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Something is Killing the Children #3
Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 3
As the House of Slaughter arrives to clean up the situation by any means necessary, Erica will find that the true threat to those around her isn’t who - or what - she ever expected. And the cost of saving the day may be too high for anyone to pay...
NOT ALL MONSTERS HIDE IN THE DARK.
Archer’s Peak is in lockdown, as Erica Slaughter has lost control of the situation and news of the killings has spread outside the town. But as the House of Slaughter arrives to clean up the situation by any means necessary, Erica will find that the true threat to those around her isn’t who - or what - she ever expected. And the cost of saving the day may be too high for anyone to pay...
GLAAD Award-winning writer James Tynion IV (Batman, The Woods) and artist Werther Dell’Edera (Briggs Land) present the next chapter of the Eisner Award-nominated and critically-acclaimed series that reveals the monsters hiding in plain sight.
Collects Something is Killing The Children #11-15.
NOT ALL MONSTERS HIDE IN THE DARK.
Archer’s Peak is in lockdown, as Erica Slaughter has lost control of the situation and news of the killings has spread outside the town. But as the House of Slaughter arrives to clean up the situation by any means necessary, Erica will find that the true threat to those around her isn’t who - or what - she ever expected. And the cost of saving the day may be too high for anyone to pay...
GLAAD Award-winning writer James Tynion IV (Batman, The Woods) and artist Werther Dell’Edera (Briggs Land) present the next chapter of the Eisner Award-nominated and critically-acclaimed series that reveals the monsters hiding in plain sight.
Collects Something is Killing The Children #11-15.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2021
144 people are currently reading
2434 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,640 books1,982 followersPrior 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.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 775 reviews
April 14, 2022
(A-) 81% | Very Good
Notes: Focused on self-sacrifice, it ends alright, few frights, albeit ever plights, more gambits, sleights and flights than fights.
Notes: Focused on self-sacrifice, it ends alright, few frights, albeit ever plights, more gambits, sleights and flights than fights.
September 24, 2021
It ain't just monsters killing the fucking kids this time around.
Erica is back and more badass than ever in her attempt to save the small town from not only monsters, but also the Order of St. George.
So who is worse? The actual monsters or the people who hunt them?
I like that Erica is torn between knowing that she could have saved more lives by killing some of the children to start with, instead of trying to save everyone. In the end, she does the best she can with what her conscience will allow.
Oh, and I also like that you actually find out what the monsters are and how they came to be in the town to start with.
The ending does wrap up this arc, but Erica's journey looks like it is just beginning.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter of the story.
Also, I can't be alone in wanting to own a book of all the original and variant covers. If BOOM! printed something like that, I would just shove the money at them.
Highly Recommended.
Erica is back and more badass than ever in her attempt to save the small town from not only monsters, but also the Order of St. George.
So who is worse? The actual monsters or the people who hunt them?
I like that Erica is torn between knowing that she could have saved more lives by killing some of the children to start with, instead of trying to save everyone. In the end, she does the best she can with what her conscience will allow.
Oh, and I also like that you actually find out what the monsters are and how they came to be in the town to start with.
The ending does wrap up this arc, but Erica's journey looks like it is just beginning.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter of the story.
Also, I can't be alone in wanting to own a book of all the original and variant covers. If BOOM! printed something like that, I would just shove the money at them.
Highly Recommended.
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March 31, 2023
Mama (Monster) Mia, here we go again!
And we are back for volume 3 of Something is Killing the Children, the gruesome and gripping saga of monsters—you guessed it!—killing the children of a small, Wisconsin town. This volume wraps up what appears to be the first arc in the series, drawing the main plotline to a chilling climax, with loose ends still flapping in the narrative breeze like the entrails of the monster’s victims hinting at more to come. And while this volume does give us a lot more insight into the House of Slaughter, who appear to be much more a clean-up and silence crew than a life-saving crew (though insisting their method is better in the long run, that is unless you happen to bedisemboweled disappeared by a monster or want closure), and we finally get to see what is going on with Erica’s not-so-cute octopus plushy, we are also aware we are still only getting the tiniest tip of the tip of the iceberg. This volume is a wild ride where the stakes get higher and a lot more people come into play. Also a lot more death. Because this series promised killing and, goddammit, it is going to deliver.
This storytelling here is on point, with some cool twists, terrors and heroic sacrifices that I won’t spoil but get ready because this nails its marks. I can’t wait to see what happens next and I’m really excited for more insight into this whole world because every little bit you learn only leaves you with more questions and eager to learn more. A fabulous series, I see why this won an Eisner and I also just learned that it is being adapted as a Netflix series by the team that did Dark, so now I’m even more excited. So pick up volume 1 if you haven’t already and dive into this fucked up gore-fest of fun!
Review for Volume 1
Review for Volume 2
And we are back for volume 3 of Something is Killing the Children, the gruesome and gripping saga of monsters—you guessed it!—killing the children of a small, Wisconsin town. This volume wraps up what appears to be the first arc in the series, drawing the main plotline to a chilling climax, with loose ends still flapping in the narrative breeze like the entrails of the monster’s victims hinting at more to come. And while this volume does give us a lot more insight into the House of Slaughter, who appear to be much more a clean-up and silence crew than a life-saving crew (though insisting their method is better in the long run, that is unless you happen to be
This storytelling here is on point, with some cool twists, terrors and heroic sacrifices that I won’t spoil but get ready because this nails its marks. I can’t wait to see what happens next and I’m really excited for more insight into this whole world because every little bit you learn only leaves you with more questions and eager to learn more. A fabulous series, I see why this won an Eisner and I also just learned that it is being adapted as a Netflix series by the team that did Dark, so now I’m even more excited. So pick up volume 1 if you haven’t already and dive into this fucked up gore-fest of fun!
Review for Volume 1
Review for Volume 2
February 12, 2024
A cada volumen que leo me parece mejor que el anterior. En esta tercera entrega vamos ahondando un poco más en los entresijos que oculta tanto la localidad de Archer's Peak como la propia Erica Slaughter, quien sigue siendo la protagonista por excelencia de esta serie, pero no será el único personaje importante. Han ido apareciendo nuevos personajes de mucha relevancia, en especial niños, a quienes se les ha sabido retratar muy bien; dándoles voz y haciendo que nos pongamos en su lugar, padeciendo con ellos las numerosas situaciones estresantes en las que se verán inmersos a lo largo de la historia.
También La Orden irá cobrando cada vez más relevancia destapando a algunos de sus integrantes más llamativos y poderosos, como el Dragón 🐉🐲
Junto con la angustia que viviremos en lo concerniente a la parte de los niños, también viviremos el drama de los adultos en esa búsqueda desesperada de dar con una explicación y posible solución a lo que está pasando.
Todo ello contribuirá a tenernos con la adrenalina a niveles de infarto a cada vuelta de página 😱
Después de lo acontecido en el segundo volumen, Archer’s Peak se encuentra en plena crisis a pesar de todos los intentos de Erica por evitar que así fuera.
Los múltiples asesinatos de niños han traspasado los límites del pueblo llegando así a oídos de los mandamases de La casa Slaughter. Por si no tenía suficiente con los monstruos devora-niños, ahora Erica también tiene que hacer frente a los miembros de dicha Orden y evitar que arrasen con el pueblo con tal de impedir que se sepa la verdad.
A estas alturas ya nos hacemos una visión más global para poder entender esta brillante serie pero aún nos quedan muchas incógnitas a la vista porque está claro que aún queda mucho que contar.
A los que son asiduos de las historias de Stephen King habrán sabido ver que hay mucho de él tras estas páginas; pueblo pequeño donde todos se conocen, la importancia de los niños y los monstruos que les acechan, la sociedad externa que se rige por sus propias normas y de la que sabemos lo justo…
En fin, que me parece de lo mejorcito que he leído últimamente en lo que a cómics se refiere.
Y esa galería de portadas alternativas que siempre nos regalan al finalizar el tomo 👌🏻🖤
Una auténtica gozada.
Llegados a este punto de la historia me resulta complicado hacer una reseña más extensa sin caer en el temido spoiler así que iré al grano:
¡No se pueden perder esta serie! 😂
🔝💯 ¡Altamente recomendada!
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?i... 🖤📚
También La Orden irá cobrando cada vez más relevancia destapando a algunos de sus integrantes más llamativos y poderosos, como el Dragón 🐉🐲
Junto con la angustia que viviremos en lo concerniente a la parte de los niños, también viviremos el drama de los adultos en esa búsqueda desesperada de dar con una explicación y posible solución a lo que está pasando.
Todo ello contribuirá a tenernos con la adrenalina a niveles de infarto a cada vuelta de página 😱
Después de lo acontecido en el segundo volumen, Archer’s Peak se encuentra en plena crisis a pesar de todos los intentos de Erica por evitar que así fuera.
Los múltiples asesinatos de niños han traspasado los límites del pueblo llegando así a oídos de los mandamases de La casa Slaughter. Por si no tenía suficiente con los monstruos devora-niños, ahora Erica también tiene que hacer frente a los miembros de dicha Orden y evitar que arrasen con el pueblo con tal de impedir que se sepa la verdad.
A estas alturas ya nos hacemos una visión más global para poder entender esta brillante serie pero aún nos quedan muchas incógnitas a la vista porque está claro que aún queda mucho que contar.
A los que son asiduos de las historias de Stephen King habrán sabido ver que hay mucho de él tras estas páginas; pueblo pequeño donde todos se conocen, la importancia de los niños y los monstruos que les acechan, la sociedad externa que se rige por sus propias normas y de la que sabemos lo justo…
En fin, que me parece de lo mejorcito que he leído últimamente en lo que a cómics se refiere.
Y esa galería de portadas alternativas que siempre nos regalan al finalizar el tomo 👌🏻🖤
Una auténtica gozada.
Llegados a este punto de la historia me resulta complicado hacer una reseña más extensa sin caer en el temido spoiler así que iré al grano:
¡No se pueden perder esta serie! 😂
🔝💯 ¡Altamente recomendada!
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?i... 🖤📚
July 31, 2021
Just when you think things can't get worse, The Order of St. George arrives in Arrow Peak. Now, Erica has to deal with a bunch of monsters running around town and these murderous yayhoos. We finally get some incite into this shadowy organization Erica is a reluctant part of. This third volume closes out the first arc.
September 17, 2021
Still terrifying and disturbing, and also still compelling. And I also still need to seek help.
Hopefully something will stop killing the poor children at some point.
Hopefully something will stop killing the poor children at some point.
October 28, 2025
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Action, battles and conflicts. Erica's monster (her octopus plushie) also made another appearance. It's a bit ugly and I get why Erica didn't want to make it cute or beautiful and let it stay 'scary' but it doesn't really look scary to me, just ugly. Though I get what Bian means.
The House of Slaughter is not really intimidating to me and just appears to be some criminal people. Unless Erica who chooses to actively do something and not just watch and 'clean up the mess'. I mean, they go to the gymnasium and threaten the people to do what they say and it felt like some bank robbery or something. Not believing one bit that they are fighting for 'the greater good'. Hope that they are actually the antagonists and not just me disliking them for being so violent and selfish.
The Game of Nowhere was the most interesting part for me in this volume, probably 'cause it's a game of imagination and the panels associated with it had a different vibe to them.
StoryGraph review
Action, battles and conflicts. Erica's monster (her octopus plushie) also made another appearance. It's a bit ugly and I get why Erica didn't want to make it cute or beautiful and let it stay 'scary' but it doesn't really look scary to me, just ugly. Though I get what Bian means.
The House of Slaughter is not really intimidating to me and just appears to be some criminal people. Unless Erica who chooses to actively do something and not just watch and 'clean up the mess'. I mean, they go to the gymnasium and threaten the people to do what they say and it felt like some bank robbery or something. Not believing one bit that they are fighting for 'the greater good'. Hope that they are actually the antagonists and not just me disliking them for being so violent and selfish.
The Game of Nowhere was the most interesting part for me in this volume, probably 'cause it's a game of imagination and the panels associated with it had a different vibe to them.
StoryGraph review
July 20, 2022
Check out my full review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZzNj...
July 18, 2021
This is more like it.
I felt that volume 2 didn't advance the story very much - this is not the case in this volume, I'm pleased to say.
Halfway the run of issues I actually got invested into the story again.
And Tynion stuck the landing, we have a good ending to this arc.
I felt that volume 2 didn't advance the story very much - this is not the case in this volume, I'm pleased to say.
Halfway the run of issues I actually got invested into the story again.
And Tynion stuck the landing, we have a good ending to this arc.
July 26, 2021
“Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster . . . " is the theme of the book as the first story arc comes to a bloody conclusion. We get resolution to the immediate adventure and expansion on the larger mythology of this dark take on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her Watchers.
I'm eager for the next arc, though I am hoping the artist retires the annoyingly random two-page spreads that keep tripping me up on reading order. If I have to think about what panel comes next, I'm being thrown out of the story. And a story this good shouldn't be held back by something so small, silly and useless.
I'm eager for the next arc, though I am hoping the artist retires the annoyingly random two-page spreads that keep tripping me up on reading order. If I have to think about what panel comes next, I'm being thrown out of the story. And a story this good shouldn't be held back by something so small, silly and useless.
July 9, 2021
Actual rating is 4.5 stars.
This is the third collection in a series and the others must be read first. We continue from that incredible and shocking ending from the second collection and we see the fallout from it.
Once again I am going to rave about one more collection in this series. I have not been let down yet and this series has quickly vaulted up to one of my favorites. Being a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and this being a darker take on that concept it really isn't a big surprise. The surprise is that a graphic novel has such an effect on me. The tension is palpable during each collection and the final scene in this collection was so touching. I didn't think graphic novels worked this way. In this one we learn more of the organization that is behind Erica and we also learn where monsters come from. There is nothing really new here but it works so well within the story. Also, once again, I am going to say that I love the artwork. It fits in with the atmosphere of this comic so well. The only problem I had with this collection was the ending did feel a little rushed. I think I was hoping for something a little more epic. Tommy's solution to everything was a surprise that came out of left field that left me feeling for that character.
This collection actually concludes the story arc and I loved every second of it. It all works. The characters, the story, and the artwork is just one huge cohesive unit that I enjoy so much. With all kinds of comic adaptations appearing on the big or little screen I want this story to be adapted so much. For me it is in my top five for graphic novel stories and I hope this story continues.
This is the third collection in a series and the others must be read first. We continue from that incredible and shocking ending from the second collection and we see the fallout from it.
Once again I am going to rave about one more collection in this series. I have not been let down yet and this series has quickly vaulted up to one of my favorites. Being a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and this being a darker take on that concept it really isn't a big surprise. The surprise is that a graphic novel has such an effect on me. The tension is palpable during each collection and the final scene in this collection was so touching. I didn't think graphic novels worked this way. In this one we learn more of the organization that is behind Erica and we also learn where monsters come from. There is nothing really new here but it works so well within the story. Also, once again, I am going to say that I love the artwork. It fits in with the atmosphere of this comic so well. The only problem I had with this collection was the ending did feel a little rushed. I think I was hoping for something a little more epic. Tommy's solution to everything was a surprise that came out of left field that left me feeling for that character.
This collection actually concludes the story arc and I loved every second of it. It all works. The characters, the story, and the artwork is just one huge cohesive unit that I enjoy so much. With all kinds of comic adaptations appearing on the big or little screen I want this story to be adapted so much. For me it is in my top five for graphic novel stories and I hope this story continues.
July 16, 2021
This was really epic!
The final fight is here and as Erica and James and Bian run for their lives they meet John to give them shelter but the Order of St George has sent Cecilia and her white masks assassins to go after them and clean this mess up. Erica tries to use some magical mumbo jumbo to sweep it all away and then finally she engages the monsters and big stuff goes down with Tommy and the rest of the crew, it gets dark and suspenseful and finally the choice both Erica and Tommy makes changes the book going forward.
I loved the story and the tough choices the characters make and finally its good to see some more mystery about this weird organization that Erica belongs to and particularly her final fights with these monsters and the twisted psychology. The arc with Tommy was something and could have been better tbh but then again the choice he made saved lives. Characters get closures and new missions in their life. I liked that aspect of learning from experiences and everything. The art is still the best part of this book and the eerie feeling you get reading is a great bonus. Up next, new arc starts!
