Horror Comic 'Something Is Killing the Children' Gets Prequel Novel

The popular comic series 'Something Is Killing the Children' is set to expand with a new novel titled 'Hope is a Knife: A Novel.' This book will serve as a prequel to the events of the original comic, delving deeper into the character of Erica Slaughter. The novel is being penned by James Tynion IV, the comic's co-creator, and Kiersten White, an award-winning horror author known for 'The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein.'

Crown Publishing Group will release 'Hope is a Knife' on October 10, 2026. The story follows Erica Slaughter as she investigates a mysterious death in Badwater, Idaho, where she must uncover whether a monster, a person, or something worse is responsible. The situation is complicated by a charismatic doomsday preacher inciting hysteria among the town's residents. This novel represents the latest addition to the growing 'Slaughterverse,' which also includes a live-action feature and animated series in development.

James Tynion IV expressed excitement about using prose to explore Erica Slaughter's psychology and welcoming new readers to the 'Slaughterverse.' Kiersten White highlighted the raw terror and moral complexity of the world, where children's fears manifest as deadly realities and survival demands difficult choices. The book deal involved UTA representing Boom! and Tynion, while Wolfson Literary represented White. Lori Kusatzky at Crown will edit the novel, with Del Rey UK acquiring UK and Commonwealth rights, and UTA handling translation rights.