Something is Killing the Children #10

Something is Killing the Children

It has been written “For behold, I am sending among you serpents, adders that cannot be charmed, and they shall bite you.” Damned if they didn’t end up in the book of Something is Killing the Children, chapter 10, verses 1-32!

This revelation of carnage is related by James TynionIV!
The foreboding images by Werther Dell’Edera!

The official plot:

“When Erica’s handler forces a confrontation on the street of Archer’s Peak, Erica must decide where her loyalties lie-to her employers, or to the people who need her?”

BOOM!

That’s a little bit of a mash-up really. That handler, he is really a dick, but the confrontation has nothing to do with him. Once it happens though, there really isn’t much decision making going on…it’s sort of a fight-or-flight thing.

Something is Killing the Children
In Aaron’s defense, this guy is a whiney little nuisance.

My Impressions:

  • A little character development for Erika…nice to see them adding some dimension to her.
  • Aaron, by the book and towing the company line, represents a great foil for our protagonist. I hope that he somehow survives.
  • Visually the book is inconsistent…the more important the character, the better they look…and vice versa.
  • Mature content incoming!!!!
Something is Killing the Children
Sorry dude, I think you’re guess is a little off.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Erika takes a stand
  • Aaron dies…pretty sure he’s not coming back from that…
  • Everyone else is on the menu

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

This issue is a bridge between action scenes. It’s not bad, but it really isn’t all that impactful (in the grand scheme of things). However…it does go for a little shock value. (If you don’t believe me, you must have missed the picture above.) In the end, this is a set up for what feels like a rather messy confrontation. If you’re not reading this series, I question your nerd-worthiness!

We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1

dead

Blasphemy! Carving up the body of a god is nigh unforgivable! Witness the damning of a whole crew in We Only Find Them When They’re Dead, chapter 1, verses 1-32!

This is the scripture according to the “Immortal” Al Ewing!
As immortalized by Simone Di Meo!

The official plot:

“On the edge of space where humanity is harvesting the corpses of giant alien gods to survive. * No one has ever seen a living god, but Captain Malik is obsessed with being the first. * Captain Malik and the crew of the Vihaan II harvest the only resources that matter from the giant corpses of alien gods found on the edge of human space. While other autopsy ships race to salvage the meat, minerals, and metals that sustain the human race, Malik sees an opportunity to finally break free from this system. * But Malik’s obsession with the gods will push his crew into the darkest reaches of space, bringing them face to face with a threat unlike anything they’ve ever imagined – unless the rogue agent on their trail can stop them first…”

BOOM!

Now that’s just a LITTLE embellishment for the one issue that’s been printed. We may not get to all of this stuff in issue #1, but things do seem to be going this way.

dead
A giant body floating in space and the first thing you think of is chopping it up for parts?

My Impressions:

  • Interesting concept, harvesting giant bodies for resources. (I heard eye jelly was going for big bucks!) Throw in the competition with other salvagers over armor or certain body parts and you’ve got a great backdrop.
  • Artwork and Style: There is no two ways about it…there is a LOT going in in this space. Bright, bold and one of the most dynamic uses of irregular panels I’ve seen. It felt like watching an anime.
  • Will I be coming back: Totally, the premise and the teased character development has me hooked. We all know that first issues tend to get more care than later issues, but Ewing has a good reputation, so I’m hopeful.
dead
OMG they’re ALL rule breakers! Gasp!

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Georges Malik (Captain)
  • Ella Hauer (Coroner)
  • Alice Wirth (Quartermaster)
  • Jason Hauer (Engineer)
  • Paula Richter (Officer on Duty)

Bottom Line: 4 Stars!

When I read the solicitation for We Only Find Them When They’re Dead, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. What was a god? Why was it dead? Why were they harvesting it? The actual book delivered quite well. Semi-dystopian future. Abundant resources literally showing up out of nowhere. To top it off, there are already hints of murder, revenge and ambition. Yeah, I’m in!