The final fight is here and as Erica and James and Bian run for their lives they meet John to give them shelter but the Order of St George has sent Cecilia and her white masks assassins to go after them and clean this mess up. Erica tries to use some magical mumbo jumbo to sweep it all away and then finally she engages the monsters and big stuff goes down with Tommy and the rest of the crew, it gets dark and suspenseful and finally the choice both Erica and Tommy makes changes the book going forward.
I loved the story and the tough choices the characters make and finally its good to see some more mystery about this weird organization that Erica belongs to and particularly her final fights with these monsters and the twisted psychology. The arc with Tommy was something and could have been better tbh but then again the choice he made saved lives. Characters get closures and new missions in their life. I liked that aspect of learning from experiences and everything. The art is still the best part of this book and the eerie feeling you get reading is a great bonus. Up next, new arc starts!
August 18, 2022
You know, for a slasher comic with a standard shady outfit hunting down monsters, this is kinda down to earth and wholesome. I approve. Even with a 20+ death count, it’s pretty wholesome.
I’m getting some serious Supernatural vibes, of course, but it’s limited to a very particular and dangerous kind of boogeyman. No spoilers — but I really like the type.
I’m getting some serious Supernatural vibes, of course, but it’s limited to a very particular and dangerous kind of boogeyman. No spoilers — but I really like the type.
August 27, 2021
Fast-paced and action-packed, Tynion knows just how to pack a punch. Picking up right where Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 2 left off, this wasted no time on introductions which really made me wish I was reading the Deluxe Edition instead because I read Vol. 2 8 months ago and pretty much forgot everyone's names and other finer details.
Regardless of that, being thrown headfirst into violent action certainly jolted my memory. All the loose ends from the previous two vols were tied up with a bloody bow—perhaps a little too neatly, in my opinion, which made the conclusion seem a little rushed. The ending hints that there's more to come weren't as enticing as I thought it'd be, probably because there's not much left to explore except to learn more about Erica's past and the organisation (their long-awaited appearance in this vol was more than enough, I feel). Despite the fact that she hated their guts and shunned them at every possible opportunity, I don't doubt that we'll see them again in future installations in the series.
The art was beautiful with fantastically vibrant colours from Miquel Muerto (a fitting name for someone working on this comic). I particularly loved the double page spreads and the panel layouts that really enhanced the fighting scenes.
Regardless of that, being thrown headfirst into violent action certainly jolted my memory. All the loose ends from the previous two vols were tied up with a bloody bow—perhaps a little too neatly, in my opinion, which made the conclusion seem a little rushed. The ending hints that there's more to come weren't as enticing as I thought it'd be, probably because there's not much left to explore except to learn more about Erica's past and the organisation (their long-awaited appearance in this vol was more than enough, I feel). Despite the fact that she hated their guts and shunned them at every possible opportunity, I don't doubt that we'll see them again in future installations in the series.
The art was beautiful with fantastically vibrant colours from Miquel Muerto (a fitting name for someone working on this comic). I particularly loved the double page spreads and the panel layouts that really enhanced the fighting scenes.
July 5, 2022
Ben coudonc je suis tu rendue une fille d’horreur moi
Concept cool, j’aime bien le personnage principal et comment l’histoire se développe mais je crois pas repenser à ces comics même s’ils m’ont bien divertie
Concept cool, j’aime bien le personnage principal et comment l’histoire se développe mais je crois pas repenser à ces comics même s’ils m’ont bien divertie
November 4, 2022
Volume 1 ★★★★★
Volume 2 ★★★★★
Volume 3 ★★★★★
Volume 4 ★★★★★
Volume 5 ★★★★★
What an incredible, intense, sad installment to the series. I originally thought this was only going to be a 3-volume series, so I'm extremely happy to find out that there are more issues in the works, even if Something is Killing the Children does wreck me a little bit more every time I revisit this world.
Also, Erica Slaughter is such a damn badass and I want to know her.
✨ Representation: queer primary character; BIPOC side characters
✨ Content warnings for: violence, death, gore, child/family loss, grief
———
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June 20, 2025
Well, that pretty much wraps up the Archer's Peak story arc in a nice little bow. I'll be honest though. It felt a little off--just a little too easy. I did enjoy the story, but I expected more of a bloodbath, albeit not the monster kind. It was still a great volume, and the art was gorgeous as always, but I think I'll always wonder what could've been. Maybe we will get to revisit this town later on in the series, but in the next volume, we will be traveling to the past instead. I can't wait!
