I’ll tell you right now…the hype is real. Get ready for another smash-hit from the minds James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh with Exquisite Corpses. This horror action 60-page debut swings for the fences with the premiere issue and damn are we ready for the rest of the miniseries.
Every five years on Halloween, the wealthiest families in America play a game. Twelve of the deadliest people in the world are dropped into a small town with just one goal: last killer standing wins. For the citizens of Oak Valley, Maine — this year’s unlucky arena — the goal is much simpler. They must survive the night.
The high-octane horror revolves around twelve of the deadliest and most colorful killers in the world as they descend on Oak Valley, Maine (which is awesome for this Mainer) to see who will be the last killer standing. The story is about those killers, the people of Oak Valley who have to survive their deadly melee, and the wealthiest families in the world that sponsored the killers and unleashed them in the first place.
If the debut issue feels a bit familiar is that because it is–in some ways. The basic plot is something you may have seen before in things such as The Hunger Games or even The Purge. A political horror where characters battle to the bitter end, all for viewing pleasure. While it may have a familiar feeling, Exquisite Corpses does carve its own path and brings a bit of something new to the table.
While the plot is fantastic, it’s the characters that will stand out in this new series. The expanded length of the debut issue allows for Tynion and Walsh to introduce each unique killer to us with full page spreads and outstanding artwork.
In each issue we are getting treated fantastic artwork from the industries best. With the first issue, series co-creator Michael Walsh takes on the art duties kicking off the series with a bang. The beautiful illustrations gives us only a glimpse of what we can expect as each artist brings their own individual styles. While it is a big undertaking, it adds so much to the series and allows it to stand out from the crowd.
Exquisite Corpses #1 may have a familiar feeling, but Tynion and Walsh elevate the comic with their own spin, along with stunning visuals and interesting character work. The expanded, 60-page, first issue not only lays down the foundation for the series–which is likely to be a gripping and thrilling ride–but also gives each character introduction some breathing room. If the rest of the series is even close to this first issue, we’re in for something truly special. This is absolutely a must-read horror comic.
Exquisite Corpses #1 hits local comic shops on May 14, 2025 from Image Comics / Tiny Onion.
Exquisite Corpses #1 Preview
