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Something is Killing the Children #8
Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 8
A special standalone of brand new stories set in the award-winning Slaughterverse–a perfect starting place for new readers ahead of the Netflix series!
Journey into Erica Slaughter’s past during her formative years set before the events of the foundational Archer’s Peak saga. This unofficial “Year Zero” style anthology of the hit sensation that has sold over 2 million copies worldwide follows Erica during her journey to various small and remote towns in the American countryside, hunting monsters down before they do the unthinkable to unsuspecting children. A perfect starting point for new readers and die hard Slaughterverse fans alike, each standalone issue from series creators James Tynion IV (Department of Truth, The Nice House On The Lake) and Werther Dell’Edera (House of Slaughter) highlights 5 different hunts that showcase the experiences that started Erica on her journey toward being the nearly unstoppable monster hunter she is today. Collects Something is Killing the Children #36-40.
Journey into Erica Slaughter’s past during her formative years set before the events of the foundational Archer’s Peak saga. This unofficial “Year Zero” style anthology of the hit sensation that has sold over 2 million copies worldwide follows Erica during her journey to various small and remote towns in the American countryside, hunting monsters down before they do the unthinkable to unsuspecting children. A perfect starting point for new readers and die hard Slaughterverse fans alike, each standalone issue from series creators James Tynion IV (Department of Truth, The Nice House On The Lake) and Werther Dell’Edera (House of Slaughter) highlights 5 different hunts that showcase the experiences that started Erica on her journey toward being the nearly unstoppable monster hunter she is today. Collects Something is Killing the Children #36-40.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2024
51 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,685 books1,970 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
July 4, 2025
(A-) 80% | Very Good
Notes: Ebbing of activity, action-to-passivity, increasing introspection: monster fighting to reigniting traumatic recollections.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #36-38 ◦ Issues #39-40
Notes: Ebbing of activity, action-to-passivity, increasing introspection: monster fighting to reigniting traumatic recollections.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #36-38 ◦ Issues #39-40
July 31, 2025
Can we skip the padding and kill some children, please?
Because this one seemed like filler.
I mean, it's not bad filler, especially if you're a superfan and just want a bit more insight into Erica. But really, there's nothing new here.
Flashbacks of old cases, a reminder that guns and children are a dangerous mix, a puppy-made monster, and a visit with a therapist are some of what you'll get.
Again. Not bad. It just feels like maybe Tynion has too many irons in the fire, so maybe he grabbed some of his old notes and tossed this out there to keep fans of SiKtC happy. But to be honest, instead of spin-off series or fluffed one-shots, I'd really rather we get on with the main storyline.
Not as good, but still good. <--if that makes sense?
Recommended.
Because this one seemed like filler.
I mean, it's not bad filler, especially if you're a superfan and just want a bit more insight into Erica. But really, there's nothing new here.
Flashbacks of old cases, a reminder that guns and children are a dangerous mix, a puppy-made monster, and a visit with a therapist are some of what you'll get.
Again. Not bad. It just feels like maybe Tynion has too many irons in the fire, so maybe he grabbed some of his old notes and tossed this out there to keep fans of SiKtC happy. But to be honest, instead of spin-off series or fluffed one-shots, I'd really rather we get on with the main storyline.
Not as good, but still good. <--if that makes sense?
Recommended.
January 29, 2025
Great short stories about Erica!
January 2, 2025
This is a collection that is part of a series. I believe that they should be read in order. Even though this is volume eight of a comics run this is a prequel and does not affect the overall arc. Instead we get one shots that explore the present and the past of Erica and how the life of hunting monsters is affecting her.
This was a little different from what we have been getting for this comic. Yes we get the established main character while we get to visit characters in the flashbacks that are not part of the main plot at the moment. Instead of a big bad for an arc this collection is a character study of our protagonist. I was not expecting the change up and I for one enjoyed it. It lets the guard down for Erica and allows for the audience to even connect with her more. The flashbacks were a nice touch as we see Erica's development into the monster hunter and human being that we know in the present. Once again we get the same type of art style that has become a staple of this run. This art style coincides nicely with the dark overall tones of this series. And this collection delves into the dark nature especially the last comic of this collection. I think I read that issue without even breathing as I was absorbed in the moment.
This is not the best collection from this universe. This was different and I applaud the writers for not giving us the same thing over and over. Even with it being different I really enjoyed it and it is a welcome addition to this series. It was like taking a deep breath after a tumultuous adventure. Sometimes you need to take a step back and this collection does that but at the same time exploring our main character.
