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Exquisite Corpses #1
Exquisite Corpses #1
SERIES PREMIERE
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 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. Experience a comics event like no other, from the minds of JAMES TYNION IV & MICHAEL WALSH, as they lead a group of the most exciting voices in the industry. Over thirteen blood-soaked chapters, these creators will collaborate and compete to determine who wins and who dies—and the games begin in this triple-sized debut!
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 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. Experience a comics event like no other, from the minds of JAMES TYNION IV & MICHAEL WALSH, as they lead a group of the most exciting voices in the industry. Over thirteen blood-soaked chapters, these creators will collaborate and compete to determine who wins and who dies—and the games begin in this triple-sized debut!
Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
31 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,663 books2,018 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 3, 2025
This was super dope! Definitely a horror smash up of all horror movies tropes! The deadly character introductions went nicely with the art. The delivery of each panel was fantastic. Cannot wait for more issues in this series. Killer pew pew 🔫.
May 18, 2025
Exquisite Corpses #1 by James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh is a killer start—literally and figuratively. Imagine The Purge meets The Hunger Games, but run by America’s wealthiest families as a twisted power grab. Every five years, a dozen elite assassins are unleashed on a small town, and only one walks away with the prize: $100 million and political dominance for their backers.
The concept is wild, but what really sells it is the execution—Walsh’s art is gritty and stylish, the pacing is tight, and every killer feels like they walked out of a stylized fever dream. As a first issue, it’s a fantastic setup. You can feel the blood-soaked chaos brewing just under the surface, and I can’t wait to see how it explodes. A brutal, fascinating start to what could be one hell of a series.
The concept is wild, but what really sells it is the execution—Walsh’s art is gritty and stylish, the pacing is tight, and every killer feels like they walked out of a stylized fever dream. As a first issue, it’s a fantastic setup. You can feel the blood-soaked chaos brewing just under the surface, and I can’t wait to see how it explodes. A brutal, fascinating start to what could be one hell of a series.
August 21, 2025
this is soooooo interesting
May 14, 2025
You had me at horrible rich twins
January 24, 2026
Omg this has so much potential for a super interesting story! I really liked this first issue, it’s basically a lot of set up and explaining for a game that happens every few years or so where the 13 most influential/rich American families battle it out by nominating a killer that uses the weapon that they have on their card that they pull. They always set this game up in some small town and cut their communications to the outside world, so nobody knows what weird twisted purge/battle Royale ah games they play there that involve killing the residents. This time it’s set in oak valley and the game just started at the end of the issue. Massachusetts really wants to win with the ex-soldier that they’ve picked and there are others that want to win too, to rule over America until the next game, but there are also the families that just bet on how many innocent lives their killers can end in that one Halloween night and don’t care for winning.
I really find the premise super interesting and I love the art style it’s so cool. Also it’s clearly criticizing in a over the top way the rich and how they can do whatever they want.
I really find the premise super interesting and I love the art style it’s so cool. Also it’s clearly criticizing in a over the top way the rich and how they can do whatever they want.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
Need the next one!!
August 15, 2025
13 powerful families play a game every anniversary to see who will have momentary control of the world hiring assassins to kill who will win?
October 4, 2025
I am digging this for the Halloween season. The story is definitely engaging, and I'm into the artwork. Can't wait to read the next issue!
May 26, 2025
This rocks!! I am loving everything about this, the concept especially…but the art is delectable! As it turns out the 13 original colonies each have their own ruling family that broke ties with Great Britain in 1775. But during that time these power houses had a hard time deciding who was in charge. To settle it they decided to have a game that they still maintain every 5 years to choose a new ruling family. The current leader chooses a small back water town to host the game, and the other 12 families draw cards representing the weapon their representative is allowed to use in the game, which also represents the original weapons used in the first game. Then they have a year to find their very own killer to go in and be the last one standing. They promise the killers 1 million to their choice if they die, and 100 million if they live.
