Comic Book Review - Something Is Killing The Children #33

Trials and tribulations as I return to SIKTC…

It’s been quite a while since I last sat down to review James Tynion IV’s groundbreaking Something Is Killing The Children. While I’ve not put my thoughts down in a review, I have been keeping up with Erica’s latest work in the (not so) sleepy backwater town of Tribulation. So, with SIKTC # 33 now in the wilds, I’ve decided to jump back into the thick of it. 

Calling this latest issue “the thick of it” is quite an overstatement. Don’t get me wrong, while there are small gains made to pushing the story forward, it’s incredibly frustrating. Moving on from issue #32 the cast are still in the somewhat down-time area of their troubles. The Duplicitype still out there, and with the arrival of the newcomers you’d think there’d be a lot going on. Instead we get an issue that focuses on the inevitable battle between Erica and Cutter. 

Over the course of the 30-something pages, there’s very little to get excited about. Where the series has had its “filler” issues in the past, #33 feels like a filler filler. The intensity that’s been there in the past somewhat fizzles out in this issue as we get very umpth that has made the series quite a page turner. Instead we get the focus on the calm before that climatic battle that sends as many ripples as throwing a pebble into a still lake. While we do get a glimpse of adrenaline with the appearance of the Duplicitype, it feels like an afterthought rather than a necessity to push things forward. 

However it’s not all bad as some aspects did raise a smile. The conversation between Erica and “Gary” added a very brief moment of lightheartedness, and played upon Erica’s injuries - mainly her arm. Likewise the “banter” between Gabi and Erica also helped to ease the tension. The real scene stealer came down to Cutter who literally grabbed the attention from every panel she was in - however her presence was criminally under used. 

As always Werther Dell’Edera and Miquel Muerto work well together in creating some striking art. Each character has a striking presence on the page. And Dell’Edera’s design for the Duplicitype oozes all the horror you’d expect. Likewise Muerto perfectly balances a town at dusk with some subtly warm tones, and chilling shadows. While SIKTC #33 shows down its narrative - its its art that keeps things interesting. 

Overall, Something Is Killing The Children #33 isn’t going to go down as one of the series greats. It’s a simple filler episode that aims to push Erica closer to her final confrontation with Cutter. While the story may push you away, stay for the art. 

Rating 6/10 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on X/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews, and BlueSky @geekculturereviews.bsky.social