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Book of Slaughter #1
- Writer:
- James Tynion IV
- Artist:
- Werther Dell'Edera
- Letterer:
- AndWorld Design
- Cover Artist:
- Dan Mora
- Publisher:
- BOOM! Studios
- Price:
- $9.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-12-28
- Colorist:
- Miquel Muerto
Boom! Studios' breakout hit Something Is Killing the Children took the world by storm. Years later, the series shows no sign of slowing down. Monsters continue to ravage the land unseen, and the hunters of the Order of St. George have more battles to fight. Aaron is dead, Erica isn't coming back to Order, and now the House of Slaughter needs more Black Mask hunters. Maxine Slaughter, a White Mask, has always been lost in the pack but finds the solitary life of a Black Mask appealing. She'll need a few pointers from the Book of St. George first.
A spin-off of the original series, written by James Tynion IV, drawn by Werther Dell'Edera, with colors by Miquel Muerto and letters by AndWorld Design, Book of Slaughter #1 kicks off the training of a fledgling Black Mask and explores the Order's mysterious past.
Considering the ever-expanding scale of the world-building in the original series, it's not surprising that this new spinoff, with its new protagonist, premise, and supporting cast, would want to cover some backstory, especially for new readers. Book of Slaughter #1 has a distinct introductory tone, especially as the story becomes a frame narrative for the backstory of the mysterious Order of St. George and its monster hunters. Tynion IV, who has always hinted at the complex lore behind his universe, boldly dedicates at least half of Book of Slaughter #1 to exposition. Up until now, much was hinted at but never fully explained.
It is satisfying for longtime readers to finally get some straight answers about the complicated machinations of the Order, its Houses, and its hunters. This approach also welcomes new fans. Unfortunately, all this exposition makes Book of Slaughter #1 suffer as a comic. It's not unheard of for comics to utilize prose. However, it's a gamble that takes away from the comic book reading experience, making the issue feel more like a supplemental guidebook than a story. Considering so much of this franchise's charm lies in its mystery, dialogue, subtext, and Werther Dell'Edera's art, this dry approach feels like a missed opportunity. As a result, Book of Slaughter #1 lacks a lot of the horror that makes the series so special. While the information the tome provides is disturbing, it doesn't pack the punch this franchise is famed for.
Dell'Edera's spare and scratchy line art and colorist Miquel Muerto's gloomy palette and heavy shadows match Tynion IV's acerbic dialogue perfectly. Maxine provides the snarling and sneering, and the supporting cast provides contrasting iciness through their frigid expressions. Even the lighter palette does little to soften the edge of this razor-sharp issue. Unfortunately, the segment of this issue dedicated to the Book of St. George isn't as visually engaging. The pages are designed to look like yellowed parchment, accompanied by rough greyscale drawings with little emotional expression.
Book of Slaughter #1's heavy expository prose is a double-edged sword that removes as much from the comic book experience as it adds. Tynion IV gives the reader some much-needed information while depriving them of some of the book's charm. Luckily, this issue introduces a worthy successor and a greater glimpse into a shadowy, ever-expanding world.