I'm in no way a comic book/graphic novel buff, even if I have read more than just a few in my time. In other words, this review won't be telling you who the artwork or story line or whatever reminds me of, as I don't have much to compare it to, but I will try my best to briefly tell you why I thought it was great.

Firstly, the story is super intriguing and expertly paced. I think even if I had to read each standard comic-length chapter on its own, rather than in this combined volume of chapters 1-5, I would have still loved every short second of it. There's a constant build up of tension and suspense, and there are enough nods at a larger world outside of the first few chapters to capture the attention. The characters also hint at major depth, and the plot demands your curiosity. In a word, it's riveting.

Next, the artwork. But even more than that, THE COLOURING. Wowie! The moody blues and striking reds meld perfectly with the expressive artwork to create an atmospheric experience I haven't yet had when reading a comic. Obviously the monsters/kids story line has a lot to do with this too, but I got major Stranger Things vibes from the images, and I wasn't complaining one bit.

Overall, this is a fantastic comic series, and I just can't wait to somehow get my hands on the next volume. For now, though, I'm fo' sheezy going to check out the author's other series, The Woods.

I graciously received this as an ARC from Netgalley for review. Thank you so much!

Honestly guys, I had no idea what to expect, and I was a little worried. I love horror, but typically I do not handle things involving kids very well. Was this going to be a gore fest? I really hoped not, but I prepared myself for it anyway. Did the author take a different route? A psychological thriller perhaps? Would it be a man instead of a monster? Was it going to be a slow burn, or would it jump into the story pretty much right away? I couldn't wait to find out.

Well friends, I'm happy to say, this was superb! I read it as soon as I got it, and it did not disappoint! What fun! I didn't have to sift through pages and pages of background info, bored out of my mind. It only took a few pages for the action to begin. The story was intriguing, and it was paced so that I didn't get bombarded with information. I got just enough to keep me interested, while also making me want to pick up the future volumes that I'm sure will go deeper into the mythology as the series goes on. The art was very pleasing to the eye, and the color was gorgeous. I never got the different characters mixed up, or panels confused, and the dark tone of the colors matched this story perfectly. Also, the lines were sharp when necessary, but muted in other places, controlling the scenes, and how they are seen by the eye. The whole book was absolutely wonderful.

I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone who loves the horror genre, in all it's forms. I believe this is to be appropriate for ages 13 and up.

While I had some issues with the format of the digital copy I was reading - this book was fantastic. I would love to pick up a physical copy. This comic is dark, and beautifully rendered. I always feel like horror centered around children is far scarier than horror centered around adults - this was no exception. The art draws you in immediately, you come for the art, but you stay for the story.

The title says it all. The worst nightmare of your childhood came true. But don't fear, because there's someone here to save you. Her name is Erica Slaughter and she's just as fierce as the monsters she slays.

Something is Killing the Children is aptly horrific and vindictive. And this is just the beginning of a violent, complex story filled with mystery and mysticism.

Volume 1 of this graphic novel is just what the doctor ordered.

Hauntingly grotesque and gorgeous illustrations? Check.

Badass and inscrutable monster-slaying heroine? Check.

Mysterious mythos and hints at more complex worldbuilding to come? Check.

My only complaint is that this instalment isn’t nearly long enough. I need more Erica Slaughter and I am dying to find out what happens next.  Erica is mysterious and has a dangerous edge to her, and her big beautiful haunting eyes are quite creepy, fitting the tone of this graphic novel perfectly. She isn’t completely jaded and hardened, however.  I don't want to say more at the risk of spoiling anything.  I will say that she is definitely a fascinating character that I look forward to getting to know better.

Volume 1 of There’s Something Killing the Children only scratches the surface of a fascinating and unique mythos. I’m very eager to dig deeper once Volume 2 is released.

This is recommended to those who are looking for an atmospheric, thrilling, and compelling story about a small town that’s being plagued by something that’s killing the children...

This review will appear on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/ and other platforms on May 26, 2020.

I was granted an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
...and let me say that I LOVED IT. Something is Killing the Children is a perfect horror story, and I adore Erica Slaughter. The art style is excellent and fits the vibe of the story. The only qualm I have is that it was a bit difficult at times to read on my laptop (my e-reader only allows for one page of panels at a time, most panels aren't doubled but there isn't a differentiation of them), but overall this didn't present a huge challenge.

