Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV, Kiersten White

In the thrilling prequel novel to the megahit BOOM! Studio series, monster-slayer Erica Slaughter races to solve a horrific murder before the townsfolk take matters into their own hands.

As a member of the Black Masks, Erica Slaughter travels to towns all over the country to find and kill monsters that only children can see. It's a gruesome, traumatic job that often forces her to hide in the shadows and live a nomadic life. But it’s all worth it if she can help save children from a fate that she suffered.

She arrives in Badwater to determine whether or not a horrific murder of a twelve-year-old boy was done by a bear—or an unseen monster.

Erica knows that if this is in fact the work of a monster, one of the children is calling it to Badwater—but who? And can she figure it out before the townspeople grab their pitchforks and take matters into their own hands?

Whether or not you've already devoured the bestselling, Eisner Award-winning comics, this standalone vision of supernatural horror is a thriller ride of the highest order.

• Hardcover
• ISBN: 9780593799383
• 304 pages
• Published by Crown

• Preorder releases October 13, 2026
• All preorders are non-refundable. Learn more.