Entertainment

Webtoon to Debut Horror Hit ‘Something is Killing the Children' – First Look

Fan-favorite comic platform WEBTOON is back with another story that will be adapted to its vertical scroll format, this time debuting the ever-popular James Tynion IV and Werther Dell'Eder hit, “Something is Killing the Children.” The horror series, which debuted in 2019 and won three Eisner Awards, follows Erica Slaugher, a monster hunter who travels from town to town, taking down monsters that are preying on children.

“Something is Killing the Children” has grown to huge success, selling over five million copies, and is set for animation and live action adaptations from horror studio Blumhouse. On top of that, Tynion has partnered with horror novelist Kiersten White to release a novel of the hit comic series, which is due out in October 2026. The novel is said to be a prequel that will expand on the now coined “Slaughterverse.”

WEBTOON has brought over hits such as “Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees,” “Star Wars” (2015), “Avengers”, and more. Now, “Something is Killing the Children” will join the pantheon of releases on the platform and will officially debut on April 20.

Ahead of the release on WEBTOON, some first-look images of the vertical scroll format have been provided:

“Something is Killing the Children” is an ongoing comic that debuted with Boom! Studios in 2019, and has exploded in popularity. The over 45 issues take the reader on a journey through Idaho, where Erica Slaugher attempts to free children from the terrifying monsters they have described. The only issue is that nobody believes them.

On top of the mainline series, a one-shot called “Enter the House of Slaughter” helped to introduce the world to “House of Slaughter,” a spinoff series that follows the secret society that turned Erica Slaughter into a monster hunter. The whole “Slaughterverse” continues to grow, and the new animation, live action, and novel adaptations could lead to much more surrounding the award-winning series.

Tynion is a well-known and award-winning comic author who has worked on “Batman,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and many more high-profile titles. On top of winning Eisner Awards for “Something is Killing the Children,” he has also received the award for “The Nice House on the Lake,” and his contributions to “Batman” and “The Department of Truth.”

For more comics news, head to Newsweek Comics.

Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 10:22 AM.

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