This was a little different from what we have been getting for this comic. Yes we get the established main character while we get to visit characters in the flashbacks that are not part of the main plot at the moment. Instead of a big bad for an arc this collection is a character study of our protagonist. I was not expecting the change up and I for one enjoyed it. It lets the guard down for Erica and allows for the audience to even connect with her more. The flashbacks were a nice touch as we see Erica's development into the monster hunter and human being that we know in the present. Once again we get the same type of art style that has become a staple of this run. This art style coincides nicely with the dark overall tones of this series. And this collection delves into the dark nature especially the last comic of this collection. I think I read that issue without even breathing as I was absorbed in the moment.
This is not the best collection from this universe. This was different and I applaud the writers for not giving us the same thing over and over. Even with it being different I really enjoyed it and it is a welcome addition to this series. It was like taking a deep breath after a tumultuous adventure. Sometimes you need to take a step back and this collection does that but at the same time exploring our main character.
September 17, 2025
Una serie de fragmentos del pasado de Erica, un dibujo confuso en algunas páginas y con un fondo que hacía difícil la lectura.
Para rematar, lo de seguir la historia donde se quedó el anterior cuando decidan sacar los siguientes 😤
Es el tomo al que le he dado la puntuación más baja, y aunque le tengo cariño a los personajes, odio que me dejen a medias.
Pronto reseña ⤵️
https://www.facebook.com/LaLocadelosL... 🖤📖
Para rematar, lo de seguir la historia donde se quedó el anterior cuando decidan sacar los siguientes 😤
Es el tomo al que le he dado la puntuación más baja, y aunque le tengo cariño a los personajes, odio que me dejen a medias.
Pronto reseña ⤵️
https://www.facebook.com/LaLocadelosL... 🖤📖
January 8, 2025
Another absolutely superb volume of SIKTC. This one collects five standalone stories that were all fantastic. Really moving, emotional, scary, exciting stuff; this may be my favourite volume so far.
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
January 18, 2025
A series of flashback stories take us back a few years, when Jessica Slaughter's death is still recent and raw in Erica's mind and her inability to cope affects her monster hunts. Not entirely necessary, but well done.
September 12, 2024
Great collection of individual stories scrapping Erica’s tough act.
April 3, 2025
Probably just what we needed now.
A series of stand alone stories showing incidents from Erica's past.
A series of stand alone stories showing incidents from Erica's past.
December 6, 2025
EN I really enjoyed this read. Even though these are five independent stories outside the main storyline, they work very well to enrich the context and, above all, to further develop the character of Erica Slaughter.
--
PT Gostei muito desta leitura. Apesar de serem cinco histórias independentes e fora da linha principal, funcionam muito bem para enriquecer o contexto e, sobretudo, para desenvolver a personagem Erica Slaughter.
--
PT Gostei muito desta leitura. Apesar de serem cinco histórias independentes e fora da linha principal, funcionam muito bem para enriquecer o contexto e, sobretudo, para desenvolver a personagem Erica Slaughter.
December 25, 2024
3.5 Stars
Lots of one shots. We delve further into Erica Slaughter's psyche and troubled past.
I like Dell'edra's art, but his panel layouts are terrible. This is an ongoing problem I've had with the series. It's hard to tell if you are reading a two page spread or just the 9 panel single page and I caught myself multiple times rereading the panels out of order.
Lots of one shots. We delve further into Erica Slaughter's psyche and troubled past.
I like Dell'edra's art, but his panel layouts are terrible. This is an ongoing problem I've had with the series. It's hard to tell if you are reading a two page spread or just the 9 panel single page and I caught myself multiple times rereading the panels out of order.
February 21, 2025
There were a couple of fantastic one-offs here to balance out some real wheel-spinners (in my view, anyway). Definitely one of the best ongoing new(ish) original universes out there still.
About time Erica discovered how to work smart, not hard.
About time Erica discovered how to work smart, not hard.
March 20, 2024
This series continues to build on the complex characters and world building. I can't get enough of this series.
August 30, 2025
Dieses Review bezieht sich auf die deutsche Edition, erschienen im Splitter Verlag unter der ISBN 3987213477
Der achte Band der Reihe enthält die Kapitel 36–40. Die ersten drei Kapitel zeigen Erica in Höchstform und wie sie die Monster bekämpft. Sie führen den Leser also ein wenig nach dem Motto „back to the roots“ hin zur „klassischen Arbeit“ der Monsterjägerin, wobei das Kapitel 38 zeigt, was sie macht, wenn sie ernsthafter verletzt wird.
