Boom’s House of Slaughter #2 Comic Review
House of Slaughter #2 advance’s the story of Aaron Slaughter’s relationship with Jace in the Something is Killing Children the Universe.
Co-Writers: James Tynion IV & Tate Brombal
Artist: Werther Dell‘Edera
Colorist: Miquel Muerto
Letterer: AndWorld Design
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House of Slaughter 2 develops the love story between Aaron and Jace within story-arch the Something is Killing the Children Universe. The first issue ends with the chilling lines “Jace. The Last Butcher. The first man I ever loved… And this is how I killed him.” This book opens with a confrontation between Aaron and Jace that we assume will end with Jace’s death.
This book is a collection of small sub-stories or moments in time that paint a picture. Big ones include several scenes that point to a gay romance developing in the unlikely place of the House of Slaughter. Several moments develop the SITKC mythology including Jace’s mysterious induction ceremony and the Black Masks practicing monster channeling.
Symbolism and color themes fill the art in this book. Purple hues at times cue us into the romance between Jace and Aaron. Orange perhaps for the burning conflict that plagues their romance. Additionally, the expressions of the characters are outstanding. Aaron’s face seems to perpetually fluctuate between images of innocence, grief, and alarm.
This is a comic that the creators want us to feel the visceral pains of loneliness in adolescence and our youthful desires to relate to others in a cold unfriendly world. Fans who are interested in the drama and cult of House of Slaughter will enjoy this issue.