Some of the families hire professional killers to actually try and get them the power. Such as Rhode Island, representing the rope, hiring a spider themed killer named recluse. Or like North Carolina, representing the hammer, hiring a circus strong man to wield a giant hammer in the game. Other families really don’t want the power and are content where they are…but enjoy the excitement and make side bets with other families on who can wrack up the most kills. Such as New Jersey, representing hands, who hired a wack job serial killer who strangled people in a mascot costume…called Rascal Randy. Or like New Hampshire, representing the knife, who hired a skin wearing serial killer called the congregation. Along this same vein, Virginian representing poison, hired a silent killer named Nurse Pete who has probably killed more than the last two combined. And Georgia, representing the axe, hired their own “Ted Bundy” (who apparently competed well in the games), through a tatted up serial killer named Pretty Boy. Another trend that has seemed to pop up is younger people getting better at killing. Connecticut, representing electricity, hired a child named Gamer Kid Calvin who seems to be good at operating drones with guns. Additionally Delaware, representing fire, got a young arsonist named Layla Blaze. And Maryland, representing explosives, hired a bomb but named Slater. The last two are very excited to see everything in ashes. But aside from the side bets there are a lot of personal grudges fighting for each other at the top. Such as New York’s beef with South Carolina. New York is very happy this year, as South Carolina’s head of the family sent in her own twin sister to represent the arrow. Turns out she has been trained as a killing machine for years with every weapon. But New York finds this the funniest, representing the sword, they got a killer SC tried to get and failed to. Someone infamously named the Fox Mask Killer. What’s very noticeable about them, is while being driven to their drop point in town…they didn’t need to know the rules as they knew it already. Were they briefed well…or have they competed before?! But how do we know all of this? Well it’s actually through Massachusetts. Seems they are sick of Pennsylvania and the other crazies being on top, and after sending a few men, who have now been thoroughly injured, to try and recruit their prospect…she decided to go talk to him herself. She explained the game and the rules…but he doesn’t care about the money. What this ex black ops cares about…is his life back. And if he wins and she gets all the power…she promises to out the people who stripped his rank and get him back in the field…where he wants to be! But what happened to get him dishonorably discharged in the first place? Turns out actions leading to the death of sixty armed combatants and 300 civilians will do that. But hearing the prospect of getting back out there really convinced him to finally join up and represent the gun for Massachusetts. But it seems they have an extra stipulation that is a specific tradition for them, he has to wear a gold plated mask while competing. Which honestly just fits his look so well! Aside from the Fox mask I think the lone gunman is my favorite design. He is basically wearing full black with a ton of combat gear and guns…but has that one gold mask to define his face. And sometimes the black around his head blends in to look like a really cool floating mask. So good!!
But I’ve talked way too much about the competitors when there is much more at stake here. Remember the town they will be competing in? All they are doing is closing it off from the world, they aren’t kicking anyone out before hand. Where else is the kill count supposed to come from than the inhabitants of Oak Valley. And this issue actually starts by introducing us to the towns Sheriff. Going about his day, stopping by the towns convenience store, warning the attendant not to hand out any hard drugs to the kids at tonight’s Halloween party in the Pitt, and strangely handing over a letter meant for someone named Laura who should be coming in later. But then even more surprisingly than that, we see as the sheriff meets up with a coordinator for the games and then hands over his squad car and keys to accept 10 million and a new life. He is leaving the town completely and basically handing over all authority to them. And the continual mention of that large gathering in the Pitt does not bode well for the people attending. Hey as long as they survive until morning they are fine…but 12 killers…geez.
But this issue also introduces us to a few of the people trying to survive. Include the couple of Xavi and Craig. Xavi is working at the local haunted house attraction, and Craig is studying for school. But with Craig’s mom out of town Xavi really wants to go to the Pitt party after work…but at the same time Craig does have a test. But it’s not like Craig is one to say no to Xavi for long, lol. But there night may have just been derailed with how nice Craig is. His neighbor popped in with her very young son looking for Craig’s mom to ask if she could take care of him for a bit. She works for the owner of a car dealership named Big Bruce, and he is the type of boss to force her in on her day off. But if it’s only a few hours until trick or treat time, Craig can watch Jason without any problem. Plus Xavi lives in the nice gated community and can get Jason in there later to trick or treat for the good candy. But as we check in with Jason’s mom, Audrey, and big Bruce later…she may not get her day off after all. Apparently this idiot is surprised that their small town isn’t showing up in droves for his “big sale” on Halloween even though he paid to have his ads played on the radio. Huh…who would have thought?! So now he wants her to stay until they close at 8 to get the radio on the phone and make them play the add twice as much. Sigh. At the least Craig is nice enough to take care of Jason, which is really to his benefit as it gets Xavi and him out of going to the Pitt party.
