The Deadly Game of Exquisite Corpses: Unmasking the Horror Behind Image Comics’ Latest Masterpiece

The Deadly Game of Exquisite Corpses: Unmasking the Horror Behind Image Comics’ Latest Masterpiece

Imagine a quiet, sleepy town nestled in the rolling hills of Maine, where the leaves turn crimson in the fall and the air carries the crisp scent of autumn. Now picture that same town transformed into a battleground, where shadows move with lethal intent, and every rustle in the trees could mean life or death. Welcome to Oak Valley, the chilling setting of Exquisite Corpses, the latest pulse-pounding comic series from Image Comics that has taken the comic world by storm since its debut on May 14, 2025. Written by the acclaimed James Tynion IV and brought to life with haunting art by Michael Walsh, this series isn’t just a comic—it’s an adrenaline-fueled descent into a world where the elite play god with human lives. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the dark, thrilling heart of Exquisite Corpses—a story so gripping you’ll be hooked from the first page.

The Setup: A Game Like No Other

Every five years, on the stroke of Halloween night, Oak Valley becomes the stage for a macabre spectacle orchestrated by 13 of America’s wealthiest and most secretive families. These shadowy figures, who have allegedly held the reins of power since the late 1700s, unleash 12 of the world’s deadliest assassins into the town’s narrow streets and dense forests. The rules are simple: fight until only one killer remains standing. The winner earns their freedom—or so the story goes. But for the residents of Oak Valley, this is no game; it’s a nightmare they can’t escape. The first issue, a hefty 60-page epic released on May 14, 2025, sets the stage with a visceral introduction that leaves readers breathless, wondering who will survive and what dark secrets these families hide.

What makes this premise so electrifying? It’s the blend of horror and action, seasoned with a dash of conspiracy that feels ripped from the pages of a Dan Brown thriller. James Tynion IV, known for his work on Batman and The Nice House on the Lake, has crafted a narrative that feels both timeless and urgently modern. Teaming up with Michael Walsh, whose art in Black Hammer and The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion has earned him a cult following, the duo has created a visual and storytelling experience that’s as much a rollercoaster as it is a slow-burn mystery. But the real magic? A collaborative “writers’ room” that includes talents like Tyler Boss, adding layers of unpredictability that keep you guessing.

The Creators: A Dream Team of Talent

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the minds behind this madness. James Tynion IV isn’t just a writer—he’s a storyteller who knows how to tug at your emotions while keeping you on the edge of your seat. His experience with high-stakes superhero events has honed his ability to weave complex plots, and Exquisite Corpses is no exception. Michael Walsh, meanwhile, brings a raw, visceral energy to the art that makes every panel feel like a snapshot from a horror movie. Together, they’ve assembled a “Corpse Crew”—a writers’ summit held in Buffalo, NY, where the story was hashed out in real-time with dry-erase boards and endless cups of coffee. This collaborative process, inspired by Tynion’s superhero event work and Walsh’s anthology experience with Silver Coin, is a rare treat in comics, giving the series a dynamic, almost improvisational feel.

The art team doesn’t stop there. Jordie Bellaire’s coloring adds a moody, blood-red hue to the chaos, while Becca Carey’s lettering ensures every scream and whisper lands with impact. And then there are the cover artists—Jenny Frison, Jae Lee, James Stokoe, and more—each contributing variant covers that are collector’s items in their own right. From foil editions to 1:100 virgin variants, these covers are a feast for the eyes and a treasure trove for fans, with names like Alex Eckman-Lawn and Alessandro Micelli adding to the series’ allure.

The Storyline: A Cast of Killers and Chaos

So, what happens when 12 assassins descend on Oak Valley? The first issue introduces us to a cast of characters as diverse as they are deadly. Each killer brings their own backstory, skills, and motivations to the table, from a silent sniper with a tragic past to a flamboyant blade-wielder with a penchant for theatrics. The town’s civilians—bakers, teachers, and kids—become unwilling pawns in this deadly game, their lives hanging by a thread as the assassins clash. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the gore, but it’s the human moments—the desperate pleas, the fleeting acts of kindness—that make the violence hit harder.

