Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 9

Something is Killing the Children

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

The saga of Erica Slaughter continues with a bold new chapter from bestselling writer James Tynion IV and award-winning illustrator Werther Dell’Edera.

Erica Slaughter's haunted past is finally revealed, as her upbringing in the House of Slaughter comes to light. Experience her most formative years as a monster hunter, and discover just how she came to earn her teeth as a black mask...

Collects Something is Killing the Children #41-45.

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

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2026

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-) 80% | Very Good
Notes: Compares, contrasts, relives the past, buried pain erupts, a broody mood, but too subdued, and ends way too abrupt.

*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #41-43 ◦ Issues #44-45

[Sean Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine volumes in, you'd think the kids would start to get it.

Nope--still getting killed.

Dummies.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica Slaughter 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love what’s in this volume but I hate how short the volumes are. Sorry but this simply feels so unsatisfying to read. It doesn’t even end at a point where it would make sense. That’s the biggest issue with this whole series really imo. Unless this is supposed to be a whole flashback arc, I don’t see why they wouldn’t try to fit this whole flashback in one volume. At most two, I guess we will see

[Frédéric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A flashback to Erica's past, when Jessica was still alive but clearly depressed and at the end of her tether.

Tynion and Dell'Edera – and Muerto on colours, let's not forget – once again deliver a brilliant composition, relentless storytelling that builds irresistible tension with vibrant characters full of pent-up emotions.

A masterclass in narration and characterisation.

[Alexandra Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Erica, the weight of the burdens you carry! Really loved this look into the lore of House of Slaughter and the complexities of Erica and Jessica’s relationship. Enjoyed the parallel story telling intertwined into the main story as well. Amazing artwork and top tier visual story telling, as always. Volume Nine pulled me back in immediately and the cliff hanger was delightful. 🪚

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I was even reading the individual issues on Hoopla until the publisher pulled them from the platform. So I was behind and when Vol. 9 arrived from the library, I went and got 7 and 8 also. So I reread all that led up to Vol. 9 and was totally sucked in. The only knock against this volume is that it doesn’t complete the story arc. (And that it is a flashback story that stalls again the forward movement of the main storyline.) This collected volume does what I like best about this series and examines grief and relationships. And the burden of ugly work that never ends. And a hero who lives by a code, her own. The horror aspect is secondary. The insights into Erica’s emotional loyalty to her mentor as well as the complicated connections to her fellow trainees and the House of Slaughter itself are wonderful. One can only hope some of this will prove pertinent to the main storyline when it restarts.

The artwork is special also. Some of the scenic landscapes are beautiful and perfectly set the proper mood. The ancillary characters are drawn quirky, unique, and memorable. They are not written nor drawn as throw-aways. Much of the title’s black humor and creepy terror emanate from them. The panel layouts and pacing work well, especially the closeups of lips and eyes and mouths that build up the emotional point. What he does with characters’ eyes to reveal emotions is excellent. And when he springs a full page panel on us, it is right on time. Can’t wait to continue reading this series.

[Tobin Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much a prologue to the main story coming in Vol 10, but still filled with some intrigue in both past, and before the past.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt too short and didn't have as much depth as usual, I reckon, but still a cool part of the broader story.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

unfair that the best one in a while came out last week and now i need to go to the comic book store instead of the library

[Brandon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

These prequel stories are where some of the best work in this series is done. This is an excellent story arc (really the first half of one) exploring Erica and Jessica's early relationship, presumably how Erica earned her teeth, and ghosts of Jessica's (and others') pasts.

An absolute must read installment in a must read series.

Read March 23, 2026.

Thanks to Boom Studios and Netgalley for the eARC.

[Madeleine · Rating 2 out of 5]

no resolution to the plot at hand nor the newly introduced backstory

[Alex Sarll]

We're deep into flashback territory here, little baby Erica (those eyes looking even bigger) on a ski resort monster-hunting mission with her increasingly sozzled mentor. Plus, the mentor is herself flashing back to her own trainee days in that same location, and a past mission where something didn't go as planned. Quite what, we still don't know by volume's end, because this is also a flashback in format, to the days of decompression, two-page spreads given over to a supporting character getting dressed. Which, yes, builds tension in that particular instance, and you can never say doesn't look good on the page. And given I always read SIKTC from the library or, as here, in a Netgalley ARC, I'm not complaining too much. But with how much comics cost these days, if I were shelling out monthly, I likely would be.

[Yoshiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

POPKULTUROWY KOCIOŁEK: Kiedy bierze się do ręki Coś zabija dzieciaki tom 9, pierwszą rzeczą, jaka rzuca się w oczy, jest powrót do korzeni tej opowieści. Po ostatnich omach, które niektórzy fani uznawali za nieco zbyt rozciągnięte, James Tynion IV postanowił zrobić krok w tył. Powrót do genezy Eriki Slaughter, do czasów jej młodości, to nie tylko sprytny zabieg marketingowy, ale przede wszystkim konieczność fabularna. Fani od dawna chcieli bowiem wiedzieć, co tak naprawdę wydarzyło się w życiu tej dziewczyny, że stała się tym, kim jest.

Takie podejście do scenariusza oznacza również jedno. Zamiast pierwszoplanowej widowiskowej walki z potworami dostajemy historię, która w dużej mierze opiera się na atmosferze, relacjach między postaciami oraz powolnym odkrywaniu tajemnic. Potwory tutaj to nie tylko te krwiożercze monstra czające się w lasach wokół Valmont, ale też demony przeszłości, traumy i toksyczne relacje wewnątrz samej organizacji.

Najważniejszym elementem tego tomu jest powrót do młodości Eriki Slaughter. Erica, którą znamy z wcześniejszych historii, jest chłodna, opanowana i bezlitosna wobec potworów. Tutaj natomiast widzimy ją jako młodą dziewczynę, która dopiero uczy się zasad panujących w świecie łowców. To właśnie ten kontrast działa w komiksie najlepiej. W młodej Erice wciąż widać emocje, ciekawość i momentami nawet naiwność. Popełnia błędy, zadaje pytania i czasami reaguje impulsywnie. Dzięki temu postać wydaje się bardziej ludzka i bliższa czytelnikowi

Dużą i ważną rolę odgrywa tu również relacja między Ericą a jej mentorką Jessicą Slaughter. Jessica to postać tragiczna. Widzimy kobietę na skraju załamania. Lata walki z potworami, patrzenia na śmierć dzieci i życie w cieniu Domu Slaughterów zrobiły z niej wrak człowieka, co skrzętnie ukrywa pod maską profesjonalizmu. Ich wspólna misja w ośrodku Valmont pokazuje, jak trudne potrafią być relacje w świecie łowców potworów. Dialogi między bohaterkami są naturalne i dobrze oddają napięcie, które narasta wraz z kolejnymi wydarzeniami. Czasami są to krótkie wymiany zdań, innym razem dłuższe rozmowy, które odsłaniają fragmenty ich przeszłości i motywacji.

Do pozytywów komiksu należy również zaliczyć sposób prowadzenia fabuły. Autor serii od dawna stawia na powolne budowanie napięcia. W dziewiątym tomie ten styl jest szczególnie widoczny. Historia rozwija się spokojnie, momentami wręcz bardzo powoli. Pozwala to lepiej poznać bohaterów, rozumieć towarzyszące im emocje i odkryć świat przedstawiony. Na pewno taka forma opowieści wpływa na gęstość klimatu, ale nie wszyscy będą z tego zachwyceni. Niektórzy czytelnicy, zwłaszcza oczekujący mocniejszej akcji, mogą poczuć pewien niedosyt. Wiele scen skupia się tu bowiem na rozmowach, obserwacji bohaterów czy budowaniu atmosfery. Potwory oczywiście pojawiają się w historii, ale nie są głównym elementem tej części opowieści. Zamiast tego dostajemy więcej informacji o świecie Zakonu oraz o zasadach, które nim rządzą....

https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/cos-z...

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing from Volume 4 of Something is Killing the Children, the backstory of Erica's origins in joining the House shows her progressing to become an efficient killer. However, despite how many monsters she had eliminated, she is not quite ready to fly solo, and her mentor, Jessica, knows that. The duo have been traveling around a lot lately, in a surge of monster attacks they managed to squash. However, Erica is noticing how exhausted Jessica has been lately, along with her evident alcoholism. Her concerns for her mentor is justified in that they are to return to a mountain resort for recent child attacks that is also somehow related to Jessica's own past as an apprentice. Can the duo face off against the threat when it seems like neither of them are ready to face their own demons?

