Review: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 7

Title: Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 7

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist: Werther Dell'Edera

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children (Volume 7)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Horror, Adult

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM!Studios

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The final chapter of the Tribulation saga and the decisive showdown between Eric Slaughter and Cutter.

After narrowly surviving the Duplicitype, Erica Slaughter must still reckon with the murderous Cutter in order to save the people of Tribulation. Seperated from Dolly and driven by desperate rage, Cutter won't stop until she exacts her revenge on Erica. But the horror is far from over as the terrifying Duplicitype, the infamous monster wearing Erica's likeness that changed Something is Killing the Children forever, also remains at large and in relentless, sinister pursuit! And with Cecilia showing up onsite, will Erica finally find the ally she needs or is betrayal in the cards? Whose side are they on? Most importantly, what chance does Erica stand?"

My Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this one more than the last one and I think the addition of flashbacks helped my enjoyment overall. I look forward to continuing the series. 

Sidny

Review: Something is Killing the Children Volume 6

Title: Something is Killing the Children Volume 6

Author: James Tynion IV

Illustrator: Werther Dell'Edera

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children Series (Vol. 6)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Adult Fiction

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published:  2023

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"With the last person in her corner gone and a ruthless agent from the Order of St. George closing in, Erica Slaughter finds herself alone and without a prayer. Can she take on this horrific new monster plaguing the small town of Tribulation, New Mexico by herself, or is this the end of her story? Erica is faced with a choice to reach out to an unexpected source for help, or find herself dealing with both a monster and her human enemies alone... Erica Slaughter faces her deadliest challenge yet in the next volume of the Eisner-winning and Harvey Award-nominated series from GLAAD Award-winning author James Tynion IV...."

My Rating: 3/5

This volume was fine for me, but I think because I can no longer binge the series, I'm starting to lose hold of the plot. I would be interested in reading it all once it's completed but for now, I will be taking a break from the series. The ideas are excellent, the art style is fascinating and the characters are dynamic. Lots to like, just not my favourite.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 5

Title: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 5

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s); Werther Dell-Edera

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children Series (Vol. 5)

Genre: Horror, Graphic Novel, Adult

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2022 

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Erica Slaughter strikes out on her own in the bestselling, award-winning series!

After a year since we last saw her in Archer's Peak, Erica Slaughter resurfaces to take on the case of a girl who's seen a new kind of monster, one with terrifying implications. But Erica's broken ties with the House of Slaughter and that can have deadly consequences. The Order of St. George does not forget nor do they forgive. Even as Erica goes on the hunt, she must keep an eye out for the mysterious figure on her trail in order to survive the coming storm. Erica Slaughter returns after the ARcher's Peak Saga in this volume of Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated series from GLAAD Award-winning author James Tynion IV, artist Werther Dell'Edera, colorist Miquel Muerto, and the letter AndWorld Design."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my favourite volume so far in this story. I think that the change of setting and the change of characters helped me delve back into the series. I love that we are getting an expansion on what the Order of St. George looks like. How far they are willing to go and how many connections they have. The cliff hanger was what I didn't know I needed. Can't wait to read the next volume!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something Is Killing the Children Vol. 4

Title: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 4

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Werther Dell'Edera

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing The Children Series (Vol. 4)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Horror

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Erica Slaughter went to hell and back in Archer's Peak, but that may be nothing compared to the events that forged her at the House of Slaughter. What events brought Erica to the House of Slaughter? And what did she have to do to join the Order of St. George? Erica Slaughter's origins are finally revealed in this volume of the Eisner Award-nominated series from GLAAD Award-winning author James Tynion IV and artist Werther Dell'Edera."

My Rating: 5/5

I love an origin story. This is not news to many people. Even when those stories are unpopular, I still am in it to figure out how systems got set up, or how our main villain or mysterious character got to the point they are in the story. I just think it's fun and when an author goes above and beyond to expand their world it should be respected. Especially if they can pull together story threads to make everything connect in a way that makes sense. I can't wait to continue the series. I'm on the waitlist and hope that the final volume leads up to my expectations.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 2

Title: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 2

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Werther Dell'Edera, Miquel Muerto

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children Series (Vol. 2)

Genre: Adult, Horror, Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"Erica Slaughter may have slain the monster terrorizing the small Wisconsin town of Archer's Peak, but now she sets off deeper into the woods- because the monster she killed was a mother... and now she needs to kill its children.

EVIL NEVER DIES... UNLESS ERICA SLAUGHTER KILLS IT.

Erica Slaughter may have slain the monster terrorizing the small Wisconsin town of Archer's Peak, but the horror is far from over. As her mysterious handler arrives in town to clean up her mess and quarantine the townsfolk, Erica sets off deeper into the woods-- because the monster she killed was a mother.. and now she needs to kill its children."

My Rating: 5/5

This was precisely what I needed a sequel to be it was horrifying and disturbing but also left the world a bit to the imagination. The idea that a whole house is out there working to fight monsters and control the humans' view of them was incredible. I enjoy the art style and while I find this story horror ESC. I would not say that I was overly frightened. I will be continuing with the series as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Arrow by James Tynion IV

Title: The Arrow

Author: James Tynion

Artist(s): Michael Dialynas

Series/Standalone: The Woods (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: BOOM! Studio

Year Published: 2014

Format: Paperback 

"On October 16, 2013, 437 students, 52 teachers and 24 additional staff from Bay Point Preparatory High School in suburban Milwaukee, WI vanished without a trace. Countless light years away, far outside the bounds of the charted universe, 513 people find themselves in the middle of an ancient, primordial wilderness. Where are they? Why are they there? The answers will prove stranger than anyone could possibly imagine."

My Rating: 2/5

A very basic first instalment in an older graphic novel series, I am intrigued to keep going and follow where the plot takes us. But things that I think were meant to gather my focus and add to the atmosphere didn't work for me. I will continue on, but I'm hoping for more in the next installment. The art was enjoyable, the characters were where it lacked so far, but I look forward to seeing how they grow as I continue on.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 1

Title: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 1

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Werther Dell'Edera, Miquel Muerto

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Horror, Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When children begin to go missing in the town of Archer's Peak, all hope seems lost until a mysterious woman arrives to reveal that terrifying creatures are behind the chaos- and that she alone will destroy them, no matter the cost.

IT'S THE MONSTER WHO SHOULD BE AFRAID.

When children of Archer's Peak- a sleepy town in the heart of America- begin to go missing, everything seems hopeless. Most children never return, but the ones that do have terrible stories- impossible details of terrifying creatures that live in the shadows. Their only hope of finding and eliminating the threat is the arrival of a mysterious stranger, one who believes the children and claims to be the only one who sees what they can see.

Her name is Erica Slaughter. She kills monsters. That is all she does, and she bears the cost because it must be done."

My Rating: 4/5

This story was a quick but gory read. I enjoyed the art style, as much as you can when it's a gory horror graphic novel. The storyline was interesting and fast-paced. The characters were intriguing and the plot kept me reading. It was a quick read (in the daylight). I look forward to continuing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Encore by James Tynion IV

Title: Encore

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh, Brittney Williams, Caitlin Rose Boyle, Katy Farina, Walter Baiamonte

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 96

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic- literally!

The Backstagers are back in (stage) blacks, for a festive collection of Valentine's Day and Halloween stories! Join Jory and the rest of the Backstagers as they wrestle with anti0Valentine crusades, totally creepy phantoms (NOT of the opera), and the ever-present magic of the backstage world in this romantically spooky third volume of this hit series."

My Rating: 2.75/5

I just think that this is where the series seems to end. This one was cute, it was a fun holiday read, but it doesn't really add anything to the storyline. Really the plot wrapped up in the second volume, this is just here for some fun character content. I liked it, but it just wasn't where I hoped that the series would go. If another volume comes out and is available at the library, I'd check it out, but it's not something I feel like I need to read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Show Must Go On by James Tynion IV

Title: The Show Must Go On

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic- literally!

Jory and the rest of the Backstagers have one goal this semester: to put the best show their town's ever seen. But best laid plans aren't easy to achieve when there's an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain! When one of the actors suddenly goes missing, the Backstagers must band together to save their comrade and maintain the natural balance of.... theater."

My Rating: 4/5

This next installment was such a great addition to the story, and the characters we read about in the first volume. I love the art style in these, and the atmosphere that has been created with the backstage world. I look forward to reading the last installment this upcoming week. If you're looking for a fun, short graphic novel series I would recommend!

Thanks for reading

Sidny

Review: Rebels Without Applause by James Tynion IV

Title: Rebels Without Applause

Author: Jame Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh, Walter Baiamonte

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 1)

Genre: LGBT, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic literally!

When Jory transfers to an all-boys private high school, he's taken in by the only ones who don't treat him like a new kid, the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. Not only does he gain great, lifetime friends, Jory is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. With the unpredictable twists and turns of the underground world, the Backstagers venture into the unknown, determined to put together the best play their high school has ever seen."

My Rating: 3.75/5

After completing this first volume I went to add more of the series on my Goodreads TBR. And do you know what I found? There are only THREE volumes of this cute, mystical story! THREE! How will I ever be satisfied with that? I loved the characters in this, and the world of backstage was absolutely amazing. I'm so curious to see what will happen with their antics in the next volume of the story. But again, how are there only three?!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny