Something is Killing the Children: A Monster Hunter Walks Into a Bar #1

Something is Killing the Children (Single Issues)

by James Tynion IV (Writer), Werther Dell'Edera (Illustrator), Miquel Muerto (Colorist)

A must-read companion to the award-winning Something is Killing the Children series—collected in full for the first time!

Originally serialized across six parts in acclaimed anthology horror series Hello Darkness, this thrilling one-shot gathers the complete story in one epic release! Erica Slaughter moves from town to town, hunting the monsters that haunt the night—but this time, the story isn’t hers alone.

Told from the perspective of those she saved, this haunting anthology explores the legend and lasting impact of the mysterious monster hunter!

Genres: Comics, Horror, Graphic Novels, Fantasy

37 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2025

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-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: On speculation conflagration (wild theories), knowing not, communal grief, and booze relief: a cope and trauma plot.

*Progress update

[Frédéric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, effective, brilliant. Dell'Edera's artwork is, as always, extraordinary, the storytelling is fabulous, and Muerto's colours are magnificent.

Need I say more?

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Botond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say, this was much better without those terrible little comics from the Hello Darkness Anthology.
Not as amazing as the main series or House of Slaughter, and it certainly is not as mind-bending as the Book of __ issues, BUT it was fun. I'd say that it is quite a nice place to start if somebody wants to just pop their head into this universe and wants to see what everyone is so obsessed with. Especially now that Blumhouse and Netflix were both mentioned in connection with movie/series adaptations, I think people should start with this one if they wanna check the source material out.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this on my list to read but then when I saw it was an Eisner nominee I knew I had to own it as I begin collecting the entire series (though it's not over yet) because I am obsessed with the creativity, action, snark, and intelligence of SIKTC and in particular enamored with Erica Slaughter as the main character.

This issue is Erica in a bar at another small town where children have been killed and no real answers about what did it. Lots of theories though especially from the people at the bar.

It fits in so well with the overall story arc that it's an instant hit for me.

[audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just okay. It’s basically a one shot summary of the series’ premise. Almost like a sneak peak or preview marketing effort for someone who has not started reading Something is Killing the Children. You are better off just reading the actual series. Much more engaging than this.

This issue has a nice structure but again just summarizes what is already explained in the main series of issues. It’s for completely new readers not for those already in the know. 2/5 stars.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I do not think I would've enjoyed it as much serialized, as a one shot, I think it's fantastic. Tynion's done it again. A simple and yet effective structures that switches the perspective of the SIKTC stories, using the adults point of view that ends neatly with a bow.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was originally published as a serial in Hello Darkness #1-12. Erica Slaughter comes into a local bar for a drink and hears from various residents what they think happened to the dead children in their town. Good stuff just like the normal comic.

[Jon Coupal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great. A perfect little taste of the world again while we wait for more to the story. It had just the right amount of emotion, fear, and monster hunting.
And I'm glad I didn't have to read a bunch of issues of Hello Darkness to get it.

[Z. Yasemin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice side quest of Erica! Thanks Comic Con NY!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect oneshot from the perspective of the adults in the town. short and sweet. I can’t get enough of this universe!

[Bibli03fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the retrospective storytelling (I think thats what it's called) happening here. The way the author shows the town grieving and the way they cope is really cool

[Andres Pasten · Rating 4 out of 5]

buen número unitario