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With a loaded title like “Something Is Killing the Children: Hope Is a Knife,” readers know they’re in for a bumpy ride
The new novel — a collaboration between bestselling authors James Tynion IV and Kiersten White, publishing October 13 from Crown Publishing — is just the tip of the iceberg in what fans have come to know as the “Slaughterverse.”
But fans don’t have to wait until October, the pair will be appearing at Comic-Con International next week in San Diego. The duo will be promoting not just this book, but all their current projects. The authors will be guest speakers on multiple panels, including one just on the Slaughterverse, and signing autographs during the four-day pop-culture convention
The grim title began life as a horror comic created by five-time Eisner Award winner Tynion and Italian illustrator Werther Dell’Edera and has now grown into one of BOOM! Comics‘ longest-running series, generating multiple spinoffs, a full-length novel and soon an animated series and a feature film from Blumhouse Productions
“The series speaks to the traumas we carry as individuals and the traumas we carry as a society, wrapped up with some good horror and a protagonist who has won hearts around the world,” Tynion said of “Something Is Killing the Children” (SIKtC) comics in an email interview. “That central premise and tension has driven nearly seven years of ongoing comic books and spin-offs. And it’s been such a dream to build this world with the phenomenal artist Werther Dell’Edera — fifty issues in, and he still surprises me every page.”
“Anyone who hasn’t read it yet is in for such an elegantly brutal treat,” White added during the same interview
White, a Bram Stoker Award-winning fantasy and horror novel author, admits she wasn’t already a fan of the comics before being contacted by the SIKtC team about co-writing the novel, but instantly fell in love with the comics and main character, Erica Slaughter
“I hadn’t actually read the comics yet when the team reached out to see if I was interested. I ordered the first omnibus and didn’t come up for air again until I’d read every single issue — and most of James’s other projects, as well,” White said. “I was in awe of Werther Dell’Edera’s ability to capture so much movement and dread, and James’s writing resonated on a bone-deep level
I was also so happy to see the respect they clearly have for Erica, who became one of my all-time favorite characters,” White continued. “I knew if I didn’t get the project, I’d forever hate whoever did.”
The novel and main comics follow Erica Slaughter, who’s a member of a secret society that, in the simplest terms, hunts monsters. The novel details Erica on a bit of a side quest as she investigates the deaths of children in rural Idaho and finds a town on the verge of hysteria run by a doomsday preacher
“It’s been one hell of a ride, and it feels like we’re only getting started,” Tynion said
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
Q. For people who aren’t familiar with the comics, can you tell us a little bit about the original “Something Is Killing the Children”?
Tynion: “Something is Killing the Children” is set in a world where monsters exist, kids can see them, but adults can’t. There is a secret order of monster hunters called the Order of St. George, and they care more about keeping the existence of monsters a secret than they care about saving kids. But Erica Slaughter cares more about saving the kids than she does about keeping any of it a secret
Q. Where does “Hope Is A Knife” fit into the SIKtC timeline?
White: “Hope Is a Knife” happens before the events of Archer’s Peak, the first narrative arc of SIKtC
Tynion: This was crucial to me when we started talking about concepts for the book. We wanted this to be a great entry point into the world of “Something is Killing the Children.” There are obviously a tremendous number of crossover prose and comics readers — but we wanted this book to function as something that stood entirely on its own, and I hope it leads many people to pick up the first volume of the comic series the moment they put down the novel. But for fans of the series, it’s the story equivalent of a few years’ worth of comics dropping on your lap all at once.
Q. How did the novel and the partnership for its writing come about?
Tynion: Making the leap into the world of prose has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. In the comics, I’ve always thought of each of the long-form story arcs we tell as novels, and so it felt very natural to bring this world over to the delightful world of books without pictures. On my end, I started with a one-sheet where I described what I felt was the best format approach from the series, but I wanted a partner who would put themselves into the work and bring it to vibrant life. From my first conversation with Kiersten, it was clear that she would be the perfect partner, and she had this incredible concept of a mystery in a town that was unlike anything we’d done in the comic series before.