But now that we have our players, it’s finally time for the games to start. The roads are sealed, all communications have been severed, and the killers are in positions with their drops…all it takes is Pennsylvania starting the games and loosing their ranking status…and we are a go!
And things immediately start to kick off, after going on break at his really disappointing haunted house gig…Xavi notices a text from Craig that mentions bad news about the party. Xavi tries to text back…but all texts begin to fail…there isn’t any service?! Then Xavi notices the strongman standing at the end of the alley with the very large hammer. He tries to direct him to the front entrance, but the man steps closer and brings his hammer down near Xavi…forcing him to jump out of the way to safety but getting cornered in the process! The strong man comments on his dead makeup and promises to really help him look the part. As he winds his hammer above his head to bring down and kill Xavi…a gunshot suddenly sounds out through the alley and the strongman’s head has been blown open by the lone gunman! Part of me is now thinking those civilian deaths were accidental, as he doesn’t kill Xavi. He tells him to run, hide, and not to come out until morning. As Xavi runs out I can only hope he is going to get Craig. But the game is on and one state is already out.
But there is a detail from earlier that also needs to come back up, remember Laura? She is the one the letter was left for by the Sheriff before he left. He isn’t permitted to contact anyone in the town after he left, but it seems he found a loophole by leaving the letter beforehand. Turns out Laura is a paramedic in an ambulance for the town, probably one of the few. And every night she comes in to get a slushie and listen to the ramblings of the clerk. He is always listening to those off the beaten path podcasts about secret government conspiracies, and now seeing all the cars come in and out of town and seeing the Internet cut out…his paranoia is through the roof. So I’m sure it doesn’t help when he hands Laura the letter and she opens it to find a stern message about getting in her ambulance and driving as far as she can from oak valley. But there’s a few things that are wrong here and why I know she won’t. First off, as Uncle Scott aka the Sheriff mentions in his own letter…she cares too much for other people. Second, they already had to pump a few stomachs that night and she didn’t get to the gas station until after her shift started…the games already on and it’s too late to leave. Either way she is confused and concerned about the note, but with the report of the dead body the lone gunman killed earlier…they are needed.
I am so excited for this series, out the gate it does a great job attaching is to these characters to care way more about that the stylishly dressed killers and I’m actually really glad about that. But that’s not to say I’m not interested in them, as the killers and the families that represent them are teaming with personality and intrigue. Even the host of the games back at the dining haul with all the families is super interesting. What does perplex me is that this issue includes a bracket. How can they do a bracket unless they also reveal who is going against each other? Technically each quadrant in the bracket has 3 of the killers against each other so any of them could be killing the others, but maybe it doesn’t matter and works along the lines of someone being killed and the others move up…even if whoever killed them is in a different quadrant. Ehh, semantics and I think I just talked myself in a corner. The cool thing is the bracket also reveals that Oak Valley is in Maine! I am really excited to see where this goes.