Ein solches Kapitel lockert die Erzählung deutlich auf, ebenso wie das Kapitel 39, in dem sie sehr intime Einblicke in ihre Gefühlswelt zeigt. Es ist eine ungewöhnliche Einsicht in ihr Leben und ihre Vergangenheitsbewältigung, die Erica deutlich menschlicher werden lassen. Diese aufgewühlte Gefühlswelt wird in Kapitel 40 weiter vertieft.
Ich finde diese Darstellung der empfindsamen Erica sehr gelungen und zeigt dem Leser eine ganz andere Erica. Gleichzeitig ist dieser Band deutlich weniger brutal und auch die Monster werden nur angedeutet. Das zeigt eindeutig, dass es hier weniger um die Gewalt oder die Gesellschaft geht, sondern einzig und allein um die Protagonistin, die durch diese Darstellung deutlich an Sympathie gewonnen hat. Zumindest bei mir.
Die Geschichte endet dezent, aber nicht dramatisch offen und zeigt, dass es Folgebände geben wird. Ein definiertes Ende hat die Reihe allerdings nicht. Am Ende folgen in gewohnter Manier zahlreiche Cover-Variationen der einzelnen Kapitel. Diese sind wie immer großflächig und sehenswert.
Der achte Band der Reihe enthält die Kapitel 36–40. Die ersten drei Kapitel zeigen Erica in Höchstform und wie sie die Monster bekämpft. Sie führen den Leser also ein wenig nach dem Motto „back to the roots“ hin zur „klassischen Arbeit“ der Monsterjägerin, wobei das Kapitel 38 zeigt, was sie macht, wenn sie ernsthafter verletzt wird.
Ein solches Kapitel lockert die Erzählung deutlich auf, ebenso wie das Kapitel 39, in dem sie sehr intime Einblicke in ihre Gefühlswelt zeigt. Es ist eine ungewöhnliche Einsicht in ihr Leben und ihre Vergangenheitsbewältigung, die Erica deutlich menschlicher werden lassen. Diese aufgewühlte Gefühlswelt wird in Kapitel 40 weiter vertieft.
Ich finde diese Darstellung der empfindsamen Erica sehr gelungen und zeigt dem Leser eine ganz andere Erica. Gleichzeitig ist dieser Band deutlich weniger brutal und auch die Monster werden nur angedeutet. Das zeigt eindeutig, dass es hier weniger um die Gewalt oder die Gesellschaft geht, sondern einzig und allein um die Protagonistin, die durch diese Darstellung deutlich an Sympathie gewonnen hat. Zumindest bei mir.
Die Geschichte endet dezent, aber nicht dramatisch offen und zeigt, dass es Folgebände geben wird. Ein definiertes Ende hat die Reihe allerdings nicht. Am Ende folgen in gewohnter Manier zahlreiche Cover-Variationen der einzelnen Kapitel. Diese sind wie immer großflächig und sehenswert.
November 6, 2024
More of the same, a little more contemplative than most, but, still, not one of my favorite issues, and that's OK.
I think I prefer the more common installments in the story arc, but, sure, even though the "short story" format is different, it feels relatively consistent.
I'm guessing I'm not done with the series yet.
I think I prefer the more common installments in the story arc, but, sure, even though the "short story" format is different, it feels relatively consistent.
I'm guessing I'm not done with the series yet.
January 31, 2025
3 Stars
I don't know. I liked these vignettes, but I wanted more. Because they're really just small flashes, and they don't really add much to the overall story. I didn't get any lore drops. I didn't get any character development. And while any time spent in this world, in this art, is a good time, I wanted it to be a great time.
I don't know. I liked these vignettes, but I wanted more. Because they're really just small flashes, and they don't really add much to the overall story. I didn't get any lore drops. I didn't get any character development. And while any time spent in this world, in this art, is a good time, I wanted it to be a great time.
February 2, 2025
I loved this collection of standalone stories about Erica traveling from town to town killing monsters. The dog story was my favorite, but they were all really good. I liked seeing Aaron again, especially in the scene with the two of them at the end of the last story.
December 28, 2024
4.5 - I wish more had happened in this Volume. Now I have to wait until July for more action. But, Erica is grieving and I'm glad the author committed to that in the plot.
September 23, 2024
this series is so good it kills me that I have to wait for the next instalments. Anyway, this volume is a collection of somewhat independent one-issue long stories of various experiences Erica’s had. It adds even more to her character’s complexity and especially adds more to her and Jessica’s backstory which RUINS ME it’s so fucking sad I actually can’t deal. What I would really love for this series though is for Erica to make some meaningful lasting connections in the present but I also recognise it’s gonna take some work to get to that point
February 27, 2025
A volume of one-off tales that expands on Erica's character and, in particular, her relationship with her trainer/foster mom, Jessica. Each story features some kind of monstrous scenario, but the focus isn't always on how Erica resolves the matter. Often enough, we see Erica tuckered out mid-fight, interacting with some locals.
It's all beautifully written with classic art. This volume doesn't necessarily add any depth to the lore, which is too bad, but it certainly adds depth to Erica. Looking forward to another longer arc next, though more of these one-offs would not be the worst thing.
It's all beautifully written with classic art. This volume doesn't necessarily add any depth to the lore, which is too bad, but it certainly adds depth to Erica. Looking forward to another longer arc next, though more of these one-offs would not be the worst thing.
August 22, 2025
This graphic novel collects five issues that tell some of Erica Slaughter's earlier adventures fighting monsters across the country. After some of the hefty continuing story lines it was nice to go back in time as well as just enjoy one-shots that give you just enough of the story to fully understand what happened in each instance. The art continues to be abstract yet compelling, and leaving some things up to your own imagination. I wouldn't mind seeing more issues like the ones here.
September 19, 2025
2025 reads: 257/300
in this eighth volume of something is killing the children, five different stories explaining how erica slaughter came to be are highlighted. this volume was not what i expected (in a good way). i didn’t read the description before diving in, so i didn’t know this would basically be a prequel. also, i never thought i’d see the day erica slaughter went to therapy, but good for her! (though she could definitely use some more…) i can’t wait for volume nine!
in this eighth volume of something is killing the children, five different stories explaining how erica slaughter came to be are highlighted. this volume was not what i expected (in a good way). i didn’t read the description before diving in, so i didn’t know this would basically be a prequel. also, i never thought i’d see the day erica slaughter went to therapy, but good for her! (though she could definitely use some more…) i can’t wait for volume nine!
June 30, 2025
2,5/5 ⭐️🙄
Cinco historias independientes sobre el pasado de Erica bastante decepcionantes. Sólo logras recopilar algunos detalles para entender mejor el comportamiento de la protagonista.
¿Me esperaba más? Por supuesto. Ni la trama, ni las ilustraciones están a la altura de los volúmenes anteriores.
Como es un volumen totalmente independiente, más vale saltárselo. Espero que la siguiente publicación sea más prometedora…
Cinco historias independientes sobre el pasado de Erica bastante decepcionantes. Sólo logras recopilar algunos detalles para entender mejor el comportamiento de la protagonista.
¿Me esperaba más? Por supuesto. Ni la trama, ni las ilustraciones están a la altura de los volúmenes anteriores.
Como es un volumen totalmente independiente, más vale saltárselo. Espero que la siguiente publicación sea más prometedora…
December 22, 2024
“Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 7” collects issues #36-40. These are standalone stories so this functions like a short story collection (which I enjoyed).
#36 - Erica hides in a barn while hunting a monster who has eaten some children and pets.
#37 - Erica hunts a monster in a big box store in front of some clueless employees.
#38 - Erica is found in a tree house by some little girls after a difficult mission.
#39 - Erica goes to therapy. There’s a great little tidbit in here about the utility of sadness. Sadness helps to remember.
#40 - Erica recounts a mission gone wrong and it’s traumatic fallout.
This collection was a nice change of pace from the longer narrative arcs. However, the repetition of our hero finding a monster and killing a monster started to feel like it’s getting a bit stale.
#36 - Erica hides in a barn while hunting a monster who has eaten some children and pets.
#37 - Erica hunts a monster in a big box store in front of some clueless employees.
#38 - Erica is found in a tree house by some little girls after a difficult mission.
#39 - Erica goes to therapy. There’s a great little tidbit in here about the utility of sadness. Sadness helps to remember.
#40 - Erica recounts a mission gone wrong and it’s traumatic fallout.
This collection was a nice change of pace from the longer narrative arcs. However, the repetition of our hero finding a monster and killing a monster started to feel like it’s getting a bit stale.
December 19, 2024
*3.5/5
December 4, 2024
One thing I appreciate about this series is that everyone is, by and large, rather sharp. Everyone at the Order has thinned, disparaging eyes for the world, and all the supporting folk who tragically come into contact with any of the Order's members have thinned, discerning eyes for them. While this collection is more or less a collection of vignettes that reveal Erica's reflection after everything's shook down quite bad, the scene with the therapist is one of my favorite of the whole series. It's realistic for both the real world and this extremely insane world, and it does a wonderful job of offering more of our protagonist while sticking to her tight-lipped existential nature. Plus, all the little stories interacting with kids are good, revealing fun too—even if they only happen because, goddamnit, something is killing the children.
