The series by BOOM! Studios, Something is Killing the Children, has developed a cult-like following since its debut in 2019. This fantasy-like series involving monsters and hunters provides a modern, but exciting feeling in the comic industry. I would not consider the idea super original, but it does deviate from the “vanilla-like” storylines from the biggest publishers at Marvel and DC Comics. In addition, the series is in development for a tv show with Netflix.
As expected, collectors will jump for the first prints of each early issue of the series, and that is a good approach. Though, as I have stated in previous blogs, the sneaky play for this series is to go after the later printings of the early issues. Just to reiterate, low print and a large demand equal much bigger gains down the line.
When I mention the early issues of this series, I am referring to the first six (6) books. Meaning, issues numbered #1 through 6. Do not get me wrong, all the issues are fun and exciting to read, with each comic providing fascinating stories to the series. For some context, each issue is released on a monthly basis by BOOM! Studios.
SiKC #1
As in any popular and speculated series, a collector cannot go wrong by buying multiple copies of issue #1. This issue is so popular and in-demand that it has currently 8 prints. Of course, this does not include the plethora of variant covers as well. With that, I recommend we focus on grabbing those later printings, specifically the fifth and sixth prints.
Dell’Edera 5th Printing Variant
The fifth printing of issue #1 is a variant cover done by Werther Dell’Edera. The issue contains all the important details of the first print, but with the very important numerical value of a low print run.
There are an estimated 2,238 copies ordered by retailers for this print. The sixth print should be another priority for the same reasons as the fifth print. The print run for this issue is even lower, with an estimated number of 1,292.
Super small prints are not easy to find but will be coveted once more news is confirmed for the series and tv development.
SiKC #2
It's no secret that issue #1 of this series is very hard to find in the wild. With that, it's a solid call to take a look at issue #2. Something is Killing the Children #2 is a good alternative if you do not want to throw out the big bucks for the first issue. It may not have the big first appearances as the first issue, but a bunch of cameo appearances will keep this issue in high demand.
SiKC 3rd and 4th Printings
Later printings for issue #2 should be highly advised in picking up. Specifically, the third and fourth print of this issue. Both prints are variant covers done by the same person, Werther Dell’Erdera.
The key to these prints is the low distribution. The third print has an estimated run of 1,637, while the fourth print is even more scarce at 887.
This is an incredible grab for collectors and can be overlooked in comparison to issue one.
SiKC #4
It is funny that the comic industry does not covet second printings of an issue, but there are exceptions. For this series, issue #4 would be one of those anomalies. The first print of Something is Killing the Children #4 is an early issue that details a cameo appearance of a key character and has a print run of 16,079. The first print is still recommended to grab, but digging for the second print is highly advisable.
SiKC #4 2nd Printing
The reason for grabbing the second print is very simple. The print run is super low and this issue did not create additional later printings. The second print is another variant cover done by Werther Dell’Erdera.
The print run for this issue is estimated at 887 copies. With the first print of this issue estimated at over $100 for a raw copy, the price of this print is potentially the same price or more.
Conclusion
All in all, a hot series with high demand equals a tremendous amount of growth for each key issue in this series. The low print of later printings provides a bigger ceiling for collectors and should be considered along with the first printings. If the show is successful down the road, there is potential for big financial gains for these later printings for collectors who believe in the long-term success of the show and TV development.