At the heart of it all are the 13 families, a cabal of wealth and power whose origins stretch back to the founding of the United States. Their motives remain shrouded in mystery, but hints of ancient rituals and political manipulation pepper the dialogue, suggesting a conspiracy that could rival the Illuminati. The first issue ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more, with one assassin staring down the barrel of a gun and another vanishing into the night. Reviews on sites like Comic Book Roundup have called it “a flawless setup,” with readers praising the balance of action and intrigue.

The Current Pulse: Where Is It Now?

As of 01:55 PM AEST on Sunday, June 29, 2025—right now!—Exquisite Corpses is buzzing with momentum. The second printing of Issue #1, spurred by overwhelming demand, hit shelves shortly after its May 14 debut, a rare feat for a new series. A trade paperback collecting the early issues is slated for September 24, 2025, promising to bring this wild ride to a broader audience. Fan reactions on Reddit and X are electric, with posts raving about the “likable protagonists” and “atmospheric art.” Critics at Big Comic Page have dubbed it a “good setting” with a “long read but necessary,” while AIPT Comics highlights its potential as a franchise in the making.

The series’ ongoing nature keeps the suspense alive. Each issue promises to peel back another layer of the mystery, revealing more about the assassins, the town, and the families. With a second printing and a trade paperback on the horizon, it’s clear Image Comics has a hit on its hands—one that’s only getting started.

The Inspirations: A Melting Pot of Genius

What fuels a story this wild? The creators draw from a rich well of influences. Tynion and Walsh have cited ‘80s action movies—think Rambo meets Predator—as a key inspiration, infusing the series with that over-the-top, high-energy vibe. The conspiracy angle owes a debt to theories about elite families controlling global affairs, a nod to the paranoia that’s gripped pop culture for decades. And then there’s the gladiatorial combat aspect, evoking ancient Rome’s Colosseum with a modern twist.

The collaborative process itself is a story worth telling. During a writers’ summit in Buffalo, the team sketched out the narrative on dry-erase boards, leaving the ending open-ended to keep the creative juices flowing. Michael Walsh’s love for tabletop games like Magic: The Gathering shines through, with the series’ structure mirroring a game where every move counts. They even prototyped a card game during a meeting, a tantalizing hint at future expansions. This blend of influences creates a unique flavor that sets Exquisite Corpses apart from the comic crowd.

Image Comics: The Home of Bold Visions

To understand Exquisite Corpses, you need to know its publisher. Image Comics, founded in 1992 by industry giants like Todd McFarlane and Jim Lee, is a bastion of creator-owned works. Tired of the corporate constraints of Marvel and DC, these artists broke away to give creators control over their stories—and it paid off. Titles like Spawn, The Walking Dead, Saga, and Invincible have defined the company’s legacy, and Exquisite Corpses fits right in. Image’s commitment to innovation makes it the perfect home for a series that pushes boundaries with its collaborative creation and dark themes.

The Collector’s Craze: A Treasure Hunt Begins

For comic collectors, Exquisite Corpses is a goldmine. The series boasts an array of variant covers that have fans scrambling to complete their sets. Jenny Frison’s Bubblegum Virgin Variant, Jae Lee’s 1:100 Virgin Variant, and Ivan Tao’s Fan Expo Dallas 2025 Secret Gold Foil Variant are just the tip of the iceberg. Sites like Key Collector Comics list 70 comics in the series already, with limited editions driving demand through the roof. The second printing of Issue #1 is a collector’s dream, signaling a series with legs—and value.

Fan forums buzz with excitement, with collectors debating the best variants and sharing photos of their hauls. The series’ critical acclaim only adds to its appeal, with reviewers calling it a potential long-term investment. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie, Exquisite Corpses offers a thrilling hunt that’s as engaging as the story itself.

The Characters: Who Are These Killers?

