In theory crossing two extremely popular universes over in a comic sounds like an amazing idea and should be extremely popular, but it’s not always executed well and sometimes can feel forced. However, this is not the case for Swamp Thing is Killing the Children, a crossover story between Something is Killing the Children, it’s Slaughterverse, and the DC Comics Universe by writer and artist duo James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera. Instead we get a fantastic and fresh take on what a crossover story can be, in a horrifying and heartfelt one-shot.
Two siblings who are life-long comics fans find their way to horror comics, in spite of the fears they inspire. As the terrifying visions from the pages of the comics start to come to life, Erica Slaughter will have to hunt down one of horror’s most recognizable figures — Swamp Thing himself!
I had no real idea of what to expect from Swamp Thing is Killing the Children outside of the trust I had in the Slaughterverse, but also the creators behind it and their ability to craft ousting stories not just for BOOM! Studios but also some of the most cherished DC characters as well. Tynion and Dell’Edera have a long history of creating some outstanding tales, so I at least had to put my trust in their minds. I am glad I did.
This story could’ve been handled in multiple ways, but the decisions made by the creative team surprised the hell out of me in such a good way. Taking the crossover story to a new level and crafting a tale that makes sense and does both universes justice. The formula of one character entering another universe by some sort of event that plopped Erica Slaughter into the DC Universe or Swamp Thing into the Slaughterverse would’ve almost felt forced, but by using fresh storytelling made this come hit even harder than I expected.
Swamp Thing is Killing the Children is just as much as DC Comic as it is a BOOM! Studios story, but really felt at home in the Slaughterverse. You get the children frightened by monsters and Erica coming in to save the day, something that if it didn’t happen would’ve let me down. The tension is built from the very first page and felt throughout the story. You get the action-packed battle you’ve come to except in a Slaughterverse story, along with a bit of heartfelt moments between the brothers and the life they have been dealt. A wonderful blend of emotions.
The way this creative team set this comic made it feel like it was in the right place. It’s can be hard to explain, but it felt like it was supposed to be where it is. It didn’t feel forced, it didn’t feel like a fish out of water, it felt purposeful and part of the overall stories being told in both the Slaughterverse and at home in a Swamp Thing story. Like I said before, some feel like they just don’t work, and Swamp Thing is Killing the Children is far from that.
Swamp Thing is Killing the Children is a beautiful blend of superhero and horror that works perfectly. Writer James Tynion IV and artist Werther Dell’Edera craft an unexpected crossover that proves the best mashups don’t just bring two worlds together, they make you believe they were always meant to collide. Swamp Thing is Killing the Children is a story that feels at home in the Slaughterverse but also like a love letter to the great DC Comics universe.
Swamp Thing is Killing the Children #1 hits local comic shops on December 2, 2026 from BOOM! Studios.
Swamp Thing is Killing the Children #1 Covers
