Something Is Killing The Children #11 Comic Review: The Conflict With Obscuratype Grows

The Illuminerdi reviews issue #11 of Boom Studios' Something Is Killing The Children.

The Illuminerdi reviews issue #11 of Boom Studios’ Something Is Killing The Children.

Marvel and DC are the undisputed kings of the comic book game, and quite frankly, I don’t expect that to change in my lifetime. Now, while this certainly has it’s perks. (We are living in the golden age of comic book adaptations after all, thanks in no small part to the DCEU and MCU) These two companies have overshadowed smaller publishers for decades, and that is truly a shame.

Take for example, Boom Studios, and before you ask, no, they didn’t pay me to write this. Boom Studios has been quietly supplying comic book fans with solid comic books, both original creations and new entries in beloved franchises, for several years now.

Boom first came on my radar after joining The Illuminerdi team, and I have fallen in love with their catalog since. From insane crossovers, to fantastic Power Rangers stories, to exhilarating horror, Boom has a bit of something for everyone. This week, I had the pleasure of reviewing the first issue in the new series, Something Is Killing The Children #11.

Something Is Killing The Children #11

James Tynion IV, most well known for his work on Batman: Detective comics and for creating Punchline, has been cooking up something truly special with his ongoing horror series. Bleak, soul crushing, and more than a little depressing, Something Is Killing The Children hurts to read, but the pain is oh so sweet. The story centers around the unassuming two of Archer’s Peak as it suffers from an infestation of man eating monsters.

The creatures, known as Obscuratype, can only be seen by children and certain adults. Their visibility, and their attraction towards human flesh is directly tied to the level of fear one is experiencing at any given moment.

Erica Slaughter is the jaded antihero protagonist. A monster hunter from the mysterious “House of Slaughter”, she came to Archer’s peak to resolve the monster infestation, but her efforts have been fruitless so far. Last issue, a group of Obscuratype ripped a young girl in half whilst in a blood frenzy. The citizens of Archer’s peak have mostly sought out cover in a school building, but it’s anyone’s guess how long it will be before the creatures break in and take more lives.

Now, hopefully, those uninitiated with this macabre tale have some idea of the gloom and doom atmosphere of this book. Something Is Killing The Children is not for the faint of heart, though issue #11 isn’t as horrifically upsetting as previous entries. This week spent most pages worldbuilding, and setting the stage for further conflict with the Obscuratype and the House of Slaughter.

You see, The House of Slaughter is not pleased that so many people have become aware of the existence of their organization and the Obscuratype, and so a plan to “take care of” Archer’s Peak is set in motion. The “Dragon” of the House of Slaughter is also introduced, and while we still know relatively little about the man who seems to lead this focal organization, we do know that he has a special interest in Erica Slaughter. Her failure to complete her mission has clearly drawn ire from other members of the order.

Furthermore, this issue of Something Is Killing The Children showcases two very strong moments of pure human emotion. Without getting into spoilers, Joe and James both react to traumatic situations very vulnerably and honestly. James actions are particularly thought-provoking, begging readers to question what they would do if in his shoes, which is exactly the sort of writing that elevates this book.

And no Something Is Killing The Children review would be complete without mention of the incredible artistic team of Werther Dell’Edera and colorist Miquel Muerto. Dell’Edera’s art is very distinct, and crisp. The linework is tight, and the panels move in a organic, fast-paced manner that services the story quite nicely. Edera’s coloring always shines a light on a few specific objects or aspects of the page, making them pop with his vibrant work. I found myself staring at Tyler’s palid eyes and the Dragon’s gleaming mask particularly in issue #11.

After such a stressful issue #10, it was smart of the creative team to take the majority of this issue out of Archer’s Peak. But no good thing is built to last, and so of course we find Erica and James in some very hot water before the credits roll. While not peak Something Is Killing The Children, this week’s issue is a strong entry in this wonderful, heart breaking ongoing.