Something is Killing the Children #33 Review: Trouble in Tribulation

Something is Killing the Children #33

Review

Rating

7

Solid

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Werther Dell'Edera

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Format: Single-issue

While the latest installment of Something is Killing the Children slows its pacing down to a crawl, there are moments in this issue that remind you of how terrifying the monsters that lurk within the story can be.

Something is Killing the Children #33

Review

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Werther Dell'Edera

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Format: Single-issue

While the latest installment of Something is Killing the Children slows its pacing down to a crawl, there are moments in this issue that remind you of how terrifying the monsters that lurk within the story can be.

Rating

7

Solid

It’s been a few years since Something is Killing the Children burst into the indie comic scene and grabbed everyone’s attention with its unique take on monster-hunting horror. Today, it’s one of the hottest properties in comics. James Tynion IV has carefully expanded the “Slaughterverse,” creating spin-off titles like “House of Slaughter” and the upcoming “Book of Butcher.” But the heart of it all will always be “Something is Killing the Children.” Does the latest issue uphold the series’s strong pedigree, or is it showing signs of losing steam? Let’s dive into my review and find out!

Image: BOOM! Studios

Overview

While preparing the trap for the Duplicitype, Gabi and Riqui share a heart-to-heart conversation. Or at least that’s what Riqui hoped to get out of Gabi. The young girl is pissed off at how powerless she feels, and her frustrations get the best of her.

Meanwhile, Erica does what she can to get her body ready for the incoming fight. Having just recovered from getting her arms ripped apart by the Duplicitype, she’s barely able to handle her weapons like she used to. She’s going to need to muster up all the strength she has left if she wants to make it out of Tribulation alive. Not only is the Duplicitype lurking around town, but Cutter is much closer than Erica realizes, and the crazed woman is out for blood.

Image: BOOM! Studios

Review

To the readers who have been chomping at the bit to see Erica Slaughter and Cutter finally face off, I have some unfortunate news for you. #33 of SiKtC is all build-up but no drop. While I wouldn’t go as far as to call this issue a “filler,” it ultimately does little to push the plot of the Tribulation arc forward. Comparing it to the previous issue that had Cecilia’s surprise return tied to an emotional flashback sequence, this one feels like it’s going through the motions of setting up the story arc’s bloody finale. It’s not a bad issue. There’s just not much that happens to remind you why this is one of the best creator-owned comics coming out today. Apart from a brief glimpse at the Duplicitype walking around town and Cutter’s shadowy return to the story, there’s very little in this issue to sink your teeth into.

With that being said, Cutter continues to be a badass character who eats up every scene she’s in. She easily makes an impact with just the few lines of dialogue she has in this issue. Especially now that she’s decked out in her hunter gear, there’s a powerful presence to her that’s unique from the other villains we’ve seen throughout the series. As much as I had hoped for her and Erica to throw down in this issue, the parts that we got of Cutter were still pretty great. When the time comes for her inevitable confrontation with Erica, it’s going to be a lot of fun seeing the sparks fly. Let’s just hope that happens in the next issue.

Image: BOOM! Studios

Final Thoughts

As a big fan of the series, I’ll admit I was a bit disappointed with this issue. Coming from last month’s more introspective issue, I expected this new one to pick up the pace. Instead, it slowed things down even more. Having two conversation-heavy issues come out back-to-back makes the story’s pacing feel like it’s now slowed to a crawl. But at least it seems like the stage is finally set for things to kick into high gear. I have high hopes for the next issues to deliver a thrilling finale to make up for what has been a plodding story arc so far. #33 is still a decent issue that sets up what is sure to be a bloody confrontation in the next installment.

Why You Should Read Something is Killing the Children

• The latest issue sets the stage for a very bloody confrontation. 
• The art by Werther Dell'Edera is consistently excellent throughout the series. 
• Characters hook you in with their terrifying personalities.