“Exquisite Corpses” Comic Book Issue 1 Offers an Intense Debut! – Review

From writer James Tynion IV and artist Michael Walsh, Exquisite Corpses issue 1 presented a mega-sized debut as it pushed a small town toward a very horrific Halloween night.

As a fan of Tynion’s work, I was looking forward to seeing what he had planned with yet another original series. The premise reminded me of The Hunger Games and The Purge series. While the concept and sociopolitical commentary weren’t new, Tynion’s able to deliver a familiar package in a very appealing way. I want to read the second issue right now!

A horror-action tale, Exquisite Corpses is about twelve of the wealthiest families in the USA getting together every five years on Halloween to participate in a bloody night-long tournament, in which each family has a killer representing them. The family whose killer wins (the last one standing) ensured said family would get to rule the others for five years. A deck of 12 cards is also involved. Each card represented a specific weapon. After drawing a card prior to the game, the family needed to find a player proficient in wielding the drawn weapon card.

Instead of having the tournament in a secluded arena, the families got to enjoy a whole performance because a small town was selected to act as an arena, complete with the poor inhabitants being confused over being suddenly cut off from the outside world. Of course, the killers were allowed to murder the townsfolk if they pleased. Apparently, some of the families realized they were never going to win the tournament. So, they went about placing bets on whose killer-for-hire racked up the highest kill count. And yes, the families were aware of the unhinged nature of the tournament and the people they decided to hire as their representatives. These people were clearly not okay, and it all worked toward making Exquisite Corpses incredibly engaging. 

The story unfolded through three perspectives. We got an old lady explaining the rules of the game to a military veteran as she tried to get him to represent her family. We got introduced to the rest of the families as they revealed their cards and their hired killers to the Game Master. And we got to learn more about the townsfolk via boyfriends Craig and Xavi, as well as a working mother who left her young son Jason under Craig’s care. 

The pieces were impressively set on the chessboard, including the death of the first killer, by the end of the first issue. Xavi better run as fast as he can to contact Craig and try to survive the night. It’s going to be the longest night ever for the residents of Oak Valley.

We also got introduced to an EMT named Laura. Even though she was warned not to enter Oak Valley that night, she decided to do her job. I’m okay with Laura showing up. The good guys needed a medical professional on their side. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Laura’s forced to patch up a killer down the line.

The story is beautifully visualized by Walsh and color artist Jordie Bellaire. The vibrant reveals of the killers were impactful in contrast to the muted color palette. The artists won’t be stepping away from the gore expected from such a tournament. And I’m ready!

Exquisite Corpses issue 1 is no doubt one of the strongest comic book debuts I have read in a very long time. I highly recommend you check it out and join me for the ride that Tynion’s clearly excited to take us on.

Did you read Exquisite Corpses issue 1? What did you think of it?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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