Q. Were you nervous about the change in format from a graphic novel to a prose novel?
White: Absolutely. Prose novels are inherently more interior, so the challenge was how to keep the taut intensity and visceral action without Dell’Edera’s visuals. Fortunately, SIKtC already has such incredible emotional depth, so we knew readers would expect that and relish the chance to spend a little more time in Erica’s head
Tynion: Kiersten hit the nail on the head! Giving Erica interiority through prose was the biggest worry I had working with another writer. While other writers have played in the world of “Something is Killing the Children,” nobody else has ever written Erica herself for more than a couple of pages. But it was clear, immediately, that I could trust Kiersten
Q. What was the writing process like for both of you?
White: I would like James to do the worldbuilding and lore for all my books forever. Honestly, it’s both an honor and a delight to play in someone else’s years of work! It was also so nice that the episodic nature of SIKtC lent itself really well to a new standalone story. It felt natural that this was always one of Erica’s adventures; we just hadn’t learned about it yet. And again, co-writing with the actual expert on all the characters, history, and rules of the world is the best
Tynion: I felt that my job was to guard the mythology, and Erica as a character, but I picked Kiersten for her incredible writing skills, and I didn’t want to stand in her way. Kiersten laid out this incredible story in the town of Badwater, with the rich depth and an incredible cast of characters that all bounced perfectly off of Erica
Q. Religion plays a large role in the novel, and religious horror is having a bit of a moment. Why do you think that is?
White: In the early days, when I was pitching ideas, I was really hoping we’d go with the religious horror angle. Erica, coming from The Order of St. George, an organization with such intense history, rituals, and rules, really lends itself well to exploring what happens when similar power is carelessly or cruelly wielded. Religious horror plays with themes of belief and abuse that I think a lot of people can relate to, and horror is at its best when it works on a metaphorical level. SIKtC has always shined there.
Tynion: What excited me the most about Kiersten’s pitch was that it delved into religion in a way the core comic series hasn’t touched, even though it’s so tied to so many adolescent lives, and gives a whole different angle to a world of heroes and monsters. It felt wildly true to SIKtC, while giving the book its own voice and its own lane
Q. What draws you to the horror genre? Do you have a favorite work of horror?
White: Horror is a genre that tells the truth. It takes the things we instinctively look away from — for example, our children are being killed, and we’re incapable of stopping it ourselves — and asks us to look closer. It sits with us in the dark so we aren’t alone in the worst, most upsetting parts of ourselves or our history. And it’s also a lot of fun! There’s tremendous catharsis to be found in being really scared when we choose to be. Along those lines, my favorite horror novel is Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House,” my favorite horror movie is “Midsommar,” and my favorite horror comic is — you’ll never guess — “Something Is Killing the Children.”
Tynion: Horror is my favorite genre, bar none. I love being able to dig into what makes me uncomfortable about the world, or about myself, and pick that apart on the page. There’s always an element of writing horror that’s trying to wrestle with some dark feeling in yourself, and there isn’t the kind of black and white morality tale rule structure forcing you to make sure the good guys win in the end. In terms of horror classics, I’m endlessly inspired by Stephen King (I’d say “Pet Sematary” is my favorite of his novels), and Clive Barker (“The Hellbound Heart” is always worth a revisit). “The Elementals” by Michael McDowell is a true favorite of mine. In more recent books, I think everyone should read John Langan’s “The Fisherman.”
Q. Were you fans of each other’s work before this?
White: I didn’t grow up reading comics or graphic novels, so I’ve spent the last few years trying to build up my visual literacy. Even if I hadn’t been picked to co-write with James, I still would have been glad to be introduced to his work. I’m a huge fan now. (If you’re looking to dive in, my other favorite is “The Nice House on the Lake.” So trippy, gorgeous, and creepy.)
Tynion: Likewise! A few of Kiersten’s books had been on my to-read list for years, and I finally dug in at the start of this process and immediately fell in love. I was also very impressed with the graphic novel adaptation of “Mister Magic.” I think the nice thing about this partnership is that both of us are prolific writers, so if my fans come in, there’s plenty more Kiersten to read, and I write an obscene number of comic books, and they’re all ready and waiting, too
Q. There are a lot of exciting things coming for the Slaughterverse, including a movie and animated series. Can you talk about any of those projects? Are there any other novels planned
Tynion: All I can say is that we have big plans and big aspirations, and the best way to make them happen is to buy this book and keep buying the comics. Stay tuned