So like Volume 4, this is an exploration of Erica's past as a newbie. If Volume 4 was about her learning the ways of the House, then Volume 9 here is her having to make the transition to being a solo hunter. The plot itself is generally slow, but has buildup to potentially what may be the reason why Erica is on her own in the present timeline. Additionally, there is exploration of Jessica's origins and how she is connected to the other House members. Sadly, this volume ends on a cliffhanger that build ups the stakes, but doesn't progress much in the backstory. On a positive side, the illustrations, while still consistent, is a little more expressive here I noticed with the character's facial features. Of course, this may have been because I haven't picked up this series for a while. I am still fond of this series and will gladly wait until the next volume is ready to see the ultimate foretold fate of Erica and Jessica.

[Pi]

COŚ ZABIJA DZIECIAKI tom 9, to jest prawdziwa jazda bez trzymanki. Wprawdzie czytałam - poza tomem 9 - wyłącznie tom 8, ale zdecydowanie 9 wygrywa. Jest to wysoko angażujące dzieło, w którym akcja pędzi jak szalona... ale potrafi też zwolnić, w ten tajemniczy, duszny sposób, który wywołuje u czytelnika zatrzymanie krążenia.
Zdecydowanie warto zwrócić uwagę na tę serię i ja żałuję, że nie poznałam jej od tomu 1. Główna bohaterka Erica Slaughter, jest osobowością złożoną, skrywającą niejeden sekret. Jest też postacią, z którą łatwo się utożsamić, ma w sobie coś ostrego, a mimo to sympatycznego - to barwna kobieta/dziewczynka.
Dlaczego kobieta/dziewczynka? Ponieważ poznajemy ją niechronologicznie. Czytelnik skacze z teraźniejszości do przeszłości a cały tom 9 jest ukłonem w przeszłość bohaterki. Coś, co może czasem denerwować, tutaj okazuje się, że zdaje egzamin na 5. Dzięki tym retrospekcją Erica Slaughter okazuje się naszą kumpelą, kimś - z kim chciałoby się iść razem w las... na potwory.
Co jeszcze? Miejsce akcji! Rewelacyjny, klimatyczny ośrodek w górach/lesie... a dzieci giną jak muchy. Świetna kreska, rewelacyjne wnętrza, kolory w punkt i fabuła, którą wciąga i nie puszcza. Oczywiście tom 9 kończy się w tak niewygodnym miejscu... ech trzeba czekać na 10. Ja czekam z niecierpliwością!

dzieciaki giną w lesie
tom 9
COŚ ZABIJA DZIECIAKI
nonstopcomics
egzemplarz recenzencki

[Bexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 9 brings us back to the past with a young Erica and Jessica traveling the states looking for monsters so Erica can get her first kill. They head up to a mountain resort, where things "happened" when Jessica was a teen. Jessica spends most of the book drunk, but still manages to hold things together. The book jumps further back to Jessica's first time on the mountain, before letting us watch Jessica's and Erica's relationship devolve.

Meanwhile, back at the House, Adda, the woman who was with Jessica and Cece the first time, is trying to tell the others about what they need to watch out for. She's not able to speak, and most of the time, they believe that she's old, frail, and unable to do anything. Aaron keeps track of Erica and Jessica, and he wants to know what happened the first time on the mountain. Those files are restricted.

The local folks on the mountain aren't taking the deaths seriously and keep going out on the trails. The owners of the resort refuse to let the building close. People don't take any of it seriously until a large attack occurs and one child is left behind.

The artwork is fantastic as always. I enjoy these backstory volumes, but am grateful this wasn't as gut-wrenching as volume 4. If you've made it this far in the series, you're going to like this book.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Erica Slaughter's training continues in this latest volume, following Erica and her mentor Jessica on the start of another mission. Erica is worried about Jessica and thinks she needs a break, but unfortunately the House of Slaughter does not agree. They get sent to Valmont Mountain House right on the heels of their latest hunt. But Jessica has been to Valmont before, and Erica doesn't know precisely what happened that previous time. Can she help Jessica through this mission, and through the memories of her past, or will the dangers at Valmont prove too terrible to handle?

Something is Killing the Children continues to be a stellar read. I haven't picked up the series in quite a while and was worried that I wouldn't remember enough of the story, but happily I fell back into the world with ease and was able to join along as Erica and Jessica's latest misadventures. The mystery around Valmont is building up and the tension lies both in wanting to learn what happened last time hunters were there and also in seeing whether Erica's fears about Jessica not being fit for this hunt are founded. Unfortunately this volume cuts off without an end to this particular story arc, so I'll be eagerly awaiting volume ten to see what happens next.

