I am tied at the hip to Erica Slaughter’s journey. I care so much about this character, as much as I do about Ripley from the Alien franchise, or Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. Entering into this story arc, we know how the events will turn out, but not why, and not to what extent it reveals to us huge chunks of this mythology and the other characters.

There’s a moment when young Erica proclaims, “Cool,” in this issue, and before I even saw that panel, I, too – with eyes as wide as she had – said, “Cool,” out loud. ‘Cause it’s so freaking cool.

James Tynion IV has opened up this world in a way I was not expecting, but that 100% completely makes sense. Now, I will stick around for decades to watch all of the possibilities of the stories in this world coming to fruition. He has turned this character-driven horror story into a badass, world-building franchise. And yes, we already have The House of Slaughter comic series coming soon.

But let me speak to the incredible writing here. From the last issue (Well, because of issue 1!), we know what’s happened to Erica, so we instead follow the other characters, the ones hoping and praying she makes it, and it’s all character development. Every line of dialogue, every interaction is development and conflict. So, when Erica shows up, we feel that moment through their eyes, and it’s so freaking powerful. Dell’edera captures these character moments with as much attention to emotional detail as the moments of absolute horror.

But we’re not just talking about the past here; we’re not just talking about Erica’s trial. Groundwork is being laid for Erica’s future.  And speaking of her future, I want to know from BOOM! Studios’ Ross Richie: When is Erica going to make the leap? *wink-wink, nudge-nudge. Know what I mean? Know what I mean?*

Creative Team: James Tynion IV (writer), Werther Dell’edera (artist), Miquel Muerto (colors), Andworld Design (letters), Michelle Ankley (designer), Eric Harburn (editor), Assistant Editor (Gwen Waller)
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
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