It’s hard to believe it has been five years since we were first introduced to Erica Slaughter in Something is Killing the Children #1. Now, to celebrate this accomplishment, longtime fans have been awarded a prequel comic to let us know what went down in the events prior to the start of the Archer’s Peak Saga in Something is Killing the Children #0.

Witness this crucial untold story within the vast Slaughterverse, detailing the mission preceding the fateful Archer’s Peak Saga, where the entire story began. The creative team invites us into this intimate untold chapter of the monster hunter that sliced her way into the hearts of readers everywhere.

Eisner-winning duo of writer James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera changed the landscape of horror comics in September 2019 with the debut issue of Something is Killing the Children. The introduction of Erica Slaughter was one that took the comic book industry by surprise. What is no surprise now is that the series is going strong with 40 issues with no signs of slowing down.

While the prequel comic doesn’t aim to revolutionize what we know about Something is Killing the Children, but rather enriches our understanding of its lead protagonist. The celebratory comic offers insights into some of Erika’s motivations and struggles before taking on the events of Archer’s Peak. The story unfolds with a tension that kept me on edge and excited to re-read the first volume of the outstanding series.

Something is Killing the Children #0 features the writing and artwork we have come to expect with this series from Tynion IV and Dell’Edra respectively. What we did take away from this prequel issue was that it really invites longtime readers of the series to step back in time and experience the crucial moments preceding one of comic’s most iconic story arcs. Truthfully the issue was best read after knowing what happens rather than a starting point for those unfamiliar with the series. This is not an introduction, yet an issue to give us more information about the series we have fallen in love with.

A special #0 issue to celebrate the fifth anniversary of an award-winning series is much more fun than a one-shot story based in the current timeline. This gives more depth to the overall tale and adds to the lore of Something is Killing the Children in such a profound way. While nothing groundbreaking, Something is Killing the Children #0 is an outstanding issue to add to the arc of Archer’s Peak.

Something is Killing the Children #0 honors loyal readers who’ve followed along since day one while also celebrating the five year (and continuing) run of the fantastic horror series by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edra. This single issue adds to the overall story without taking away or ruining the first tremendous arc of the series. Hats off to the creative team on five plus years of Something is Killing the Children. Here is to many more!

Something is Killing the Children #0 hits local comic shops on November 6, 2024 from BOOM! Studios.