This issue set a high standard for Detective Comics. Next month cannot get here fast enough for issue #1069! The crescendo of the ending of this issue and completion of Act 1 gives me full faith that the entire creative team are just getting started in this story.

Issue #4 gives exposition without being too heavy handed and connects to LaValles other works in a way that doesnt feel forced. The ending left me with more knowledge of this world and excited for issue #5.

This issue leans heavily on the horror theme of the series and can feel very intense throughout the pages. While I found it terrifying, I also felt it was a good break from the main story of Jessica Harrow and her fellow Reapers.

What I have appreciated about House of Slaughter is the way this series has expanded the Something is Killing the Children universe. The different themes and character designs are welcomed and issue #11 continues this trend in such a positive way.

Monarch #1 is a great start and addition to the sci-fi horror genre. It manages to feel epic while down to earth and should be on your pull list.

Something is Killing the Children is one of my favorite series and I trust that the payoff will deliver, I wish this issue felt less rushed in the writing and in the art. Fans will likely be left wanting more, but I am hoping next month will get the pacing back on track.