While this comic will be most appreciated by avid fans, this issue will serve as a gateway for newer ones as well who can easily become invested in Aaron's story and want to see more of him. The creative team has constructed a familiar, yet novel sandbox and I look forward to seeing what happens in the coming issues. Read Full Review

Tynion set an extremely high bar with Something Is Killing The Children, and it is easily safe to say House of Slaughter #1 met that standard. While House of Slaughter #1 lacks the action we've grown accustomed to, it's the character development and inner conflict that makes this issue stand out. Read Full Review

Chris Shehan does amazing work with the art in the issue. The characters look amazing and the action is thrilling. There are some great visual moments and everything leading to the final was stunning. Read Full Review

This is was a dark and fun intro to a spin-off story that if the reader did not read the original materials, they would still be able to enjoy it. Read Full Review

The bar was definitely high for House of Slaughter, but it was more than up to the task. Read Full Review

House of Slaughter #1 does a good job of introducing readers to a sympathetic protagonist and establishing the situation he currently finds himself in. Read Full Review

A strong debut to Aaron’s story, both in writing and art. While this debut was not like the explosive debut of SIKTC, I never expected it to be. SIKTC is the kind of comic, story, and work of art that only happens a few times in history. While my statement may seem a bit dramatic, think about what other titles have commanded such fervor and attention from readers? There’s a magic to SIKTC and Erica Slaughter. With that being said, this by no means that Tynion and company failed in introducing a compelling story and further expanding the world of SIKTC. There is still so much more to discover about this world, the monsters, and the secrets that The Order holds. I think House of Slaughter (HOS?) is the perfect place to explore these aspects.

So what is this issue all about? It’s about Aaron introducing us to his beginnings and his place in The Order. We have come to know Aaron as Erica’s “pain in the ass” handler who has a confidence and assertiveness to him, but that wasn’t always the case. House of Slaughter shows us the difficulties Aaron faced not being the strongest, fastest, or fiercest. We get to see the beginnings of the traits that Aaron possesses that allow him to become the person we know in SIKTC. Erica mentioned early on in SIKTC that Aaron doesn’t get his dirty, and she’s right to a point. There will always be monsters and because of that, there needs to be people like Aaron. Those that can use their minds, intuitiveness, and ability to look at problems from different angles to ensure the Order and House of Slaughter survive and succeed.

Lastly, I want to mention that I loved seeing Jessica be a central figure to this story. She’s a great character and one of my favorites. It’s touching to see her relationship with Aaron. Even though they hunt monsters, she doesn’t allow herself or others to forget that they are human and need to show compassion.

I can’t wait to get more of House of Slaughter and continue learning more about this world that I have fallen in love, tragic as it may be. more

Pencil/Ink: Good
Writing: Great
Story: Good
Layout: Good
Color: Good
Lettering: Good

This issue spins seamlessly out of Something Is Killing The Children, all of the key characters in the latest arc make an appearance here. I think this will wet some appetites for those who want to further explore Aaron's character and the lore of the House of Slaughter. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone that isn't already reading the main series, this works well as a companion piece but I doubt it would stand stand well on its own.

That being said, I hope I speak for all of us when I ask: where is the spinoff series for the grey masks? They seem pretty cool...

Zora from black clover