Q. Will a SIKtC book tour or any events be coming to Southern California?
White: We’ll be at Comic-Con! Other than that, we’ll keep you posted about future events on social media
Q. With Comic-Con right around the corner, what can Slaughterverse fans expect to find at the convention?
Tynion: I recommend everyone come to our annual Slaughterverse panel, where we’ll be laying out some of the big things to come for the franchise later this year, and beyond
Q. Do either of you have any new projects you can tease?
White: In September, I have “Hiding from the Dark: A Star Wars Horror Novel.” I got to write Darth Vader relentlessly stalking two kids, because I like to scare children in addition to adults. I might be the luckiest writer around. In March, I have a YA novel called “Wilde and Wicked.” It’s a fun, soapy, angsty teen paranormal romance, because sometimes I need sparkles between the horror
Tynion: I launched a horror comic series last year at Image Comics called “Exquisite Corpses,” with Michael Walsh and a room of some of the best writers and artists in comics. If you’re a fan of the world of “Something is Killing the Children,” and you haven’t checked it out, you should!
Q. What is something about a piece of your work that you wish people knew?
White: My horror novels “Hide” and “Mister Magic” are also gorgeous graphic novels, adapted by Scott Peterson, with art by Veronica Fish and Andy Fish! They’re so much fun
Tynion: In addition to all the bloody horror, I’ve done some Young Adult and Middle Grade series! Folks should check out my five-volume fantasy series, “Wynd,” with the incredible Michael Dialynas!
Q. And if you could ask your fans one question, what would it be?
White: I’d probably just say I’m sorry, but also, the pain is right there in the title. You knew what we were giving you when you picked it up
Tynion: I’d just ask if they’re ready for the Slaughterverse’s next big era, and grin big, and not answer any more questions
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Comic-Con panels
If you are attending Comic-Con next week, here’s where you can catch both Tynion and White throughout the conference, including panel descriptions from the SDCC programming guide
The two will also be signing copies of the novel from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Saturday at the BOOM! Studios booth, #2229, inside the San Diego Convention Center. Attendees will also be able to purchase SDCC exclusive variant editions of SIKtC comics at the BOOM! booth
Exquisite Corpses: The Game and Beyond. “Exquisite Corpses: The Game” makes its debut as the heads of the Corpse Crew explore the dark and twisted world of “Exquisite Corpses” and demonstrate gameplay. Co-creators James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh discuss the game’s inception, their creative process, and what’s next for “Exquisite Corpses.” Moderated by Jazzlyn Stone (Tiny Onion director of communications). 12 p.m. Thursday, Room 5AB
Frightening and Fantastic Worlds of James Tynion. From “Something Is Killing the Children” to “Exquisite Corpses” and beyond, multi-award-winning writer James Tynion IV discusses the ever-expanding worlds of Tiny Onion with collaborators Martin Simmonds (The Department of Truth), Werther Dell’Edera (Something Is Killing the Children), and Michael Walsh (Exquisite Corpses). Moderated by Sami DeMonster (Tiny Onion community manager). 3 p.m. Friday, Room 25ABC
Slaughterverse Unmasked: Inside the World of “Something Is Killing the Children.” Explore the evolution of the haunting universe created by James Tynion IV (The Nice House on the Lake) and Werther Dell’Edera (Something Is Killing the Children) with spinoff series writer Tate Brombal (Fall of the House of Slaughter) and novelist Kiersten White (Hope Is a Knife) in conversation with BOOM! VP business development and special projects Bryce Carlson, executive editor Ramiro Portnoy, and editor Eric Harburn. Get a glimpse into what’s next for the Slaughterverse, including the milestone “Something Is Killing the Children” #50, “Swamp Thing Is Killing the Children,” “Fall of the House of Slaughter,” and “Hope Is a Knife.” 4 p.m. Saturday, Room 28DE
Multi-Genre Masters. Whether it’s fantasy, sci-fi, horror, or a tingler, these authors aren’t afraid to adopt new genres to tell their stories. SDCC special guest V. E. Schwab, Olivie Blake (Gifted & Talented, Clara and the Devil), Sara Hashem (The Jasad Crown), Chuck Tingle (Fabulous Bodies), and Kiersten White (Mister Magic: The Graphic Novel) discuss how they genre-hop within and between their books. Moderated by Jenni Marchisotto (Mysterious Galaxy). 12 p.m. Sunday, Room 24ABC
