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Anyone who still had doubts at the beginning of this arc as to whether this episodic narrative style, in which each issue highlights a self-contained story from Erica’s past, will have to admit after Something is Killing the Children #39 at the lates: it works brilliantly.
Tynion IV uses this episodic narration in particular to show how diverse and multi-layered SIKTC is. It is horror, suspense and action, but it is also entertainment and humor, just as it is - as this story clearly shows - drama, depth, psychology and philosophy.
What at first seems a bit „oh no, not another psychotherapy session flick with the mistress of repression“ turns into a very enjoyable, touching story that gives us a deep insight into Erica’s soul and lets her inner insecure, grieving and lonely child have her say.
Tynion IV also manages to keep the balance. What we don’t get here is a collapsing, softened and chattering Erica who suddenly lets it all out. No, it’s more like a barrel that’s about to burst, revealing small slits through which tears trickle and allow her therapist (and us) a glimpse inside.
It’s also great how Werther Dell’edera illustrates her feelings and thoughts with expressions, excerpts and, time and again, painful flashbacks.
A very good issue, that is intense in a refreshingly different way.
And even though I’m still catching up with SIKTC, this arc is one of the best that the increasingly well-attuned creative team has offered us so far.
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