Tynion and Werther Dell'Edera would have shown us everything there is when it comes to gore. Yet, Something Is Killing The Children #22 manages to break this mould in a new - and horrific way. The opening pages introduce us to slaughter as Human and monster bodies lay in twisted positions across a house. What makes this more extreme, is that a couple have their eyes pinned open and there are splashes of blood everywhere. 

Before you can fully grasp what did this, Tynion introduces us to an unnamed woman who's silently making a cup of tea. She's then interrupted by another unnamed figure with orders to head off to New Mexico. After past events, Erica has been classed as a rogue agent and as such House Slaughter has sent out a plea for help. Answering this call is The House of Cutter which is the house where these two mysterious characters belong.

Meanwhile in New Mexico, Erica spends the majority of this issue dealing with Gabriella Lopez. After seeing her family murdered by Something that she can't quite comprehend, Gabrielle isn't up for answering Erica's questions. Heading back to the bar, we then get more character building as Gabi and Riqui share a heart to heart. Well, it's not quite that, but Tynion does a lot to build upon their relationship, especially now that Gabi's family are dead, and Riqui had feelings for Gabi's aunt. 

This then leaves Erica to investigate the crime scene. While we don't get a lot of information what we do learn is that the creature is possibly a 'Duplicitype' and their particularly tough to take on. Before anything else is revealed, Erica soon finds herself arrested and taken away by Sherrif Carter. 

Aside from its opening, Something Is Killing The Children #22 is a pretty slow-paced issue. James Tynion still manages to utilise this pacing to add more tension and intrigue to his story. Not only do we see that Erica is potentially in way over her head, but it's also the calm before the oncoming storm for the town and its inhabitants. 

Werther Dell'Edera manages to captivate the reader with another showcase of brutal - yet - beautiful artwork. The opening page delivers a quick shock to the reader as things then take on a more soft approach as the town enters its twilight hours. 

While most of this issue is taken over with character progression, it's a welcome change. The slower pace gives us time with these characters before the poop hits the fan. That opening scene is certainly a talking point for the whole series, and if anything it highlights that there's a lot more coming our way. 

Rating: 9/10

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