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BOOM Studios! Celebrates the 5 year anniversary of SIKTC
James Tynion IV (Writer) , Werther Dell’Edera (Penciler/Inker) , Mguel Muerto (Colorist) , AndWorldDesign (Letters)
As a comic book reader, collector, dealer, retailer or just a convention attendant, it has been impossible to miss the wave of horror comics that have taken over the industry in the last 5 years or so. One of the most popular titles that launched this new era of horror has been Something is Killing the Children from BOOM Studios! This title was solicited, at least originally, as a 5 issue mini series. As of today, 5 years later, is still going strong with no signs of slowing down at 40 pubished issues and 2 spin-off titles expanding this thrilling new universe.
Spoilers for SIKTC #1
In this first issue, the story begins with a bunch of children playing truth or dare at night. One of the children, James, picks “Truth” in his turn and tells the group a story about monsters coming out of the woodline. Scary story to scare llittle children, that’s all it was cut up to be. Next panel James eyes look different, tired but shocked. Immediately the story takes a turn, James is now in a police station being interviewed by an officer about the murders of the children he was playing truth or dare with. James is physically shaken, covered and unable to let out a full sentence before crying his eyes out. What happened to the children?
Enter Erica Slaughter
2 weeks later in the story, we are introduced to Erica Slaughter, the protagonist. On first glance, Erica looks like the villain. She’s covered in blood, huge knifes in both hands and doesn’t say a single word for an entire 2 pages. After taking all of that in, we realize she’s actually a sort of moster hunter and was just taking care of business. Erica sits with this child who we can assume is a survivor from a previous monster attack. She confirms to the child in this scene (and to the reader), that there are monsters in this world. Her stoic attitude and non-challant behavior towards what just occurred off-panels speaks volumes about Erica’s character and make up. This is what she does.
Is the Hype for real?
I say it is. I’ve heard about it, or just had an idea on the premise of the story. But after reading for myself I have to admit that I’ve been missing out. The way Tynion manages to pull you in while building tension while allowing your imagination fill in the gaps for what happens off-panel is great storytellling for horror stories. Then, he follows up by having James the survivor share his story with Erica and we finally see the horrific ways his friends met their end. I can assure you I was not ready for those scenes filled with children afraid for their lives and the intense panic in James’ eyes. No wonder he could not stop crying in the police station. He was very traumatized to say the least.
What about the Art?
The first thing I noticed in the artwork was the character emotions. James fear and terror is palpable in contrast to Erica’s controlled and stoicism which speaks volumes as well. The pencils by Dell’Edera are very conservative and detailed enough when it needs to be. The use of 9-panel grids and 2 page spreads to showcase verbal and non-verbal communication between characters was brilliant. The coloring by Muerto is very in tune with what the scene requires. For example the night scenes have a limited color palette that allows the use of red to be highlighted for all the gore. The lettering by ‘AndWordDesign’ gives the action scenes a sense of urgency and lots of tension.
I give this issue a 10 out of 10
When I read a first issue, my main focus is to find reasons to come back to the story. SIKTC #1 completely sold me on this entire universe in half a comic! I will be looking to get caught up with the story ASAP! Highly recommend you try it out, if you haven’t yet, it is definitely worth your time!
