James Tynion IV

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol. 8, by James Tynion IV & Werther Dell’Edera

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This volume is an anthology, gathering different stories to explore Erica’s past.

Watching Erica work never gets old. I love how action-packed this volume is. It makes the quiet moments that much more impactful. Despite the volume being promoted as for even new readers, I think it does you a disservice to read this without the context of the previous volumes, especially given how volume seven ended. You might be annoyed that volume eight doesn’t jump right in to where seven left off, but I think these stories give some great insight into Erica’s training and her dynamic with the organization. She’s an awesome character, and this volume just lets her do her thing. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol. 7, by James Tynion IV & Werther Dell’Edera

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

After barely surviving the Duplicitype. Erica has to face the deeply unstable Cutter. With the situation dire, Cecilia shows up to help Erica defeat the creature wearing her face.

Oof, Erica just can’t catch a break. Even when I’m mentally prepared for things to go bad, I wasn’t prepared for how bad this got. I was hoping for a more positive outcome… What a downer. Scary, gripping, and amazingly drawn, but a downer. It can easily be summed up in this exchange:

Cutter: It doesn’t matter. You still lose.

Erica: Yeah. I’m fucking used to it.

I hear this series got picked up by Blumhouse, and I hope they do it justice. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol. 6, by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera & Miquel Muerto 

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Erica and Gabi are hiding out from the monsters and The Order. But there is no real respite for them as a dangerous hunter, Cutter, is after them and she does not care who ends up dead along the way.

While there isn’t much combat in this, it’s entertaining and has heartfelt moments with our characters and good humor elements. Cutter is so damn creepy and clearly unhinged (I don’t think anyone is ‘hinged’ in this organization, to be honest) and provides the usual conniving and bloodshed for this story. It’s a great setup for what’s next and I can’t wait to read it. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol. 5, by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera & Miquel Muerto

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A year after what happened in Archer’s Park, Erica goes to New Mexico to help a girl whose family was killed by a new kind of monster. However, she’s doing this against the orders of The House of Slaughter, putting a target on her back.

Of course the monster hunters would have issue with someone like Erica, who doesn’t care so much about all the cloak and dagger stuff and just wants to save as many people as she can. the person send after Erica is almost as frightening as the grotesque creature Erica is hunting in this volume. The kid, Gabi, has some moments where she’s annoying but I probably wouldn’t be the easiest to deal with if my family was killed. I do hope they soften her as the story goes on because she can be grating. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Closet” Vol. 1, by James Tynion IV, Gavin Fullerton & Chris O’Halloran

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Thom is moving his family across the country to try and leave behind whatever is haunting his son.

This collection seems like a preview for a longer volume. There is no resolution, this is all buildup. They move to the new house, the creature is there, the dad is an asshole, and that’s it. I like the set up but I’d be annoyed if I spent money on what seems like half a story. If there was more, I’d give it a higher rating because I like the concept and the art is cool. 3.2 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol 4, by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera, Miquel Muerto & AndWorld Design

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In this volume we are introduced to Jessica, the hunter who saved Erica as a child and brought her into the House of Slaughter.

I think this is my favorite volume in the series so far. Young Erica is just the right balance of badass but still a child. She still gets scared and isn’t super human. We also get some insight into how the House of Slaughter functions and get to know some of the members. I like the writing; it keeps these hunters grounded and relatable. They kill monsters for a living but they’re still just people and their job can take a tole. It shows how what they do weighs on them. I look forward to more hunters being involved with adult Erica, too. 4.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol. 3, by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera

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Archer’s Peak is in lockdown and while Erica is desperately trying to keep the situation contained, a video is leaked that exposes the existence of these creatures. Now, The Order of St. George wants to take more extreme measures.

I really love this art style in the battle scenes. Very dynamic and flows well so you understand what’s happening. 

Other than that, this is a pretty standard evil creature, secret organization, brooding hero type story. It’s the main characters that keep me interested and I am hopeful there will be more of Erica and her journey. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol. 2, by James Tynion IV & Werther Dell’Edera

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While Erica vanquished one monster, the threat is far from over as the monster’s offspring set their sights on the remaining residents of Archer’s Peak.

While I like this series and the broader world this volume introduces, I’m getting annoyed with how sloppy this sooper seekret organization is. I know a story like this needs a body count but I’m starting to feel less fear of these people and more frustration. Guys, killing these monsters is your THING, how are so many of your people dead?! Why is Erica the only one who can take them? Get it together, Super Secret Monster Hunting Organization.

Otherwise, I’m hooked and I hope there will be more of this series. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol. 1, by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera & Miguel Muerto

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In Archer’s Peak children are going missing; never to be seen again. One boy who escaped tells tales of horrible monsters living in the shadows. A mysterious woman covered in blood seems to know these creatures and is prepared to do battle with them despite the adults believing the children are lying.

The main character, Erica Slaughter, could easily slip into the mysterious tough gal stereotype but she’s got enough personality to set her apart – even if her name is a little on the nose. This is a gory, action packed story with all the great trappings a series like this needs: badass hunter, evil creatures, and a shadow organization lurking about with their own agenda. This was cool to read and I look forward to the next one. 4.7 out of 5.

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