Dark Tides in Something is Killing the Children #12
The times seem to keep getting darker and darker in Something is Killing the Children #12. It’s an impressive feat, given the title and nature of the series. This is a world where monsters are real and very hungry.
Erica Slaughter has done her best to keep the monsters, and worse, at bay. But everything continues spiraling out of control as more monsters appear. All the while, more people learn the truth of what is happening to one previously sleepy town.
Admittedly, this series is not for the faint of heart, yet it has been a thrilling horror series. One that very much lives up to its name and the promises made.
Writing
If you’ve followed the series up to this point, you know how dark and disturbing it can get. Now, take all of those expectations and throw them out the window. The twists inside Something is Killing the Children #12 are on a new level.
James Tynion IV has seriously outdone himself here. Yes, it is a graphic issue, but ironically, this is one of the first times those elements don’t steal the show. Instead, it’s all of the implications found within these pages.
This is the issue that adds so much depth to the series. Answering many questions (while laying down a few more). Not to mention increasing our emotional ties to the series and unfolding events. It’s delightfully done.
All of that being said, the cliffhanger ending is fairly anxiety-inducing, so the next month will probably feel like a long one. At least there are plenty of other horror series to keep up with simultaneously. It is actually quite a refreshing change.
Art
As you might imagine, the artwork found inside Something is Killing the Children #12 is a thematic match to the story itself. That means it gets pretty dark – both literally and figuratively. There’s plenty of gore, but it’s handled in a way that doesn’t overwhelm. Admittedly, the color palette itself may play a role there.
Werther Dell’Edera’s monsters and characters are vibrant and memorable. Humans portray many emotions, though predominantly pain and fear (with good reason). Erica is an iconic beacon of the series, a counter to the monsters she faces.
The colors, which are created by Miguel Muerto, are simply divine. The dark and muted tones fit the world these characters are in. All while providing a backdrop for vibrant bursts of color to almost pop off the pages. It certainly adds to the impact and horror of it all.
Andworld Design’s lettering is the necessary final touch. I will say that the title pages for Something is Killing the Children are some of my favorites, and a lot of that concerns the decisions made by Andworld Design.
Conclusion
Something is Killing the Children #12 is a harrowing issue, no matter which way you look at it. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m still reeling from the implications and revelations that occurred here. Likewise, I sincerely cannot wait to see what is going to happen next. Or how Erica is going to get out of this…particular situation.
This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.
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