I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a dark, spooky tale with a badass female lead. I already can't wait for the next installment!

4.5/5 stars

Something is Killing the Children was a gripping, terrifying, and heart pounding read. In other words; I LOVED IT.
For fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Alien, I can guarantee you will not put this graphic novel down.

I am trying to professionally write about the main character but I adore her so much I cannot help but fan girl a little. ERICA SLAUGHTER- what a name- was both intriguing and brilliant. Honestly, from the moment we see her covered in blood, from the monster she slayed, it was love at first sight. I enjoy nothing more then reading books/graphic novels about kick-ass women saving the day. This volume was such a good introduction to her character- we're given enough details about her and the organisation she works for to keep us interested without given all the answers away and I'm excited for volume 2.

The plot really leaves you guessing and in addition to Erica, I need to know what is going to happen with James. That poor boy- all I wanted to do was hug him.

The illustrations were phenomenal. I appreciate the dark tone which gives the already creepy graphic novel an even creepier feel. The fight scenes were my favorite and the artwork was done so well. My hat goes off to the illustrator because he had to do a lot of gory scenes.

Overall, if you like horror then you NEED to check out Something is Killing the Children. Especially, if, like me, you tend to crush on kick-ass women who weld machetes or if you like the gruesomeness of the Walking Dead mixed with an incredible unapologetic heroine similar to the legend that is Buffy.

As expected, something is killing the children in the small (and previously sleepy) town of Archer's Peak. Thankfully, bad ass and super mysterious Erica Slaughter has arrived unannounced to put a stop the deaths and disappearances ... with a little help from a survivor of the recent carnage. While things start off pretty horrifying, setting the bar high pretty early on, the collection ultimately suffers from pacing issues and not very many scares.

Brilliant art that builds real feeling of a small town. Great build that makes you ask a few questions which get answered as the story progresses, which is something I look for in comics. Something different.

Something is Killing the Children– if this title doesn’t grab your attention, I don’t know what will!

In a quiet Wisconsin town, children are disappearing. While most will never come back, a precious few escape and come back with horrifying stories of a monster in the shadows. The townspeople are distraught, so enter Erica Slaughter, who comes to Archer’s Peak ready to kill the monster on hand. This Goth looking Buffy The Vampire Slayer interviews a survivor and heads into the woods to kick some ass.

The world-building is intriguing, as you can’t help but wonder at Erica’s past and her intentions. There are hints that she belongs to a society of monster-killers, each with a small talking talisman- her’s being a purple octopus plushie. She has quite an interesting look, her side-swept bangs always camouflaging one of her eyes along with what looks to be a glowing implant in the side of her face. She often wears a mask to cover the lower half of her face, with a fang motif, that I have to admit would be a bad-ass print to wear on a facemask nowadays with the pandemic we are in the middle of.

The artwork is definitely atmospheric- gloomy, creepy and bloody. Drawn by Werther Dell’Edera, his work is sketchy and imprecise. There are many closeups of people, and some come off as grotesque with an emphasis on crosshatching to signify lines and shadows. When fighting the monster, the gutters become black, with an even darker color palette. Colorist Miquel Muerto keeps all the colors muted, as to signify the darkness of the narrative.

I’ve heard good buzz on this new series- on Goodreads, on NetGalley and even better the staff at my comic-book store, Graham Crackers, recommended it to me. It joins some books that have immediately hooked me in: Briggs Land (which Dell’Edera illustrated parts of V2), Locke & Key, Harrow County, Revival and Bone Parish. Thank you to NetGalley for an advance online copy so I could get in on what promises to be an exciting new horror series.

I liked it.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this comic because I was interested in trying the genre since I'm not too familiar with comics based around topics like these. However I thought it was super interesting !
I really enjoyed the art style and the main characters. They weren't dull or annoying which is always a huge bummer when it comes to books/comics with annoying characters.

I really enjoyed the general plot line and thought the story had some very strong aspects to it, which made it very interesting to read!
I did hope for less of a stretch at some points however that's just a minor detail.

Would definitely recommend this comic!

