Something is killing the children #8 review

by Wes Greer on July 08, 2020

Writer – James Tynion IV
Art – Werther Dell’Edera
Colors – Miquel Muerro
Letters – AndWorld Design
Publisher - BOOM Studios






The nightmare continues. Something is Killing the Children has easily become one of my all time favorite series out there in not just the horror comic genre but comics overall and I couldn’t be more excited to be able to review the series here at Comics the Gathering. This is a series I got into a little after it started but as soon as I got into it, I don’t stop reading until I was completely caught up. I had almost given up on horror comics because most of them all feel the same and all just echo one another. Well enter 2020 and all of a sudden I discover a few amazing horror comics but Something is Killing the Children is the one that really hooked me and have me hope again and James Tynion IV has kept the the pedal to the metal giving us hit after hit. Well, before I ramble on anymore I would just like to say I’m excited to be covering this series here on the site and I hope you guys enjoy all my reviews of this incredible story so let’s get into it.

Something is Killing the Children has really just been the book this year when it comes to horror and that’s because of the magic of James Tynion IV. One of the things that really makes this book stand apart is the character development we see as the story progresses and as the story goes on we start to relate more and more to these characters. I wish I could say I related to Weica but she would kick my ass hands down without breaking a sweat. Issue eight continues that character development as James recovers from his gunshot in the hospital and the story develops around the situation that caused that. This issue jumps between several of the characters we have been following along with and we see the after affects of the events of the last issue as Erica tries to move forward with carrying out the ritual. In this issue we also see that more and more people around town are starting to figure out that is really going on although they don’t quite have everything pit together yet. Tynion does a great job in his writing as we jump around from character to character making sure to piece everything together so we don’t feel lost or like there is too much going on and everything comes together in the end that points to a grim fate ahead in the story. There isn’t a whole lot of action in this issue but Tynion does a great job sprinkling in a little bit in between the story advancing to keep the blood pumping while exploring more of the foundation he is trying to plant for where the story seems to be heading next. Even though there is a lot going on, it is still exciting to follow along with and in true Tynion fashion he baits is at the end and leaves us on an exciting cliff hanger that makes us question if there is any chance of defeating these monsters. Overall a brilliant execution of story telling without giving us too much or too little and keeping is on edge the entire issue.

The art of this series has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to try to review. It’s just such a unbiased style and I’ve never seen anything like it before. If I saw this art out of context it would for sure make me ponder what was happening and make me feel dark toned for sure which works incredibly well when used to bring this story to life in this series. Dell’Edera is just such a talented artist and really has nailed the essence of this story and created something so wonderful but horrifying at the same time which is a highlight in this story. It almost feels like a nightmare we might have if we dreamt in animation. The coloring is what really helps sell that final feeling we get as we read along and the tones and colors look simple but unique and emotional at the same time which is something very special and ultimately is the icing on this terrifying cake. The panels where we go into the woods are some of the most incredible panels in any book I’ve seen because of the vivid yet dark and ominous colors used by Muerto and any blood or human remains seen in the woods at night almost glow with the sharp reds used against those deep blues and blacks. Just an incredible overall art team and I really don’t think any other art team out there could deliver anything even close to the emotions sold in this issue. The lettering of this issue was all clear and crisp and very easily read with no issues or hesitation as AndWorld Design always does an excellent job when it comes to the lettering they do on this series. Overall an incredible rich and emotional visual that pleases the reader.

After reading this issue, I am so excited to see where this story is going to go from here which is a usual occurrence after I read this series and there aren’t many books out there I can say that about. I just love everything about this story and I am so glad that the team delivered another incredible issue. Although a bit slower paced then usual, it keeps us entertained on lays the foundation and is a true joy from a visual standpoint. Something is Killing the Children #8 is available today so head over to your loca comic shop as soon as they open the doors. You can also purchase this issue via digital download from your preferred digital retailer. Be sure to let me know what you guys thought about this issue and what you are most looking forward to seeing in upcoming issues by commenting in the comment section below!

-Wes Greer


 

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside