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Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, the showdown fans of Erica Slaughter have been waiting for is finally here! After an excellent slow-burn build, “The Showdown at the Easy Creek Corral” pits BOOM! Studios legendary monster hunter against her greatest rival to date!
Considering last issue’s cliffhanger ending with a character’s life hanging in the balance, losing is not an option.
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #35 by James Tynion lV, Werther Dell’edera Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design gives readers the “big fight aura” with its’ story arc conclusion. Let’s not delay any longer and jump right into the action, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Erica Slaughter’s current investigation has led her to Tribulation, New Mexico. When a monster known as the Duplicitype (who now has taken the form of Erica) violently murders a family, a lone survivor named Gabi is on borrowed time.
Gabi is now under the custody of Riqui, a bartender doing all she can to help her. Even with Sheriff Carter’s involvement, the danger hasn’t left Tribulation. It’s only grown more terrifying. This is all because of an insane force of nature: Charlotte Cutter.
Cutter has been hired by the Order of St. George to eliminate Erica as she is considered a loose end to business. Knowing that re-emerging would put her life in danger, Erica took the chance to help Gabi anyway. Unfortunately, death and destruction has been left in Evil’s wake.
Erica, Riqui and Gabi make a final stand to draw out the Duplicitype but Cutter has crashed the party. Once Gabi is captured by Cutter, Erica makes a tough call to shoot the poisoned arrow meant for the monster at Cutter. Unfortunately, Cutter grabs it in mid air and stabs Gabi with the poison!
This issue wastes no time as Erica makes a direct line to attack Cutter. Gabi is screaming in pain as the poison starts taking hold. Riqui is helpless to stop it. Their words provide the soundtrack for an all-out violent throwdown between Erica and Cutter.
Nothing is held back as the two fight to the death. Readers get their money’s worth and then some as the rivals deliver on the emotional tension that’s been building. All the while, the monster is still walking towards their location.
The drama never stops escalating as the chaos swirls around Erica like a hurricane. Once the smoke clears, the resolution leaves scars that won’t fade away for Erica and the readers. Get ready for an intense payoff as one chapter closes but another one prepares to begin within these epic pages.
Being the champion of Slow-Burn drama, Tynion delivers a highly emotional conclusion to this arc. Erica’s struggle to find a win has been a major driver for this arc. Cutter has been one step ahead of her at every phase.
With their final confrontation here, Tynion unleashes Cutter at her most deadliest. With stabbing words while hurting Erica, the dialogue uses words as weapons. It plays completely into how unhinged Cutter is. It also pushes Erica to go into another level to win.
The second confrontation nails the impactful build-up for the case as well. Gabi’s story has been the backbone of the entire arc and receives an magnificent send-off.
Tynion mixes in elements of tragedy and triumph in an even blend to close out this tale. The ending issue arc reminds readers of how even in victory, there is much defeat. It further defines how incredible this series is
Dell’edera and Muerto bring the action at a fast pace throughout this issue. They mix in only a few moments to let readers catch their breathes. Those moments still jump out as you see Cutter’s insanity go toe-to-toe with Erica’s unbreakable will.
It’s a great compliment to the fighting. Readers are gifted a full page panel that kicks off the conclusion of their altercation. It’s also a visual that will arguably cause a vocal “YES!’ reaction as well. That’s how much the art will lock you into the drama.
There are also a few other full-page images that will connect with readers in other ways. The story ranges with extreme highs and lows involving those panels. closing moments bring the story back down to set forth a solid overall conclusion. The parting image couldn’t be crafted any more perfect to conclude this chapter of Erica Slaughter.
FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10
The latest challenge in Erica Slaughter’s life comes to a chaotic and explosive conclusion with an amazing issue. Tynion’s superb writing orchestrates the thrilling showdowns fans have been waiting for. Dell’edera, Muerto & Andworld Design showcase through incredible imagery the brutality and heart-breaking reactions to another SIKTC classic! Absolutley DO NOT LEAVER THE LCS WITHOUT THIS ISSUE!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Something Is Killing The Children #35. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative!
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