August 25, 2021
Finally the answer to the eternal question,
Maybe it's just me but this final volume concluding the whole Wisconsin storyline felt maybe a little rushed? It certainly was light on dialogue and heavy on (admittedly nice looking) word free panels showing Erica and co. go toe-to-toe with the remaining Monsters.
Is this series going to continue? I know the writer has made big moves to create his own subscription based vehicle for his projects, so I guess it will though maybe in a modified form?
PS
Maybe it's just me but this final volume concluding the whole Wisconsin storyline felt maybe a little rushed? It certainly was light on dialogue and heavy on (admittedly nice looking) word free panels showing Erica and co. go toe-to-toe with the remaining Monsters.
Is this series going to continue? I know the writer has made big moves to create his own subscription based vehicle for his projects, so I guess it will though maybe in a modified form?
PS
March 11, 2023
7.9/10
Nerve wrecking and tense, and not just because of the monsters, which this time are not the worst enemy Erica has to deal with.
The first arc comes to some closure and i wonder what the future holds for Erica.
Nerve wrecking and tense, and not just because of the monsters, which this time are not the worst enemy Erica has to deal with.
The first arc comes to some closure and i wonder what the future holds for Erica.
February 11, 2023
Un cierre del primer arco buenisimo!
Cada vez me gustó más y más hasta este tercer volumen. Una historia macabra, sangrienta y muy oscura que atrapa desde el primer capítulo.
Cada vez me gustó más y más hasta este tercer volumen. Una historia macabra, sangrienta y muy oscura que atrapa desde el primer capítulo.
August 6, 2023
I'm really loving this series and excited to see where it goes in the next volume!!
March 29, 2023
5.0 Stars Volume 3 collects issues #11-15 of the comic. What happens when a secret that cannot get out does? The Order that protects that secret takes action. The Order of St. George descends upon the town of Archer's Peak with the sole purpose of containing the fallout.
And here's where the crux of Erica's issue with the Order of St. George comes into focus. The order takes the approach of "you can't make an omelet without cracking a few eggs" - and the eggs are the people that saw the monsters. Erica disagrees with their "Greater Good" argument.
The scope of the Order's resources are also made clear in this volume. They have connections with the most powerful companies and all levels of government. Erica is a reluctant member, recruited into their ranks as a child after losing her own family to a monster. She wants to prevent other children from the same loss she experienced but is conflicted about her Order's methods.
Much is revealed about the nature of the order when Erica meets with it's leader to discuss her failures in Archer's Peak. Erica could have stopped other children dying by killing James because the monster was unknowingly manifested by him. The Order is upset because they view her killing a single child as a necessary sacrifice to save more children from dying. Are they right? Does that make it right? These are ethical questions I didn't expect to be faced with in this volume.
The theme of the Greater Good extends into Tommy's story. He's at the school gym where all of the children have been brought to be identified because it's the only space big enough. He's there with his mother who is near catatonic with grief over the death of her daughter. When the Order's clean up crew comes in with weapons drawn he realizes the families are part of the cleanup
This is where the story arc of Archer's Peak seemingly ends. Erica has killed the rest of the monster's babies and headed out of town on a bus. Her future with the order and how they plan to deal with her insubordination is left unresolved. Thankfully, being late to the game in checking this series out I can immediately jump into the next arc.
And here's where the crux of Erica's issue with the Order of St. George comes into focus. The order takes the approach of "you can't make an omelet without cracking a few eggs" - and the eggs are the people that saw the monsters. Erica disagrees with their "Greater Good" argument.
The scope of the Order's resources are also made clear in this volume. They have connections with the most powerful companies and all levels of government. Erica is a reluctant member, recruited into their ranks as a child after losing her own family to a monster. She wants to prevent other children from the same loss she experienced but is conflicted about her Order's methods.
Much is revealed about the nature of the order when Erica meets with it's leader to discuss her failures in Archer's Peak. Erica could have stopped other children dying by killing James because the monster was unknowingly manifested by him. The Order is upset because they view her killing a single child as a necessary sacrifice to save more children from dying. Are they right? Does that make it right? These are ethical questions I didn't expect to be faced with in this volume.