Some of the families hire professional killers to actually try and get them the power. Such as Rhode Island, representing the rope, hiring a spider themed killer named recluse. Or like North Carolina, representing the hammer, hiring a circus strong man to wield a giant hammer in the game. Other families really don’t want the power and are content where they are…but enjoy the excitement and make side bets with other families on who can wrack up the most kills. Such as New Jersey, representing hands, who hired a wack job serial killer who strangled people in a mascot costume…called Rascal Randy. Or like New Hampshire, representing the knife, who hired a skin wearing serial killer called the congregation. Along this same vein, Virginian representing poison, hired a silent killer named Nurse Pete who has probably killed more than the last two combined. And Georgia, representing the axe, hired their own “Ted Bundy” (who apparently competed well in the games), through a tatted up serial killer named Pretty Boy. Another trend that has seemed to pop up is younger people getting better at killing. Connecticut, representing electricity, hired a child named Gamer Kid Calvin who seems to be good at operating drones with guns. Additionally Delaware, representing fire, got a young arsonist named Layla Blaze. And Maryland, representing explosives, hired a bomb but named Slater. The last two are very excited to see everything in ashes. But aside from the side bets there are a lot of personal grudges fighting for each other at the top. Such as New York’s beef with South Carolina. New York is very happy this year, as South Carolina’s head of the family sent in her own twin sister to represent the arrow. Turns out she has been trained as a killing machine for years with every weapon. But New York finds this the funniest, representing the sword, they got a killer SC tried to get and failed to. Someone infamously named the Fox Mask Killer. What’s very noticeable about them, is while being driven to their drop point in town…they didn’t need to know the rules as they knew it already. Were they briefed well…or have they competed before?! But how do we know all of this? Well it’s actually through Massachusetts. Seems they are sick of Pennsylvania and the other crazies being on top, and after sending a few men, who have now been thoroughly injured, to try and recruit their prospect…she decided to go talk to him herself. She explained the game and the rules…but he doesn’t care about the money. What this ex black ops cares about…is his life back. And if he wins and she gets all the power…she promises to out the people who stripped his rank and get him back in the field…where he wants to be! But what happened to get him dishonorably discharged in the first place? Turns out actions leading to the death of sixty armed combatants and 300 civilians will do that. But hearing the prospect of getting back out there really convinced him to finally join up and represent the gun for Massachusetts. But it seems they have an extra stipulation that is a specific tradition for them, he has to wear a gold plated mask while competing. Which honestly just fits his look so well! Aside from the Fox mask I think the lone gunman is my favorite design. He is basically wearing full black with a ton of combat gear and guns…but has that one gold mask to define his face. And sometimes the black around his head blends in to look like a really cool floating mask. So good!!
But I’ve talked way too much about the competitors when there is much more at stake here. Remember the town they will be competing in? All they are doing is closing it off from the world, they aren’t kicking anyone out before hand. Where else is the kill count supposed to come from than the inhabitants of Oak Valley. And this issue actually starts by introducing us to the towns Sheriff. Going about his day, stopping by the towns convenience store, warning the attendant not to hand out any hard drugs to the kids at tonight’s Halloween party in the Pitt, and strangely handing over a letter meant for someone named Laura who should be coming in later. But then even more surprisingly than that, we see as the sheriff meets up with a coordinator for the games and then hands over his squad car and keys to accept 10 million and a new life. He is leaving the town completely and basically handing over all authority to them. And the continual mention of that large gathering in the Pitt does not bode well for the people attending. Hey as long as they survive until morning they are fine…but 12 killers…geez.
But this issue also introduces us to a few of the people trying to survive. Include the couple of Xavi and Craig. Xavi is working at the local haunted house attraction, and Craig is studying for school. But with Craig’s mom out of town Xavi really wants to go to the Pitt party after work…but at the same time Craig does have a test. But it’s not like Craig is one to say no to Xavi for long, lol. But there night may have just been derailed with how nice Craig is. His neighbor popped in with her very young son looking for Craig’s mom to ask if she could take care of him for a bit. She works for the owner of a car dealership named Big Bruce, and he is the type of boss to force her in on her day off. But if it’s only a few hours until trick or treat time, Craig can watch Jason without any problem. Plus Xavi lives in the nice gated community and can get Jason in there later to trick or treat for the good candy. But as we check in with Jason’s mom, Audrey, and big Bruce later…she may not get her day off after all. Apparently this idiot is surprised that their small town isn’t showing up in droves for his “big sale” on Halloween even though he paid to have his ads played on the radio. Huh…who would have thought?! So now he wants her to stay until they close at 8 to get the radio on the phone and make them play the add twice as much. Sigh. At the least Craig is nice enough to take care of Jason, which is really to his benefit as it gets Xavi and him out of going to the Pitt party.
But now that we have our players, it’s finally time for the games to start. The roads are sealed, all communications have been severed, and the killers are in positions with their drops…all it takes is Pennsylvania starting the games and loosing their ranking status…and we are a go!
