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Something Is Killing The Children #30 – Boom! Studios
Creative Team: James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design
Welcome to a brand new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast by way of Nerd Initiative!
For this entry, we are checking out the finale issue of the latest chapter involving the next big comic property now making its’ way to Netflix in the very near future. Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design, is a series known for its’ fantastic storytelling. Its’ current storyline has been building up the latest threat to Erica Slaughter to a dangerous level. Issue #30 brings an end to the current arc, and all bets are off of how Erica Slaughter gets out of this situation alive.
Before we dive into this issue, some of the imagery for this blog may not be suitable for younger readers. Viewer discretion is advised. If all good after that, shall we get started?
**VIEWER DISCRESSION ADVISED**
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
What’s Been Going On?
Tribulation, New Mexico has become the center of mystery and endangerment, with the emergence of a monster known as “The Duplicate” running around. In one attack, the monster murdered an entire family, leaving behind Gabi as a sole witness. Riqui, a local bartender, has now become the protector of Gabi but clearly isn’t ready to deal with such a threat.
Luckily (depending how you look at it), Erica Slaughter has re-emerged from hiding to take down the creature. Erica’s presence hasn’t gone unnoticed, as the Order Of St. George has sent the vicious Cutter to Tribulation to end Erica once and for all. Along the way, Cutter has left a bloody trail behind with her murder of Erica’s longtime ally Big Gary Slaughter as her sick crowning achievement.
Cutter continues to put the pressure on Erica as she’s now framed her for the murders of Tribulation police officers inside their own station (that Cutter killed personally), and is assisting The Duplicate by making it a clone of Erica! With the walls closing in (along with another surprise from the Order en route to Tribulation), Erica escapes the police station with Gabi and Riqui, wounded but ready to fight back.
What’s Happening Now
This issue opens up with the aftermath of Cutter’s rampage at the police station. Cutter returns to the scene of the crime, with only one officer knowing Erica’s side of events. Cutter tries playing off the sheriff’s doubts about Erica until she realizes, Erica has made a bold move: taking Cutter’s precious doll from her bag! This sends Cutter into a rage in front of the officers.
Meanwhile, Erica, Riqui and Gabi head to Riqui’s bar “The Luck Of The Irish” to get some assets for the upcoming fight. Riqui catches wind of Erica’s plan to use Gabi as bait to draw out the monster and there is a tense exchange of words. Erica is unfazed by Riqui’s reaction and pushes the group forward.
The trio sets up camp at a ranch Riqui’s uncle watches over. During this time, Erica unveils the plan to stop the monster and unloads the story behind her and the Order. The fallout from this is impactful not only to Gabi and Riqui, but to the reader as well. Is the pair ready to embrace the world of Erica Slaughter head on? Can they actually stop the monster and Cutter? Before there is time for answers, the final act kicks into gear, throwing one definitive statement to the reader in closing: the one enemy they cannot defeat, is time.
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Story Review
Wrapping up this arc, Tynion delivers a strong understanding of where things are heading to. The book is essentially broken down into three portions. Cutter’s story kicks things off with showing readers how she reacts to being on the defensive with the theft of her doll. Seeing the emotional breakdown finally gave Erica a much needed win.
That played into the second section, with Erica’s story with Gabi and Riqui. Since her arrival in Tribulation, Erica has played much close to the vest. Seeing that she is not ready for what she’s up against, the breakdown of plans is crucial in Erica re-building her confidence, along with preparing her allies for the frightening places they look to be heading next.
The third portion re-affirms how things are progressing, and challenges whether or not Erica is ready for the coming challenges. The pacing works to cap off the current arc along with setting up the violent showdown forthcoming.
Artwork Overview
Dell’edera and Muerto ramp up the drama within these pages. Right from the start, they present Cutter as being in total control, until the doll is taken. The full page panel crafts how truly unhinged she is, as Cutter looses control in front of the remaining officers over her doll. The trio’s story is presented with multiple emotional moments. From Riqui’s warning to Erica only to be countered by Erica’s stone faced numbness, the trio clash as events begin taking their toll on them.
The ranch sequence of panels gives readers a look at how Erica is handling the events at hand. Her reaction to telling the pair about what they’re involved in, evokes a solid reaction as to the weight of the situation at hand. The final act shows how time is of the essence and is something not in Erica’s favor. There is a solid, final full page panel to close this issue & arc out with.
Final Point
The latest chapter of Erica Slaughter’s adventure concludes with a looming sense of fear and doubt in the air. With a daunting task lying ahead, Erica is tested unlike she ever has been before. Tynion, Dell’edera, & Muerto bring forth the drama, with exceptional art and writing, taking Erica into uncharted territory with only a sliver of hope to survive. Don’t miss this chapter on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Something is Killing The Children #30. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative!
