Something is Killing the Children Book One Deluxe Edition

Something is Killing the Children #1-3

by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell'Edera (artist)

WHAT IS ABDUCTING THE CHILDREN OF ARCHER’S PEAK?

When the children in a sleepy Wisconsin town begin to go missing all hope seems lost. Most children never return, and those that do have terrible stories of terrifying creatures that live in the shadows. But even monsters fear the mysterious stranger that arrives shortly after. She believes the children and claims to be the only who sees what they can see.

Her name is Erica Slaughter. She kills monsters. This is all she does, and she bears the cost because it must be done.

The definitive collection of the entire “Archer’s Peak” saga for the first time in a single volume, this deluxe edition hardcover includes Something is Killing the Children #1-15 by GLAAD Award-winning writer James Tynion IV (Department of Truth, Batman) and artist Werther Dell-Edera (Razorblades).

Genres: Comics, Horror, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics, Thriller, Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

About the author

Prior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.

Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

(A-) 81% | Very Good
Notes: Review pending re-read. Individual reviews for included volumes can be found here:
- Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 1
- Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 2
- Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 3

[Brandon Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed!! Dark, moody, action packed, and weird. It was even a bit corny in how things were introduced and the dialogue, but in a fun way!!!

[mark monday · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this collection on the strength of the first couple issues of Tynion's Nice House on the Lake, which I thought were excellent. Unfortunately, this wasn't a great purchase. Art is fine: strikingly angular linework by Dell'Edera and disturbingly muddy colors by Muerto. The high-concept premise is entertaining: the secret order of St. George battles monsters made real by children's imaginations, and that only children can see. I appreciated the sensitivity he had in crafting his young, nascently gay child protagonist; the appealingly gruff lead monster-slayer was also fine and I loved how her eyes are drawn. And some nice low-key diversity that doesn't call attention to itself to score liberal points. But this is just such a clumsily told story. I was reminded of various CW Network shows that I've started and stopped after 2 aggravating episodes. Just so many hit-my-head d'uh moments by the supporting cast and irritating gaps in storytelling logic that are rushed over by Tynion. Also didn't enjoy the very graphic images of kids getting mangled and ripped apart, but I guess I can't hold that against a book that is literally titled "Something is Killing the Children"... anyway, won't be continuing this series.

[Rachels_booknook_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story and art, I only knocked a star off because the paneling was a bit screwy and not always easy to follow, in my opinion. I can’t wait to read what comes next!

[Machiavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread Oct 25- Wow — what an opener. James Tynion IV builds instant tension and small-town dread, then drops Erica Slaughter into the middle of it like a storm. Werther Dell’Edera’s art nails the tone: sketchy, shadow-heavy, and full of menace. It’s bloody, moody, and somehow heartfelt beneath the horror. I’m hooked — can’t wait to see where it goes next.

🩸 If you want to read my longer review, it’s live now on my Substack : MachLedger Reads:
machledger.substack.com/?utm_source=g...

Original review: Something Is Killing the Children: Deluxe Edition Vol. 1 absolutely delivers. It’s tight, tense, and instantly gripping—Tynion wastes no time pulling you into a world of monsters, secrets, and one seriously badass heroine. The pacing is sharp, the mystery keeps you hooked, and the art brings just the right amount of eerie atmosphere.

It’s one of those rare horror books that balances character, world-building, and suspense perfectly. I tore through it and immediately wanted more. 5/5—easily one of the best modern horror comics I’ve read.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect graphic novel for this year’s Halloween reading! This first arc in a longer series is a no-holds-barred thrill-ride abut a monster-hunter arriving at the small town of Archer’s Peak to investigate the bloody disappearances of a number of the town’s young kids. True to its great title, it doesn’t hold back in its disturbing and bloody monster attacks.



It’s well-written by Tynion with hints of a deeper world ripe for exploration in the future stories. And the character of Erika Slaughter is a fantastic new creation, a dedicated but haunted blade-wielding badass with just the right amount of sentimentality and who I’m sure will be cosplayed for years to come. If you want a good horror read, I highly recommend this one.

[Marnie (Enchanted Bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"WHEN YOU SHOWED UP... IT WAS LIKE I DUNNO. LIKE SOMEBODY CAME OUT OF A SUPERHERO MOVIE..."



What if your greats fears come to haunt you? What if those fears come to hunt your children?
Excellent monster hunting horror!

[Vinicius · Rating 5 out of 5]

ERICA SLAUGHTER EU TE AMO!!!

Depois de exaltar o quanto a Erica é embaçadissima, preciso falar o quanto esse quadrinhos é especular!! Tanto o roteiro do James Tynion IV, quanto os desenhos do Werther são absurdos, eles conseguem prender o leitor de maneira impressionante, eu simplesmente não conseguia parar de ler (só tive que parar pq precisava dormir para trabalhar), estava ansioso para poder continuar a ler e saber como a Erica resolveria toda a situação.

Something is killing the Children teve um hype absurdo na gibisfera, e agora entendo o motivo. É um gibi muito dinâmico, com roteiro bem fluido e com muita violência, os desenhos inclusive conseguem dar vida nas cenas mais viscerais.

Na trama vencedora de 3 Eisners, acompanhamos a Erica, uma Caçadora do que está matando as crianças, e aos poucos, vamos descobrindo o que está as matando e quem é a Erica, além de entender o porquê ela faz esse tipo de serviço.

Conforme a trama avança, alguns segredos vão sendo revelados, ao passo que os problemas que surgem em relação ao que está matando as crianças cresce de forma que foge ao controle da Erica, e aí descobrimos mais um pouco sobre seu trabalho, e mesmo com o fim da HQ, ficamos com um gosto de quero mais.

Ademais, as relações sociais que vão acontecendo no decorrer da trama e a sensibilidade que a Erica tem com as crianças, é tocante, conseguimos ver que ela realmente se importa e se sensibiliza com as pessoas que estão sofrendo.

Apesar da HQ se encerrar nesse volume com 15 edições, o final deixa uma ponta para continuação, inclusive há o volume 2 da série e o James Tynion continua com planos de sequência.

Something is killing the Children com certeza entrou para minha lista de quadrinhos favoritos, pois tem um roteiro muito bom, arte espetacular e uma protagonista excelente.

[OMNIBUS GOD · Rating 5 out of 5]

JAMES TYNION IV CONTINUES HIS REIGN AS COMICS CURRENT KING OF SUSPENSE THRILLERS!!

The town of Archer’s Peak Wisconsin has been plagued by missing children and even ones who have been murdered. No one has any clues as to who or what it could be, but it’s getting worse, and worse as the day’s go by. One of our main characters is a teenage boy named James. He is found to somehow be tied to some of these killings after the sheriff department finds him in the woods with his friends who are dead, and torn apart. He’s found innocent and claims to not know what happened, however what he really knows is something a lot of people wouldn't believe. He saw some sort of monster kill his friends that night, and that is where we get introduced to the hero of this whole story, Erica Slaughter. Working for the mysterious House of Slaughter and Order of St. George, she is a monster killing machine, and reveals that only kids can see the monsters as they are the only ones who can/do believe in them. It’s up to Erica to stop all the killings and move on to the next town, however things get more and more complicated, and the House of Slaughter has to get involved. The problem with that is they will go to any lengths to protect the secrets of the world, and if they need to take lives, they will.

Yet again, another book I probably should’ve checked out sooner. I was actually waiting for the spooky season to read this deluxe edition after it came out late last year. This series has gotten a lot of praise, and acclaim, and I can totally vouch and say it’s well deserved. James Tynion is absolutely amazing in this book and I gotta say it’s probably my favorite piece of work from him. The read was engaging and entertaining from start to finish, with really great dialogue and perfectly done pacing, this is an all around smash. Tynion also writes a very likable cast, even with a lot of the mysterious background from the main protagonist, Erica Slaughter. There’s great chemistry with her and everyone else in the book, it just made me want to dive deeper into the character, and I can’t wait to find out more about her. Tynion also does great work with his artist and lets the artwork breathe. There’s never too much dialogue for over-explanation and the whole storytelling is very streamline. This deluxe edition collects the first 15 issues and I loved that Tynion wrapped this part of the story nicely, but obviously left a lot open for more. I’m very excited for the next volume to be released and even to dive into the spin off series Tynion is setting up within the same world. Another smash hit from Mr. Tiny Onion.

As for the artwork, ALSO another absolute SMASH! Werther Dell’edera provides some outstanding artwork to an already outstanding story. All making the read a real satisfying one. I loved his action sequences and panel work in particular. His flow in fight scenes feels so great with the motion, and his paneling sets up some stellar shots and angles. He also does a fabulous job of displaying the background/setting of the read. There are a lot of panels/shots that leave a great impact due to detail in the background. Gruesome action scenes and cool ass designs for the characters and monsters, it’s all around wonderful work.

Also gotta give a huge shout out to Miquel Muerto who is the colorist on the book. His colors add a lot to the overall feel of the read, and help add that impact in the setting/environments. It’s really beautiful work that is extremely notable.

Overall; Tynion is just an amazing writer, what else can I say. No shit this read was gonna be awesome. He’s also once again joined by a very strong art team and it only makes the reads better. Absolutely no reason *not* to check this one out.

[Fraser Simons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was much better than I had expected. Basically, a girl blows into town when a town has a myriad of child murders and nothing much to go on, until one kid survives after seeing his friends murdered. He’s lying to the police about what actually happened.

The entire volume is centered around this one monster, so it’s not a monster of the week situation, which I’d expected. There’s nothing completely new here either, but it does execute its story well, pacing out quite a long arc. I really like the main mysterious girl character. The creatures themselves, again, nothing new, but it is more innovative than stories like these. Though this trend of literalizing beliefs is interesting. If you want the best, more literary version of this, you’d probably pick up something like Unwritten, or even Sandman, peripherally, has some things in common with how the creatures work.

This is a lot more grounded in horror, but in a cerebral, atmospheric way, so I dug it. I’ll be looking out for more volumes. Love the artwork and colouring. The paneling is a mixed bag: digitally it would be perfect; on the page, even with good gutter, it can be confusing to follow if it’s a double page spread moving left to right as one piece, or else flowing on one page normally. It is eclectic and engaging anyway, which is a step above most.

[Josh Brynildsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty spooky graphic novel. Fortunately, the art is just cartoony enough to make it unrealistic but not so cartoony as to lose the gravity of the narrative.

I wouldn’t anticipate this being converted into a film anytime soon.

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best first arcs ever in comics IMO.

James watches all his friends brutally ripped apart. Erica comes into town, she's a monster hunter. Meaning she'll hunt down all the monsters killing children and fuck them up. But things begin to spiral out of control and when we find out how many monsters there truly are, everything basically goes to hell.

James Tynion creates such a unbelievably realistic world in fantasy. All the characters feel like real life people, despite Erica and co fighting against fairy tale monsters created by people's mind. I love the art too, giving such life to characters with great emotive faces and reactions and cool as hell monster designs.

If you're a fan of horror, good character development, great pacing, and creative world, this is a comic you should/must be reading. A 5 out of 5.

[Remxo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty straight forward horror story. Very well executed. Excellent pacing. But I feel like Tynion left a couple of things on the table that would have added more depth and texture to the main character and her background. Nevertheless it's a page turner. I really loved the European art style on this.

Story 4/5
Art 5/5

While it's beautifully designed book, Boom! could have included more back matter. There's an interview with Tynion and the art team that was previously published in PanelxPanel, and a couple of character sketches by Dell’Edera. At least they should have included the covers for the individual issues.

[mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

screaming crying throwing up no words this was actually insane

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing story, good art style and liked the suspense. The panel layout was sometimes confusing as there was no real clear way of knowing how to read them besides trial and error.

[Matt Quann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooooh, a perfect spooky, Halloween-themed read! Great art, lots of monster mayhem, and the promise of a larger tale in the second volume. A full review of the series to follow after the second volume.

[Michael J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This over-sized deluxe hardcover edition that collects the entire 15-issue story arc is the perfect way to read this engrossing and disturbing tale of horror. If you're bothered by stories featuring child or animal killings then let the title of this book serve as an appropriate disclaimer/warning.
While I was pulled into Tynion's crazy story from the very beginning, it took a few issues to warm up to the Dell'edera's art style and Muerto's colorations. However, as I read further I began to appreciate how much the art team fully embraced this story and enhanced the atmosphere of dread with specific choices of images and shading.
Main character Erica Slaughter is a fascinating blend of Buffy and other strong female characters. Her depiction begins as mysterious and dark and then becomes more absorbing and empathetic as the situation progresses and gets worse for the troubled town. The supporting cast (James, Tommy, and others) is strong and well-developed. The main story/conflict was deeply troubling and provided plenty of suspense. Tynion begins to reveal more layers of Erica's background as the story moves beyond the initial single monster threat and morphs into a bigger problem that involves the secretive order that she reports to. I love rebellious characters with integrity and a personal sense of morality, and Erica has it in spades.

[Jesse A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong art with a story that is good but also hints at things much larger.

[Andrew Celli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monsters were underwhelming with regard to looking scary (they look like giant spiders) but the strong writing and story kept things interesting. Not that it bothers me, but just as a warning for those who it might bother, this story is also very gory.

[Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t really care for horror. This, though, is a slow burn of equal parts small-town mystery and dark fantasy, incredibly written with great pacing and developed characters, wrapped in dark scratchy illustrations and a muted color palette. All that’s to say, what an exciting, spooky read indeed.

[Tatiana Shorokhova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Хорошая основа для сериала Майка Флэнэгана, которой спокойно можно пренебречь. Очень повторяющийся, местами пафосный на пустом месте, и до обидного простой комикс про реальность выдуманных монстров, которые видны только детям и про тайную организацию, которая носит крутые банданы, но на самом деле убивает всех, чтоб про монстров никто не знал.

Ну такое.

[bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really just a stereotypical monster hunting story. Nothing more, nothing less. Erica is badass and I am really excited to see where she takes the series next. I'm really interested to learn more about how the Order of St. George operates and how it started. But what's keeping this series from being something truly great is that there isn't enough emotional connections or strong relationships for me to care or stay interested in the characters. Random characters are introduced and then killed off almost immediately. Characters really weren't developed enough for me to care about their plights or their losses. It almost felt like the characters were kept at an arms length away from the story. So in the end the story was just average.

[Devin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. The dialog was so cringe. The principal telling the kid he should have punched someone, girl who’s an “expert” monster hunter asks for the most powerful chainsaw then proceeds to get a tiny battery operated one used to trim hedges, girl being a know it all jerk to the cop while in interrogation and he’s mostly fine with it, employee openly admits to being drunk on the job, kid is told to stay outside the cave then guess what happens?? He goes in and gets shot. The mc is a whiny weak kid who has very little redeeming characteristics. You can’t make up how bad this thing is written.

[Derrick Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT. Just absolutely excellent. Gritty and violent but with such style that I just became OBSESSED. I can’t wait to read the next part!

[Vladimir Kostin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, will definitely read the next book

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really worried about reading this because of how action-focused the cover is. I fancy myself a quiet horror person--I like it literary, cerebral, with a few chunks of viscera sprinkled throughout. I fancy myself a Hannibal Lecter of horror taste (of the Mads Mikkelsen variety, though Brian Cox comes in a close second). A gourmand. Imagine me typing this in a burgundy dressing gown, slicked-back hair, and a fancy wooden pipe that only blows bubbles and hot air, and you'll get the level of highfalutin I fancy myself.

But then I remember my first horror loves being action-packed films and television--Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Walking Dead, and every slasher of the rainbow. Not to mention I grew up on action-adventure flicks.

Reading Something is Killing the Children, Book One felt like reading my horror family tree. Reading this was remembering my love for all the nerdy violent shit I grew up on: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and the ilk. I thrive on a good fight scene, guys. Probably cuz my knees are shit and I have about the same level of understanding of how the human body works as an earthworm does. But, boy, do I get jazzed seeing Erica Slaughter do some slaughtering.

Erica is a mysterious young woman who rolls into small-town Wisconsin where several children have turned up dead and many more are missing in the community. Missing Child flyers are basically this town's new tumbleweed. Erica approaches and quickly (however reluctantly) bonds with the only 8th-grader to have seen the killer monster and survived, a young gay kid named James who's just trying to sort out his trauma and sees in Erica a chance at avenging his friends. The rest of the book is about all the bumps in the road that come from both the townsfolk as well as Erica's House of Slaughter, which is a cryptic organization founded on killing monsters and saving children.

This graphic novel is very well-rounded, featuring an invigorating art style, brilliant color decisions, and, my favorite, wonderful characterization. Namely, if it wasn't obvious yet, Erica Slaughter. Erica is a Buffy-esque character if Buffy was raised by the Council and took it seriously at least until she was old enough to fend for herself. However, apart from the similarities in thriving on a good fight and kicking some serious ass, Erica and Buffy are quite different in terms of personality. Joss Whedon (resident Problematic Uncle in the nerd community, and, no, we don't forgive him for it) developed Buffy to be a play on contrasts--bubbly and powerful. Erica Slaughter is far more jaded, carries a weight on her shoulders as well as a decent-sized chip, and is utterly brutal. She's death metal Buffy. And I like her.

It's got action, it's got style, it's got bloodnguts, and it's got Erica. It's not going to be for everyone, but I am exactly this book's target audience, and I'm not ashamed.

For fans of: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003), Supernatural (2005-2020), Stranger Things (2016-present), The Keeper by Tananarive Due, The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix, The Low Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machado, Man Made Monsters by Andrea Rogers, Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle, You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron, Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare, The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This came close to a five star read for me. Imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Supernatural but without the quips, that it is every bit as heartbreaking and hard as monster fighting really would be. Honestly I did miss the interjections of humor because this is unrelentingly dark.