[East of Reality · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book collects volumes 41-45 and shows more of Erica’s training under — or rather, her trailing after — Jessica, the woman who saved her from the monsters and welcomed her into the Slaughter family and their duties as monster killers. Erica spends much of her time in this book worried about Jessica, who drinks too much, sleeps too little and works too hard. For all that she and Erica aren’t related, she’s the only family Erica has, and she’s worried about her, especially when Jessica shows signs of strain and distraction as the two head to Valmont Mountain House.

As ever, I love the art, and I like seeing the bond between Erica and Jessica reflected in how Erica treats the young children she manages to save. However, this is only four chapters, and ends on a cliffhanger which … isn’t my favorite. I get it, with the way comics are meant to be enjoyed, in small, bite sized, serialized bits, but I personally want instant gratification.

Still. I love the story, I like the characters, and I can’t wait to see more! Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The History We NEEDED!

Something is Killing the Children Vol. 9 is exactly the kind of backstory feast I love. It is rich, tense, and dripping with emotional shrapnel. This volume cracks open the hidden history of Erica Slaughter, giving us standalone journeys through her early hunts that finally pull the curtain back on how she became a Black Mask. We even get the thrilling deep-dive into Jessica, whose unraveling and mentorship have always loomed like a shadow behind Erica’s legend. It’s such a weirdly delicious experience: we already know where Erica ends up, we already know the tragedies that stamp themselves into her bones, and still… watching these formative moments unfold feels devastating in slow motion. There’s something electric about seeing the pieces click into place. The finale of Jessica in a snowy town from her past. The knowledge that Jessica already knows this town and the monsters that live there. I cannot wait for Volume 10 to come and destroy me emotionally. This series makes me feel all the emotions, but this arc feels powerful, inevitable, and heartbreakingly human.

[Mox Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who really knows me, or honestly, anyone who’s seen me in the past year, knows how deep my love for James Tynion IV’s work runs. Something Is Killing the Children has become a particular obsession, to the point where I have the Order of Saint George symbol tattooed on my right lower arm, placed exactly where Erica Slaughter bears it. It makes for an effortlessly lazy cosplay with a white tank top or even just my bloody teeth black mask.

By Volume 9, the series feels more assured than ever. While the expanding web of spin-offs and shifting timelines can make the world intimidating for new readers, longtime fans are rewarded here with a deeper, more intimate look at Erica’s past, especially her complicated history with Jessica and the painful weight of Jessica’s downward spiral involving alcoholism. Having followed the series since before the spin-offs and flashbacks, I loved getting this insider perspective on what shaped our main character. With the story continuing to evolve, and with upcoming animated and film adaptations on the horizon, I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes them.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something is Killing the Children is the story of Erica Slaughter. After the deaths of her parents by an unseen by most adults monster, Erica was taken in by a monster hunter and raised in a secret society dedicated to hunting monsters and keeping the world in the dark from the nightmares that hunt children.

This volume takes place in the past, showing Erica as she joins her mentor Jessica on a hunt at a snowy resort that has a history of monster issues. After having read the previous eight volumes I have been looking forward to this one. The chance to learn more about how Erica was raised and her relationships with Jessica and the other members of the society are something I have been waiting to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boom! Studios for the opportunity to read and review this volume which I am giving 4⭐️.

I really enjoy the author of this series and have liked almost everything that I have read by him. I think this is actually my favorite volume of Something is Killing the Children especially that ending!

[Rustic Red Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley and boom! studios for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review

I'm back to Something is Killing the Children, once again. I'm not the biggest fan for SiKtC, I feel this is still the weakest Tynion ongoing comic so far - compare this one to his The Nice House series and Department of Truth, this one is just felt... skippable.

I went tried this book again, well since I finished the first two huge arcs and some of the House of Slaughter. And that is MOST of them, like I've read 95% of SiKtC, and this is an origin/prequel story. AND I thought this prequel story was already done, but it was NOT and the next issue won't be out until April 2026.

I still personally feel that it's too stretched out, I feel it could still be a little tighter on the story. But I still feel okay with it. It's nice to see Aaron again and to see Erica and Jessica's dynamic. Nothing really more to tell, really... really. The monster mystery is getting pretty tiring but let's see what's gonna happen in issue 46/Vol 10.

