Exquisite Corpses #1
Review
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Michael Walsh
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Page Count: 64
Format: Single-issue
Exquisite Corpses delivers a stacked 64-page first issue to a violent and intriguing new concept. With its unique premise and stellar creative team of James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh, this oversized first issue sets the stage for what could be one of the most ambitious comic miniseries this year.
Exquisite Corpses #1
ReviewWriter: James Tynion IV
Artist: Michael Walsh
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Page Count: 64
Format: Single-issue
Exquisite Corpses delivers a stacked 64-page first issue to a violent and intriguing new concept. With its unique premise and stellar creative team of James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh, this oversized first issue sets the stage for what could be one of the most ambitious comic miniseries this year.
If there's one thing you can bet on in comics these days, it's that James Tynion IV will come up with an insane new concept you've never seen before. For his latest series at Image Comics, he’s teamed up with fellow horror master Michael Walsh to launch Exquisite Corpses–a violent, 13-issue series that blends elements of Battle Royale and The Hunger Games with the insanity of something like Twisted Metal.
Image Comics was great to send us an advanced copy of this hotly anticipated first issue, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Continue reading for my full review!
Image: Image ComicsOverview of Exquisite Corpses
Every five years on Halloween, the thirteen richest families in America participate in a deadly game to determine who takes control of the country. Each family must recruit a killer, a champion of sorts, to fight on their behalf, with each killer assigned a specific weapon. These weapons range from the overtly deadly, like knives, poison, and explosives, to more subtle ones like rope or even bare hands.
The killers are then dropped into a small town to battle to the death until only one remains, crowning the new ruling family. But while the bloody battle is happening, the people of Oak Valley can only hope to survive.
Review
Right off the bat, the oversized 64-page format is a huge plus. Not only do I generally think oversized issues are a great way of getting series started, but James Tynion and Michael Walsh take full advantage of the extra space to pack in as much story, character, and carnage into every page as possible.
This issue effectively introduces you to everything you need to know about the intriguing and violent story, from the deadly game's rules to the snippets of backstories of each killer. Impressively, it also dedicates time to flesh out the lives of the small-town locals caught in the middle. While these characters are essentially collateral damage in the larger scheme, knowing their stories adds depth and raises the stakes for the impending bloodbath. By the end of the issue, it truly feels like the stage is rightfully set for mayhem to ensue. And to think this issue costs only $5! That’s probably the most insane part about this whole comic, if you ask me.
Image: Image ComicsMichael Walsh’s art is a perfect match for the tone of the book. His gritty, expressive style captures both the horror and humanity of the story. My favorite parts in the issue are the intro sequences of each killer. Walsh delivers very stylish character panels that just scream the Persona games to me. Whether those were inspirations or not, the pages are delivered with such boldness that they give each psychopath a very distinct and memorable visual identity. Considering the story will be juggling so many different characters and storylines, visual flairs like that go a long way in making characters stand out. And with Jordie Bellaire’s stunning colors and Becca Carey’s lettering, each page is brimming with great visuals. From top to bottom, this comic really just has the best creators firing on all cylinders.
With that said, perhaps the most intriguing aspect about Exquisite Corpses is its ambitious structure. While this series is ultimately helmed by Tynion and Walsh, the following issues will include work from a stacked cast of creators, including Che Grayson, Marianna Ignazzi, Pornsak Pichetshote, Tyler Boss, and more. On top of the comic’s great premise, having all these names attached adds another layer of unpredictability to the series. It’s a fresh concept that will make for some interesting twists and turns as we get deeper into the series. I’ll surely be watching this one very closely.
Image: Image ComicsFinal Thoughts
Exquisite Corpses #1 delivers a killer debut that sets the stage for what's sure to be a wild and horrifying ride. James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh have crafted a twisted world that horror fans will love sinking their teeth into. With its oversized first issue packed with lore, characters, and gruesome imagery, this series is off to an incredibly strong start. If you're a fan of Battle Royale-style stories, slasher horror, or just inventive comic storytelling, this is absolutely a series to watch. This is shaping up to be one of the most exciting horror comics of the year.
Why You Should Read Exquisite Corpses
- Oversized 64-page first issue provides exceptional value at $5
- Created by horror comics masters James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh
- Fresh premise blending Battle Royale, The Hunger Games, and a little bit of Twisted Metal
- The first issue sets up an intriguing world and a diverse cast of characters