November 2, 2024
I really love this series. This volume was a bit scattered and all over the place...but the last section was amazing and heartbreaking. I could have really enjoyed a whole volume expanding on that story. Still enjoyed this but it wasn't my favorite volume in the series.
March 15, 2025
I started this semi-excited to be back in this world (only 'semi' because I am not a big fan of prequels and looking back volumes, they are essentially filler that tell us things we mostly already know just with more detail. And that is true here.). Anyway, semi-excited I flipped the first couple of pages to come to a moment on page 5 when I shut the book again and threw it away from me to not touch it again for the rest of the morning. You see, a dog appeared in the story. Considering the track record of this series to do the most possible harm and to regularly commit the titular act, I didn't have much faith that the dog would come unscathed out of this story.
But I did continue, of course, and read the whole thing in the same afternoon. I'll stick by it: nobody needs these prequel stories. This wasn't a necessary edition to the universe, I literally didn't learn a thing I wasn't aware of on some level. But I liked it anyway. There's 5 pieces in here, all set at different points in Erica's past. I think what made them so engaging for me was often the framing/ difference to the regular story telling. Like I said, one featured a dog (and I am not going to give away the spoiler of what happens to the dog), the next one is set in a supermarket and in big parts told through the eyes of the present staff, then through kid's POV we find an unconscious Erica. Next Erica attends a therapy session and in the last one we are with her and Aaron on a park bench talking through some painful stuff. This volume anchors itself in emotions and not much in plot. I love this universe, so apparently being back with Erica and her monsters was a huge factor to let me enjoy myself as much as I did, but I do honestly think these were very compelling ways to tell these stories. If we need to go back, at least do it in interesting fashion (and they did)!
A lot of people are saying that this would be a good entry way into the series and besides the fact as to why in hell you wouldn't start at No 1 (?), I also think that would be a disastrous choice because I do think you need the context to actually feel the emotions the writers are trying to evoke. I think without the established universe there would be a lot in here that either wouldn't even make sense or couldn't stand out as meaningful.
Nevertheless I am disappointed that the for July announced Vol 9 seems to be a similar deal, again we will be going into Erica's past. I mean, is this George R.R. Martin? Do they not know how to continue? Honestly, I'd be fine with this having ended with Vol 7, that was banger and while it left the door open I think it could also have been it. But I am not sure I appreciate being strung along with fillers, even enjoyable fillers such a this one. Give me more of a story or let me move on.
But I did continue, of course, and read the whole thing in the same afternoon. I'll stick by it: nobody needs these prequel stories. This wasn't a necessary edition to the universe, I literally didn't learn a thing I wasn't aware of on some level. But I liked it anyway. There's 5 pieces in here, all set at different points in Erica's past. I think what made them so engaging for me was often the framing/ difference to the regular story telling. Like I said, one featured a dog (and I am not going to give away the spoiler of what happens to the dog), the next one is set in a supermarket and in big parts told through the eyes of the present staff, then through kid's POV we find an unconscious Erica. Next Erica attends a therapy session and in the last one we are with her and Aaron on a park bench talking through some painful stuff. This volume anchors itself in emotions and not much in plot. I love this universe, so apparently being back with Erica and her monsters was a huge factor to let me enjoy myself as much as I did, but I do honestly think these were very compelling ways to tell these stories. If we need to go back, at least do it in interesting fashion (and they did)!
A lot of people are saying that this would be a good entry way into the series and besides the fact as to why in hell you wouldn't start at No 1 (?), I also think that would be a disastrous choice because I do think you need the context to actually feel the emotions the writers are trying to evoke. I think without the established universe there would be a lot in here that either wouldn't even make sense or couldn't stand out as meaningful.
Nevertheless I am disappointed that the for July announced Vol 9 seems to be a similar deal, again we will be going into Erica's past. I mean, is this George R.R. Martin? Do they not know how to continue? Honestly, I'd be fine with this having ended with Vol 7, that was banger and while it left the door open I think it could also have been it. But I am not sure I appreciate being strung along with fillers, even enjoyable fillers such a this one. Give me more of a story or let me move on.
May 1, 2025
Really really loved this insight into Erica's past and some of her relationships. Normally I'm not someone interested in short vignettes the way this volume is set up but I think after many, many volumes of deliberately shadowy information about Erica's life it was a nice change of pace to get more insight into her history and emotional state.
February 4, 2025
This one was more of a character development and I was here for it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews