Slaughter In A Cell: Something Is Killing The Children #3 Reviewed
by Josh Davison
Mild Spoilers Ahead
Tommy Mahoney is already planning what to do if the sheriff lets Erica Slaughter out. Meanwhile, Erica is talking to the sheriff about the killings. She’s upfront about her intentions, but she’s deliberately flighty about what she knows. The sheriff knows that she’s not the one who’s been killing the children, but he wants to hold her because it makes him feel like he’s doing something–even if he really isn’t. He gets the call that five more children have been killed, and he let’s Erica out. Erica and James then get back to work.
Something is Killing the Children #3 finds Erica at the mercy of the police. She wants to get back to the grim business of hunting, but her suspicious behavior has made her a suspect in the deaths of the town’s children.
As engaging as Erica’s interrogation was, it does draw attention to how slow the pacing of Something is Killing the Children is. In terms of the grand mystery, we’re given very little new information, and Erica and James are no closer to tracking down the creature responsible for the deaths. While the writing remains entertaining and smart, the story would benefit from speeding up.
That aside, Erica and James are two interesting and likable characters, despite Erica being deliberately obstinate and a bit cruel to others. It’s also worth mentioning how believable the behavior of James, Tommy, and the sheriff is. I buy this being their reaction to a rash of child deaths.
Werther Dell’Edera’s artwork continues to prove appealing and atmospheric. There’s something powerful in the way he draws Erica Slaughter. She’s a slight and short individual, but she’s still intimidating. The texture and detailing of the world continues to be impressive as well. Miquel Muerto’s color art is appealing and contributes well to the ominous atmosphere of the comic’s world.
Something is Killing the Children #3 is a slow-moving but still engaging issue with excellent dialogue and fantastic visual work. Despite how little the story moves forward, I still strongly recommend this issue. Check it out.
Something is Killing the Children #3 comes to us from writer James Tynion IV, artist Werther Dell’Edera, color artist Miquel Muerto, letters from Andworld Design, cover artist Werther Dell’Edera with Giovanna Niro, and variant cover artist Marcos Martin.
Final Score: 8.5/10