Exquisite Corpses has been a hot series in my local comic shop, and I got the first trade paperback to see what all the hype is about. The name of series is partly a play on words on the Exquisite Corpse method of storytelling, where multiple authors collaborate in creating a narrative. Here, there are a number of writers and artists alternately making chapters to create a graphic novel.
The plot is summarized on the above title page. Every five years on Halloween, the richest families in the USA pick a small town, isolate it, and set those loose to wreak havoc in a grand competition. This volume contains the first third of the story, introducing memorable and terrible assassins like Pretty Boy, Lady Carolina, the Fox Mask Killer, and Rascal Randy as they try to murder, maim, and survive the night in (fictional) Oak Valley, Maine.
What makes this book work is that the compelling premise is introduced in short order, the combatants are unique and visually stunning, and the plot has lots of twists and surprises. The artwork is suitably dark and atmospheric, ramping up the action and horror aspects of the story. This sort of series is not my usual cup of tea, but I think it is really well done and suspenseful.
The main writers and creators of this series are James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh. Walsh also drew the first issue. In this volume they are joined by writer Pornsak Pichetshote and artists Marianna Ignazzi and Valentine De Landro. Tynion speaks about this series and other things in this interview.
All of the reviews I have read of this book have been positive. Josh Gauthier wrote that what sets this "work apart is the thematic depth and character development that emerges amidst the carnage and action and intriguing stories." Greg Burgas called it "a very keen series" as well as "quite a good comic." David Brooke called it "a blood-soaked spectacle that’s as ruthless as it is riveting."
Exquisite Corpses was published by Image Comics, and they offer a preview and more here. You can also read the entire first chapter for free here. This book is recommended for mature readers.
No comments:
Post a Comment