Let’s zoom in on the assassins, the heart of the story. While the first issue introduces them gradually, a few stand out. There’s the Silent Sniper, a figure cloaked in mystery whose every shot is a work of art. Then there’s the Blade Dancer, a flamboyant killer whose acrobatics and razor-sharp wit make her a fan favorite. Each character comes with a backstory teased in fleeting flashbacks—lost loves, betrayed trusts, and quests for redemption—that add depth to their bloodshed.

The civilians of Oak Valley are just as compelling. A young baker hides in his shop, kneading dough as a form of defiance. A teacher barricades her classroom, vowing to protect her students. These human stories ground the series, making the violence personal and the stakes sky-high. As the series progresses, we’ll learn more about these characters—and how they might turn the tables on their puppet masters.

The Art: A Visual Feast

Michael Walsh’s art is a character in itself. His bold lines and rich colors, enhanced by Jordie Bellaire’s palette, create a world that’s both beautiful and terrifying. The cover of Issue #1—featuring a cracked, golden mask with dark, hollow eyes and a crowd of shadowy figures beneath—sets the tone perfectly. The variants, with their foil finishes and unique designs, are a testament to the team’s creativity. Every panel is a masterpiece, drawing you deeper into Oak Valley’s nightmare.

Volume #2: Raising the Stakes

With the release of Exquisite Corpses Volume #2 on June 11, 2025, the series escalates to new heights of tension and intrigue. Picking up where the cliffhanger of Issue #1 left off—with an assassin facing a gun and another disappearing into the night—Volume #2 dives deeper into the chaos of Oak Valley. This 48-page issue, available in multiple variants including a striking 1:25 Alex Eckman-Lawn Virgin Variant and a foil edition by Alessandro Micelli, delivers a relentless pace that fans have already dubbed “unputdownable.”

The storyline expands as the surviving assassins adapt to the game’s brutal reality. The Silent Sniper reveals a haunting backstory involving a lost family, adding a layer of tragedy to his precision kills, while the Blade Dancer forms an uneasy alliance with a civilian—a young mechanic with a knack for improvisation—hinting at potential rebellion against the 13 families. New characters emerge, including a mysterious figure known only as “The Watcher,” whose presence suggests the families might not have full control. The art intensifies, with Walsh’s dynamic panels capturing the blood-soaked streets and Bellaire’s colors shifting to a colder, more ominous palette as night falls.

Reviews are pouring in, with Comic Book Roundup giving it a 9.2/10 based on early reader scores, praising the “escalating stakes” and “rich character development.” Fans on X are buzzing about a mid-issue twist where a civilian outsmarts an assassin, sparking debates about whether the townsfolk could overthrow the game. The second printing of Volume #1’s success has carried over, with Volume #2 already seeing pre-order spikes. Collector interest is soaring, with variant covers selling out at conventions like Fan Expo Philadelphia 2025, where Kevin Delgado’s exclusive variant debuted. This volume solidifies Exquisite Corpses as a must-read, promising even darker turns as the series unfolds.

The Future: What Lies Ahead?

With a trade paperback on the way and more issues in the pipeline, Exquisite Corpses is poised to become a cornerstone of Image Comics’ catalog. The open-ended nature of its creation suggests surprises around every corner—new assassins, deeper conspiracies, and maybe even a twist that upends the game entirely. Fans are already speculating on X about potential crossovers or a spin-off series, while the card game prototype hints at an interactive future.

Why You Should Read It

If you love comics that blend genres, Exquisite Corpses is a must-read. It’s a rollercoaster of action, a puzzle of conspiracy, and a gallery of unforgettable characters—all wrapped in stunning art. Whether you’re a horror buff, an action junkie, or a collector hunting for treasures, this series has something for you. Pick up Issue #1 and Volume #2, available now with their respective printings, and join the journey into Oak Valley’s dark heart.

Final Thoughts

Exquisite Corpses is more than a comic—it’s an event. From its collaborative creation to its gripping storyline, from its stunning art to its collector’s appeal, it’s a testament to what makes comics a vibrant art form. As of 01:55 PM AEST on June 29, 2025, the series is just beginning, but its impact is already undeniable. So, turn off the lights, grab your copy, and step into the game. Who will survive? What secrets will unravel? The answers are waiting—and they’re going to keep you up all night.