The theme of the Greater Good extends into Tommy's story. He's at the school gym where all of the children have been brought to be identified because it's the only space big enough. He's there with his mother who is near catatonic with grief over the death of her daughter. When the Order's clean up crew comes in with weapons drawn he realizes the families are part of the cleanup
This is where the story arc of Archer's Peak seemingly ends. Erica has killed the rest of the monster's babies and headed out of town on a bus. Her future with the order and how they plan to deal with her insubordination is left unresolved. Thankfully, being late to the game in checking this series out I can immediately jump into the next arc.
June 5, 2021
Erica Slaughter thought that the beast of Archer's Peak was gone. But before it died, it managed to give birth, and now its horrific offspring are ready to feed. With the town turning against her and her allies from the House Of Slaughter on a rampage, time is running out for a happy ending. So maybe an unhappy one will have to do.
There's a lot more to this book than I ever gave it credit for. I mean, there's layers. Lots of moving parts, and no way to guess how the arc's going to end. There's something about the fact that literally everything is working against Erica, not just the monsters, that makes you think as well - I know it's the whole 'the humans are the real monster' type deal, but it feels like more than that. There are ways to resolve this plot that wouldn't end with everyone dead, but it feels like that's where it's all going to go. Then again, like I said, I had no idea how this volume would end so what do I know?
I have to give it to Wether Dell'Edera as well on art. His widescreen approach to the issues makes everything feel at once claustrophobic because of the amount of panels on the page, and epic because of how sweeping it can be as a result. His art's fairly simple in tone, but sometimes the scariest things are the simplest.
The whole 'unlike any other book on the stands' thing is thrown around a lot, but I really think this one deserves the accolade. I don't associate Boom! with horror books, but if they do any more in this vein, I'll be there on day one.
There's a lot more to this book than I ever gave it credit for. I mean, there's layers. Lots of moving parts, and no way to guess how the arc's going to end. There's something about the fact that literally everything is working against Erica, not just the monsters, that makes you think as well - I know it's the whole 'the humans are the real monster' type deal, but it feels like more than that. There are ways to resolve this plot that wouldn't end with everyone dead, but it feels like that's where it's all going to go. Then again, like I said, I had no idea how this volume would end so what do I know?
I have to give it to Wether Dell'Edera as well on art. His widescreen approach to the issues makes everything feel at once claustrophobic because of the amount of panels on the page, and epic because of how sweeping it can be as a result. His art's fairly simple in tone, but sometimes the scariest things are the simplest.
The whole 'unlike any other book on the stands' thing is thrown around a lot, but I really think this one deserves the accolade. I don't associate Boom! with horror books, but if they do any more in this vein, I'll be there on day one.
August 17, 2022
In the 3rd volume, the parents are all hiding in the gym - from the monsters as much as from the kill team that was sent by the Order of St. George.
Meanwhile, Erika is taking Bian and James and wants to perform a mysterious ritual to draw in the remaining "baby" monsters so she can kill them.
So here, we get the final confrontation. I have to report that this part of the story went out with a wimper instead of a bang. I mean THAT is how they "resolve" things with the townsfolk? THAT is all it took to take the "baby" monsters down after all that build-up?!
It really is a stonishing how the comic manages to make every single element sound promising only to then promptly fall flat. Like the ritual - sounds cool, right? Yeah, except, it's basically a breathing exercise with a plush octopus. ARGH!
At least we saw the Old Dragon interact with Erika this time. The whole thing about the houses was weird considering the standing Erika supposedly has but didn't really have against that killer bitch.
Oh well. *shrugs* Sadly, this is my rection to the entire story, which is NOT good. Which is also why I'm downrating the comics. :(
Meanwhile, Erika is taking Bian and James and wants to perform a mysterious ritual to draw in the remaining "baby" monsters so she can kill them.
So here, we get the final confrontation. I have to report that this part of the story went out with a wimper instead of a bang. I mean THAT is how they "resolve" things with the townsfolk? THAT is all it took to take the "baby" monsters down after all that build-up?!
