Get Ready for a Horror Sensation! How The Walking Dead Boosted Something is Killing the Children!

The Walking Dead, one of the most popular horror series of recent times, is credited with playing a significant role in the success of another horror sensation, Something is Killing the Children. At a recent panel, James Tynion IV, the architect behind Something is Killing the Children, expressed his gratitude towards Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, for helping his series achieve its current level of success.

During the panel titled "The Worlds of James Tynion IV: A Decade at BOOM! Studios" at the 2024 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, James Tynion IV reflected on the growth of the Something is Killing the Children franchise as it celebrated its fifth anniversary milestone.

He acknowledged that The Walking Dead's unexpected end in the summer of 2019 created a void in the horror comic market, which Something is Killing the Children was able to fill successfully.

Tynion revealed that with the absence of new horror content after The Walking Dead concluded, readers were eager for a new horror series to dive into. Something is Killing the Children #1 came out just a few months after The Walking Dead #139, leading horror fans to gravitate towards Tynion's creation. The success of Something is Killing the Children paved the way for the expansion of the 'Slaughterverse,' including spin-off series like House of Slaughter and one-shots such as Book of Slaughter and Book of Butcher.

While Tynion did not anticipate the overwhelming success of his series, he acknowledged the favorable timing of The Walking Dead's conclusion in relation to the debut of Something is Killing the Children. He believes that the abrupt ending of The Walking Dead presented an opportunity for his horror series to capture the attention of readers seeking a new and captivating storyline.

Despite his established reputation in the comic book industry through previous works like Batman and The Woods, Tynion expressed his appreciation towards Robert Kirkman for inadvertently contributing to the success of Something is Killing the Children.

He emphasized that while his series would have likely achieved success independently, The Walking Dead's sudden ending undeniably played a role in boosting the visibility and popularity of Something is Killing the Children.

In conclusion, the unexpected ending of The Walking Dead created a favorable environment for Something is Killing the Children to flourish and establish itself as a prominent horror franchise in the comic book world. James Tynion IV's gratitude towards Robert Kirkman underscores the interconnectedness and influence of creators within the genre, highlighting the collaborative and supportive nature of the horror storytelling community. Prepare to be amazed by the impact of The Walking Dead on Something is Killing the Children!