The title says it all. The premise is simple, the monsters are thought-forms being birthed by the fears and imagination of children and they are absolutely deadly. (I sort of wish there had been a less conventional shape given to them in the art). Archer's Peak, small town Wisconsin (honestly seems pretty close to the small towns in WI that I lived in) has a monster problem. More than a half dozen children are dead and the survivor of a multi-boy death scene is James, currently under suspicion of killing his friends.

Erica Slaughter rolls up into town to this. One complaint I do have is Erica looks way too much like Buffy (blond ponytail, same clothing aesthetic). Erica works for the House of Slaughter within the Order of St. George, a monster hunting group that makes the Winchesters' hunters and Buffy's Watchers look like pikers in the douchebag competition. And without much in way of spoilers, that was one of the reasons I didn't go for the fifth star. St George is SO heartless. On one hand I get it. Tommy Lee Jones's speech in Men in Black ran through my head, a person is logical but people are panicky creatures. They're not really so much out to fight the monsters but to contain knowledge of them (I guess the chain smoking man from The X-Files is in charge...)

Erica is basically rogue at this point. She wants to fight the monsters and save the kids, not just contain their secrets. She teams up with James to see if she can get to the root of it all. Her people, however, send Aaron Slaughter (who is the center piece of the prequel comics House of Slaughter) to rein her in and failing that the rest of the group is on their way to Archer's Peak and they have no qualms about killing half the town if they have to.

It's bloody. It's dark. It's exciting. There is a really cool transgressive element to the order that I don't want to give away but you'll never look at children's toys the same way again, also kind of loved their bandanas with the fanged teeth.

This hardcover volume contains the entire first arc and while the 50$ cover price seems high, it's less than buying the three softcovers (to get the same storyline) and the original comics have gone skyhigh. Personally I thought it was worth it. I have the series on my pull list now.

[Kirsty✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read volumes 1 -3 in a few hours, and honestly, that was the best few hours of my life.

This edition of the series is relatively quite good and worth the money.
I've read quite a few graphic novels, and there was one comic that kept my attention, and that was the Saga series, but from reading something is killing the children, it has become my second favourite series.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy thrillers and horror as this is definitely a book that fits that category.

Trigger Warnings:
Blood, Body horror, Gore and Homophobia

My Favourite characters:
Erica, Tommy, James, Bian and Aaron

My least Favourite characters:
Cecilia

Rating:
5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Guilherme Smee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considero James Tynion IV um dos grandes nomes dos quadrinhos estadunidenses atuais. Acredito que não deixei de gostar de nenhum dos trabalhos que ele desenvolveu os roteiros sozinho. Ele é muito bom especialmente em tramas de horror. E Something is Killing The Children definitivamente é uma trama bastante gore. Trata-se de monstros dilacerando e devorando criancinhas de uma cidade do interior dos EUA. No meio disso tudo temos um garoto com estresse pós-traumático e síndrome do sobrevivente que todos acusam de ter cometido os crimes e uma loira esquisitona que promete pra ele que vai dar cabo de todos os monstros que afligem a cidade. SIKTC é outra daquelas narrativas que a gente só quer desgrudar quando souber tudo sobre ela. Acontece que dentro dessa história não tem só invetsigação de assassinatos. Tem também sociedades secretas e bichinhos de pelúcia sinistros, tem muitos e muitos segredos que prometem ser revelados nas edições seguntes. A Devir trouxe as 15 edções desse arco num encadernado só de quase 400 páginas em capa cartão. Ponto para a Devir. Contudo, a forma como o layout da HQ é desenvolvido, com páginas simples e duplas muito semelhantes, pode confundir o leitor. Isso porque o espaço que fica onde as páginas são coladas dificulta o dicernimento do layout das páginas. Várias vezes me peguei lendo como página simples uma página dupla e vice-versa. Fora esse problema que deve ocorrer em todas as complições desse tipo da HQ, SIKTC é sensacional e vale o seu tempo e dinheiro. Como um empurrão adicional para lê-la, vale dizer que em breve vai virar série de streaming da Netflix pelos mesmos produtores de DARK. Enquanto isso a HQ segue sendo publicada lá fora. Não bobeia e corre atrás!

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going directly to my best readings of 2023.

James Tynion IV shows again why he is one of the best writers today, with, already, 2 Eisner awards as best writer for this series.

The art is definitely not behind as it does a great job showing all the terror this story has to offer.

A great story that left me wanting to read more.

I'm not sure I can wait for the next Portuguese editions. I'll probably buy the next volumes in English. That is how much I loved this.