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. Exquisite Corpses #1 delivers an opening salvo that’s drenched in pop punk video game inspired visuals with a story that feels familiar but a hell of a lot of fun.

Written by James Tynion IV, Exquisite Corpses #1 feels like a comic inspired by today’s popular video games. Fortnite with its battle to the death arena and colorful characters is the one that jumps out as inspiration to this series which delivers a flashy start that sucks you in. It’s a mish-mash of familiar concepts and stories but presents it all with a flair that has you wanting to come back for more.

The concept of families secretly controlling the world and battling it out is a concept that’s been done over and over as well as colorful characters dropped in an arena to battle to the death. It feels like the two have been mashed together as well but Tynion deftly focuses in on the flash and the characters impacted by the deadly game.

While just having a comic about random characters with message board handles killing each other would be entertaining enough, Tynion gives us something more by adding a touch of depth to the characters we meet and even the killers themselves. What makes the comic feel unique is that it takes place in a small town chosen by the ruling families to be used as a board for their avatars to battle in. Some are playing to win while others have side bets as to the kills they can wrack up. It’s eSports being LARPed with high stakes. But Tynion introduces us to residents and get us to care about them to have an emotional connection to see what happens to them next making the comic more than just entertaining kills. And, Tynion makes sure to not just give the killers entertaining extreme personalities but a little something extra as well. One at the end of the comic makes a surprising statement showing there’s more to him than just murdering others.

The art by Mirchael Walsh, color by Jordie Bellaire, and lettering by Becca Carey is fantastic. They give a style that’s both grounded at times but also feels like intro screens just before you enter the virtual battlefield. The characters all come off as creepy and deranged with a comic that bounces from grounded to extreme in its deliver. While the residents of Oak Valley are grounded, normal, and somewhat bland in a way, those battling are all caricatures or feel like downloadable avatars to PWN the noobs with. It’s a fun blend of comic infused with video game visuals.

Exquisite Corpses #1 is a solid start that seems to be having fun with its over the top concept and delivering on it in both story and art. It might feel familiar and not totally original, but it’s executed in a way that stands out from the pack.

Story: James Tynion IV Art: Michael Walsh
Color: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Becca Carey
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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