[Siina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Something is Killing the Children. I'm not usually into horror comics, but this series is superb! This volume offers us Erica Slaughter's past or some of it, since it probably continues in the next volume. It's wonderful to see Erica as a kid and Jessica with her too. "How I came to be" stories are great and offer new insights to the story line and characters. What I love the most is that nothing gets explained thoroughly. Usually this is a problem, but it fits so very well with the series and I like not knowing. I like getting bits and pieces here and there.

The art looks so great, it surely pleases the eye and adds more mystery too. Yeah, we see some monsters and blood, but it's all nicely veiled in darkness. I like this more than Stranger Things and this would be so awesome as a TV series. I'm also glad this is a long series too and we get to enjoy it more. I cannot wait to know more about Erica's past! And the stuffed toy, I need to know!!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I needed in my life. I can't love SKTC more than I already do and waiting for volume 9 that provides the character arc in how Erica became the monster hunter that she is. The mentor figure that she trained under end up going to a lodge in upstate New York (eeeek! I always love local connections even if they're really only basic) where terror has been unleashed and dead bodies are piling up.

Erica's conversations with Bex after Bex witnesses the monster show Erica's character while her mentor plays FBI while still boozing it up on premises and has flashbacks to a previous violent episode in the same location many years prior. The teens with ennui are particularly entertaining as well as Erica's deadpan delivery.

It strikes the balance of dark and painful but also hopeful that they can get the monsters under control. I loved this volume and the variant covers at the end.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another throwback story. This time is when Jessica, Erica's mentor, was still alive. The case happened at the same place where Jessica and Cecilia were still hunters in training. Something must happened there, so tragic I guess because everyone in black mask family, Cecilia, and Big Gary so worried about Jessica. But because the ending was such as a cliffhanger, I think I need to wait till the next volume(s) to know the full story.

This volume, volume 8, and all the issues that have throwback stories were actually made me so sad because I got to know Aaron. I don't like what happened to him in volume 3. I guess I need to read House of Slaughter to know him even better.

Thank you to James Tynion IV, BOOM! Studios, and NetGalley for the ARC.

P.S. For real though, I really thankful that I was approved for the ARC of this volume. Because of it, I binged all released volumes and got to know this amazing book and its universe, Slaughter-verse.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jessica calls Cecilia to check in, you're going to find out you're not going to Chicago. You're going to some mountain. It's, like, a ski place.

I mean, I think it's a ski place. Three kids dead so far.

They say don't judge a book by it's cover but I only picked up the first 3 volumes of this Eisner Award Nominated graphic novel based only on the title and the cover art. I am so glad that I did.

Monsters are real and Erica Strange hunts them. In this volume, we again go back in time to discover more of Erica's past. Each issue within the volume gives a glimpse into a previous hunt, sometimes from a different point of view.

This appears to be the first part of a new arc delving into Erica's past and her training under Jessica. Erica has yet to gain her teeth but that doesn't remove the danger, especially with Jessica losing control.

More set up and backstory. It's making the grand finale more and more appetising, should we ever get there! 5 stars.

[Pinecone Jam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5 stars rounded up

I’ve read other graphic novels written by James Tynion IV and one thing I can say for sure is that he ALWAYS delivers.

My intro to his work started off with The Deviant (another suspenseful read!) and The Closet. I’ve heard about SIKTC a while back but haven’t bothered to read it. I wish I started on this sooner because oh my god, Erica Slaughter, the woman that you are.

This volume centers on Erica Slaughter’s past as the apprentice to Jessica. In the 5 issues included here, we start to see Jessica’s attitude change in Erica’s teen years. The case they’re assigned to hints at something larger in store for the duo. I also enjoyed reading more of Aaron in this volume and seeing how he’s working with Erica from the sidelines. Definitely can’t wait to see where this leads!

Thank you NetGalley for a review copy of this graphic novel!

[Tabitha (Reading Tabby) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and BOOM Studios for the advanced copy.

This is obviously joining the rest of the volumes on my shelves. The art by Werther Dell'edera has stayed consistently cool. I love the focus on faces and action. James Tynion IV's story has kept up as well, as we continue to follow young Erica with her mentor Jesse. Their relationship reminds me a lot of Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us, which I absolutely love.

This is another strong volume in the collection and it's sure to please fans... especially as we're getting into Jesse's back story now, with some history of her as a kid training alongside Cece. I just love this world and the characters and story. It's always an enjoyable time.