It really is a stonishing how the comic manages to make every single element sound promising only to then promptly fall flat. Like the ritual - sounds cool, right? Yeah, except, it's basically a breathing exercise with a plush octopus. ARGH!
At least we saw the Old Dragon interact with Erika this time. The whole thing about the houses was weird considering the standing Erika supposedly has but didn't really have against that killer bitch.
Oh well. *shrugs* Sadly, this is my rection to the entire story, which is NOT good. Which is also why I'm downrating the comics. :(
September 7, 2021
A fantastic conclusion to a tremendous story arc that now fully explores all interested parties, their role in this monster-slaying business, and the why's of this terrifying episode in Archer’s Peak.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
January 15, 2025
The conclusion to the Archers Peak story.
Erica's relationship with the rest of the House of Slaughter is shown.
Erica's relationship with the rest of the House of Slaughter is shown.
May 10, 2024
And just like that the first arc is finished. This was such a good thrilling story and was a satisfying ending which again built on the world building done in the previous volumes. I only have the first arc collected currently to see if I wanted to continue after this and I definitely will!
March 23, 2021
Compelling art, killer layouts (the action scenes in this volume are the best of the series by a long shot), interesting worldbuilding, and some flickers of sincerity make this a fast and easy read. But it's hard to escape the feeling that the series teeters on being something much more than it is.
I've started to think of this series the same way I think about a B-level monster movie, as in there's a lot of good genre-stuff to enjoy, but none of it really sticks. For all of the heavy emotions Tynion plays with, the cast of characters never quite comes into focus, which takes the edge out of the (otherwise formidable) stakes. I want to be invested in these characters, but I'm just...not. I'm invested in the plot, for sure, and continue to be excited by the twisted world of invisible, nightmarish creatures and the shady cults of monster hunters who fight them. But at the end of the day, the lack of tangible stakes leaves it feeling a bit forgettable. The series obviously wants its characters to be the crux of the story, which is why it's disappointing that they're unable to live up to that desire.
Werther Dell’Edera's art is the best it's been, though, and any qualms I had about it previously have mostly evaporated. This is the best-looking volume, and I love how Muerto's colors work alongside Dell’Edera's moody, heavy artwork to make the darkness of the series (literal and otherwise) feel like it has weight. There may not be a great deal of imagination in the layouts, at least compared to other prominent horror titles, but they're incredibly effective at conveying the motion of combat and the pressures of survival.
The first three volumes of Something is Killing the Children would all get scores in the mid-to-high 3-star range, but since Goodreads doesn't let me do that, I'm going to continue to round up. I may not be as excited by this series as I want to be, but it's a consistently exciting and unsettling title that I'm happy to keep reading.
I've started to think of this series the same way I think about a B-level monster movie, as in there's a lot of good genre-stuff to enjoy, but none of it really sticks. For all of the heavy emotions Tynion plays with, the cast of characters never quite comes into focus, which takes the edge out of the (otherwise formidable) stakes. I want to be invested in these characters, but I'm just...not. I'm invested in the plot, for sure, and continue to be excited by the twisted world of invisible, nightmarish creatures and the shady cults of monster hunters who fight them. But at the end of the day, the lack of tangible stakes leaves it feeling a bit forgettable. The series obviously wants its characters to be the crux of the story, which is why it's disappointing that they're unable to live up to that desire.
Werther Dell’Edera's art is the best it's been, though, and any qualms I had about it previously have mostly evaporated. This is the best-looking volume, and I love how Muerto's colors work alongside Dell’Edera's moody, heavy artwork to make the darkness of the series (literal and otherwise) feel like it has weight. There may not be a great deal of imagination in the layouts, at least compared to other prominent horror titles, but they're incredibly effective at conveying the motion of combat and the pressures of survival.
The first three volumes of Something is Killing the Children would all get scores in the mid-to-high 3-star range, but since Goodreads doesn't let me do that, I'm going to continue to round up. I may not be as excited by this series as I want to be, but it's a consistently exciting and unsettling title that I'm happy to keep reading.
July 13, 2022
OCENA: 4,5 ⭐️
March 16, 2022
This closed up nicely this arc, i wonder what the next one will bring to the table...
Love it ♥️
Love it ♥️
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