Something is Killing the Children, created by writer James Tynion IV and artist Werther Dell’Edera, has been a massive hit for publisher Boom Studios and on Free Comic Book Day 2021 the company will release a special one-shot, titled Enter the House of Slaughter, that will explore the history of the House of Slaughter.
Something is Killing the Children debuted in 2019 and garnered instant critical acclaim and this success translated to sales as well. The book, set in the fictional town of Archers Peak, Wisconsin, begins with a rash of unexplained murders—all children; any bodies discovered are found horribly mangled. The authorities are clueless on what to do, but salvation arrives in the form of Erica Slaughter, a mysterious young woman who happens to be a monster killer. As the story unfolds, it is clear there is much more to Erica than meets the eye, and readers will get a glimpse into her history with the House of Slaughter in this special Free Comic Book Day one-shot.
The House of Slaughter has been a huge part of the book—a group of monster-hunters who have been working to keep the existence of monsters a secret from humanity—regardless of the loss of human life. This has led to the group butting heads with Erica on several occasions, who feels the House should shift to killing monsters in order to save people. Despite being integral to the story, much is still not known about the House of Slaughter. For example: how did Erica come to the House? Who trained her? And there are also questions about the House, its history and membership as well, and this one-shot will (hopefully) provide fans with the answers they have been waiting for.
James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera have struck gold with Something is Killing the Children. The book deftly mixes horror with a coming of age story, similar to television shows such as Stranger Things. Tynion and Dell’Edera have created a book that is at turns poignant and horrifying; they have also created a fascinating world and filled it with intriguing characters. Fans have been clamoring to learn more about Erica, the House of Slaughter as well as the monsters themselves—and it looks like those answers may be revealed soon.
Something is Killing the Children is not only a best-selling title, it is also one of the best horror titles on the market today, and its creators are ready to expand its universe with Enter the House of Slaughter. The special one-shot, published by Boom Studios, will be available in stores on this year’s Free Comic Book Day, currently scheduled for August 14th, 2021.