Something is Killing the Children, Volume one is absolutely insane! I loved everything about this graphic novel. The plot was so interesting and fast paced. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next. The novel is jammed packed with action and sets up so nicely for the next volume in the series. Erica Slaughter is such a badass character and I cant wait to find out more of her back story and whats killing the children in this town. The graphics in this novel are STUNNING and leaned to the story so well. I can't wait for Volume two to come out.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Something is Killing the Children follows the story of Erica Slaughter as she comes to the town of Archer’s Peak which has seen a bunch of gruesome killings. Erica stands out from the crowd from her big eyes, to her talking octopus, to her bag full of knives. She draws lots of attention from the adults of this world and that’s because unlike her they can’t see the monsters.
Something is Killing the Children starts off with violent action and runs use right through the next five issues at a breakneck pace. The story sets up the major plot of the world and the conflict Erica will face in it. Violence while gruesome stands out as you turn a page to see the red flashing out you know something bad has happened. Erica is especially well written spewing dialogue that shown how old hat she is at this. The different reactions people have to her from violently assaulting her to writing her off as crazy give the world a real feeling in regard to the monsters that inhabit it. This debut collection has me excited to read more and ready for the next section.

4 stars
What a heart pounding and graphic read. Something is Killing the Children is a horror graphic novel with interesting illustrations, exciting and disturbing mystery. It took me a little bit to get used to the illustrations they seemed to be quite rough and have sharper outlines than I am used to but after reading the whole volume I feel that it added to the atmosphere and danger the town and children face. I think the biggest complaint I have is the lack of backstory which seems to be the only complaint a lot of people have. We do not know where the monsters come from, are they created from the imagination of children? This organization in the graphic novel raises more questions and our Protagonists involvement with said company. I am hoping that we get more backstory in volume two. I will say the heroine Erica has to be my favourite part of the graphic novel, who is the badass chick with a machete and talking Octopi. Something is Killing the Children you come for the mystery and stay for Erica.
Overall, Something is Killing the Children looks to be a promising addition to the graphic novel scene, with intriguing designs and an badass heroine.

I was pretty excited to read this, despite the artwork not being my usual type. However, I felt let down by the storyline and I didn’t really care what was going to happen to the characters. I didn’t connect with our MC as much as I wanted to and parts of this comic felt really rushed.

I do think a certain audience would enjoy this comic, it just wasn’t for my tastes personally.

Some children are disappearing. The few who return tell stories about terrible creatures. Everything seems lost until an outsider arrives stating that only she can end the monsters.

"Something is Killing the Children" would make a great TV series! We do not have many answers in this first volume, and the story seems to be much deeper than it is initially presented. At times, I remembered "Killing Eve" a lot. In general, it is a comic that is worth reading.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this HQ.

My Review: Cool concept, not enough gore
For a novel about monster hunting, I was expecting a lot more bloodshed. However, this is just the first issue and it sets the story up well for the future.

The Pros: What worked for me

I liked that the story was fast-paced but left a lot of mysteries for the reader to want to discover. There are so many avenues for this story and I am quite curious as to what the next issue will bring.
The art is decent – not too polished or beautiful but it works for this type of story.

The Cons: What I didn’t like

I WANT MORE MONSTERS. GIVE ME MORE GORE!
I wish the author and illustrator had spent more time on the fight scene because that was what I was looking forward to the most.

My review is short because the issue was a quick read. I liked what the story had to offer, and it gives major Stranger Things vibes – so I’m definitely going to be checking out the next issue. If you’re looking for an interesting and supernatural-themed graphic novel, give this one a shot! Solid 3/5 stars from me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was just an ok book for me. While I enjoyed it while I was actually reading it, if I had to put it down for any reason I would just completely forget I was even reading it. I ended up reading it over the course of a couple weeks because I would just forget about it until I stumbled on it again.

A digital edition of this graphic novel did not read well as the pages could not be laid out to see two pages at a time. Overall, the plot seemed very Stranger Things-esque but nothing really jumped out about this being "original". The artwork felt more like I was looking at a movie story board than reading a graphic novel.

This story is excellent for fans of Stranger Things. Very creepy, very good at setting the mood and tone of the small Wisconsin town where everyone knows everyone else.