Exquisite Corpses #2 Unleashes More Bloody Brilliance

If you thought Exquisite Corpses #1 was a wild ride, buckle up—issue #2 is here to crank the horror up a notch, and collectors are already losing their minds over it. Released on June 18, 2025, this second installment from the dynamic duo of James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh, joined by rising star Marianna Ignazzi, has hit shelves with a bang. Following the instant sell-out of the debut issue, this 32-page thrill ride (priced at a steal of $4.99) continues the gruesome tournament in Oak Valley, Maine. Let’s dive into why this issue is a must-have for your collection, from its chilling storyline to the hype surrounding its launch.

The Story: Bloodier and Bolder

Exquisite Corpses #2 picks up where the triple-sized debut left off, plunging deeper into the nightmarish game where twelve of America’s deadliest killers battle it out for survival. This issue introduces a knife-wielding zealot wrapped in human skin, a heartthrob wielding an axe, a pint-sized sociopath, and a high-powered drone—all descending on Oak Valley. The tension is palpable as the body count rises, and the town’s residents fight to stay alive. Ignazzi’s fresh perspective, known from her work on Catwoman, brings a new layer of intensity, making this chapter feel like a blood-soaked escalation of the series’ already gripping premise. It’s horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering who—or what—will survive.

The Creators: A Rising Star Joins the Fray

The creative team behind Exquisite Corpses #2 is a collector’s dream. Tynion IV and Walsh, fresh off the success of the sold-out #1, continue to steer this ship with their signature blend of chilling narratives and gritty art. But the real excitement comes with Marianna Ignazzi stepping in as a co-creator. Her dynamic style adds a vibrant edge to the bloodshed, making this issue a visual feast. The “Corpse Crew” collaborative approach—where different creators build on each other’s work—ensures every page is unpredictable, a true “exquisite corpse” in action.

The Characters: New Killers, Same Chaos

The roster of killers expands in #2, each more terrifying than the last. The human-skin-clad zealot slices with religious fervor, while the axe-wielding heartthrob brings a twisted charisma to the carnage. The pint-sized sociopath adds a creepy unpredictability, and the drone operator’s high-tech menace looms overhead. Walsh’s art, paired with Ignazzi’s contributions, makes these characters pop off the page like living nightmares. Meanwhile, the civilians of Oak Valley—caught in the crossfire—start to show their resilience, giving collectors characters to root for amidst the mayhem.

The Launch: Hype Builds on a Sell-Out Legacy

The release of Exquisite Corpses #2 comes on the heels of #1’s historic sell-out on launch day, a feat that forced Image Comics to rush a second printing. That initial success set the stage for #2, with pre-orders buzzing and fans eager to see how the story evolves. The “Corpse Tour ‘25” continued with signings and events, including a June 18th launch party at Midtown Comics in New York, where collectors snagged exclusive variants and trading cards. The polybagged Cover C variant, featuring a collectible trading card, is already a hot item—collect all 13 issues to complete the deck, a bonus that’s driving demand through the roof.

The Storyline: A Tournament of Terror

Structured like a deadly playoff, Exquisite Corpses #2 advances the bracket-style narrative, with each issue showcasing new eliminations and twists. This chapter ramps up the stakes as the killers’ strategies collide, and Ignazzi’s input promises a fresh take on the bloodshed. The playoff format invites readers to play along, guessing survivors and adding a gamified thrill to the collecting experience. It’s a series that keeps you guessing—and collecting.

Collectibility: Variants and Value

With multiple covers (A through F, featuring art by Walsh, Ignazzi, and Riley Rossmo), Exquisite Corpses #2 offers collectors plenty to chase. The Cover C polybag variant, complete with a trading card, is a standout, especially given the series’ early sell-out trend. Following #1’s instant sell-out and second printing, #2 is poised to follow suit, making first prints a potential goldmine. The low $4.99 cover price for 32 pages of premium content only sweetens the deal for savvy collectors.

Future Hype: Movie or TV on the Horizon?

While no official announcements have surfaced, the growing buzz around Exquisite Corpses—fueled by Tynion’s track record and Ignazzi’s rising star power—has fans speculating about a screen adaptation. Collectors know that early issues of a series with adaptation potential can skyrocket in value, so grabbing #2 now could be a smart move.

Why Collectors Can’t Resist

Exquisite Corpses #2 isn’t just a comic—it’s a collector’s adrenaline rush. The sell-out legacy of #1, the addition of Ignazzi, the stunning variants, and the trading card incentive make it a standout. Whether you’re in it for the horror, the art, or the investment potential, this issue is a treasure worth adding to your stack. Don’t wait—snag your copy before it’s gone, and join the bloody hunt in Oak Valley!