Many comics that launch with a promising first issue hit a disappointing slump with the second issue. Not so with Boom! Studios’ new horror title Something is Killing the Children, which debuted last month and continues this week with its second issue.

This issue sees James and his new monster hunter friend (named Erica Slaughter in solicitations but still unnamed in the series thus far) begin their search for the children whose bodies have not yet been found in a friendly chain restaurant. Their plans are complicated by interference from law and Tommy, the brother of one of the missing kids.

Writer James Tynion IV excels at building the suspense and dread surrounding the macabre situation in this issue. His character work is excellent as well, adding layers to James and Erica while introducing new characters that already seem well-rounded and truthful. 

The art by Werther Dell’edera (with colors by Miquel Muerto and lettering by Andworld Design) also does wonders in both respects. His character acting, particularly in the case of Tommy and his mother, is just heartbreaking. While flashes of the supernatural are few and far between in this issue, Dell’edera’s renderings of them are appropriately creepy. 

Something is Killing the Children is a great new horror title, and the second issue adds layers to the mystery. This is a great series to get in on while it’s still new, and really appropriate for the Halloween season.

Grade: A