And things immediately start to kick off, after going on break at his really disappointing haunted house gig…Xavi notices a text from Craig that mentions bad news about the party. Xavi tries to text back…but all texts begin to fail…there isn’t any service?! Then Xavi notices the strongman standing at the end of the alley with the very large hammer. He tries to direct him to the front entrance, but the man steps closer and brings his hammer down near Xavi…forcing him to jump out of the way to safety but getting cornered in the process! The strong man comments on his dead makeup and promises to really help him look the part. As he winds his hammer above his head to bring down and kill Xavi…a gunshot suddenly sounds out through the alley and the strongman’s head has been blown open by the lone gunman! Part of me is now thinking those civilian deaths were accidental, as he doesn’t kill Xavi. He tells him to run, hide, and not to come out until morning. As Xavi runs out I can only hope he is going to get Craig. But the game is on and one state is already out.
But there is a detail from earlier that also needs to come back up, remember Laura? She is the one the letter was left for by the Sheriff before he left. He isn’t permitted to contact anyone in the town after he left, but it seems he found a loophole by leaving the letter beforehand. Turns out Laura is a paramedic in an ambulance for the town, probably one of the few. And every night she comes in to get a slushie and listen to the ramblings of the clerk. He is always listening to those off the beaten path podcasts about secret government conspiracies, and now seeing all the cars come in and out of town and seeing the Internet cut out…his paranoia is through the roof. So I’m sure it doesn’t help when he hands Laura the letter and she opens it to find a stern message about getting in her ambulance and driving as far as she can from oak valley. But there’s a few things that are wrong here and why I know she won’t. First off, as Uncle Scott aka the Sheriff mentions in his own letter…she cares too much for other people. Second, they already had to pump a few stomachs that night and she didn’t get to the gas station until after her shift started…the games already on and it’s too late to leave. Either way she is confused and concerned about the note, but with the report of the dead body the lone gunman killed earlier…they are needed.
I am so excited for this series, out the gate it does a great job attaching is to these characters to care way more about that the stylishly dressed killers and I’m actually really glad about that. But that’s not to say I’m not interested in them, as the killers and the families that represent them are teaming with personality and intrigue. Even the host of the games back at the dining haul with all the families is super interesting. What does perplex me is that this issue includes a bracket. How can they do a bracket unless they also reveal who is going against each other? Technically each quadrant in the bracket has 3 of the killers against each other so any of them could be killing the others, but maybe it doesn’t matter and works along the lines of someone being killed and the others move up…even if whoever killed them is in a different quadrant. Ehh, semantics and I think I just talked myself in a corner. The cool thing is the bracket also reveals that Oak Valley is in Maine! I am really excited to see where this goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
5/5
Fucking brilliant.
Fucking brilliant.
September 2, 2025
Gore, mayhem, and terror have never looked so stylish.
America is controlled by ultra-rich families possessed of staggering generational wealth, obviously, I mean, come on.
But unlike real life, every year the thirteen families seal off a small American town from the outside world to use as an arena for their champions to fight in a Battle Royale on Halloween night. The last killer standing wins wealth beyond imagination and the family he represents gains control of America for one year. To add to the chaos, the town picked for the gruesome games is still inhabited and its residents are caught in the crossfire.
The strong premise of this comic was more than borne out with the help of clever writing and stunning visuals. I really can’t say enough good things about the art direction in this comic. The characters are visually distinct, the killers get cute little Mortal Kombat style intro panels, the violence is shocking while always being on just this side of “too much”.
While the killers themselves and the evil, billionaire (a redundant adjective, I know) families they represent do tend to steal whatever scene they’re in, you do care about what happens to the towns people as well. If anything happens to our protagonists or the annoying kid they’re baby-sitting I might just lose it. The world building is interesting and detailed without getting bogged down in minutiae or taking its faintly ludicrous premise too seriously.
This collection provided and interesting taste and I’m dying to know what happens next!
America is controlled by ultra-rich families possessed of staggering generational wealth, obviously, I mean, come on.
But unlike real life, every year the thirteen families seal off a small American town from the outside world to use as an arena for their champions to fight in a Battle Royale on Halloween night. The last killer standing wins wealth beyond imagination and the family he represents gains control of America for one year. To add to the chaos, the town picked for the gruesome games is still inhabited and its residents are caught in the crossfire.
The strong premise of this comic was more than borne out with the help of clever writing and stunning visuals. I really can’t say enough good things about the art direction in this comic. The characters are visually distinct, the killers get cute little Mortal Kombat style intro panels, the violence is shocking while always being on just this side of “too much”.
While the killers themselves and the evil, billionaire (a redundant adjective, I know) families they represent do tend to steal whatever scene they’re in, you do care about what happens to the towns people as well. If anything happens to our protagonists or the annoying kid they’re baby-sitting I might just lose it. The world building is interesting and detailed without getting bogged down in minutiae or taking its faintly ludicrous premise too seriously.
This collection provided and interesting taste and I’m dying to know what happens next!
October 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Image Comics, James Tynion IV, Michael Walsh, and Pornsak Pichetshote for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a total ride! First of all, the art is fantastic. I really loved the style, especially when the killers were introduced. It almost felt like picking a character in a video game. So cool. The story itself is incredibly addictive. It never slows down and keeps you hooked from start to finish. The premise is wild, in the best way, and perfect for a horror story. You’ve got killers battling it out for 13 different states, and the author does a great job of introducing each one and the state they represent. It makes it super easy to keep track of who's who without feeling lost. Overall, it's a fast-paced, thrilling read that’s definitely worth the dive if you're into horror with a twist.
This book was a total ride! First of all, the art is fantastic. I really loved the style, especially when the killers were introduced. It almost felt like picking a character in a video game. So cool. The story itself is incredibly addictive. It never slows down and keeps you hooked from start to finish. The premise is wild, in the best way, and perfect for a horror story. You’ve got killers battling it out for 13 different states, and the author does a great job of introducing each one and the state they represent. It makes it super easy to keep track of who's who without feeling lost. Overall, it's a fast-paced, thrilling read that’s definitely worth the dive if you're into horror with a twist.
October 17, 2025
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.
Oh this is so sick and twisted! I thought The Purge was some scary stuff but Americans voting to allow them to kill those they deem inferior is nothing compared to descendants of our founding fathers battling with the lives of Americans. It's so scary and twisted I can almost buy it as real.
I need the rest of the volumes so I can find out who wins!
Not for the faint of heart. Recommended. Published 9/30/2025
Thanks to @netgalley and Image Comicsfor the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Oh this is so sick and twisted! I thought The Purge was some scary stuff but Americans voting to allow them to kill those they deem inferior is nothing compared to descendants of our founding fathers battling with the lives of Americans. It's so scary and twisted I can almost buy it as real.
I need the rest of the volumes so I can find out who wins!
Not for the faint of heart. Recommended. Published 9/30/2025
Thanks to @netgalley and Image Comicsfor the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 14, 2025
Whoa! Crazy start to the series! The 13 richest families in America play a game every year where they draw cards with a weapon on them. They then have the entire year to find a killer to wield that weapon in their little game. On Halloween night, they find a small town that nobody cares about, and begin the game. To kill the townsfolk and to kill each other. The last killer standing wins. The winner gets control of America until next Halloween. There are also side bets for the killer with the most kills. What a brutal game. It's very fun so far and is showing some hints of not being afraid of gore. Which is great! I want to see some crazy stuff from these crazy people! I am very excited to read more!
September 3, 2025
I had a lot of fun with this! I'm not normally a comic reader, but I wanted to give this one a shot because I loved the art style and the premise. There were a lot of little artistic nuances in the panels that really gave the narrative edge, and I appreciated finding those here and there. In particular, I thought the style behind each killer's introduction was brilliant, and added such a nice pop of color in the middle of the conversations. You can tell the artists know what they're doing. I'm rooting for the arrow and her sister, though I don't have a good feeling about their futures. I'm interested in following up on this story and see how the game unfolds!
September 25, 2025
Well… I’m hooked. I tore through this and immediately ordered the physical copy coming out September 30th! My husband needs to read it and get hooked right along with me! Finally, something with pictures he’ll actually sit down and enjoy!
I know volumes 2 to 5 are up on Kindle, but I’m holding out for the paperbacks. I want them all lined up on my shelf. It’s just that good.
Most of the time, I’d never wish for a book I love to become a movie, but this one? If it were done right, it would be an absolute masterpiece on screen.
This was simply wonderful and a lot of fun. I cannot WAIT to dive into more. Bravo.
I know volumes 2 to 5 are up on Kindle, but I’m holding out for the paperbacks. I want them all lined up on my shelf. It’s just that good.
Most of the time, I’d never wish for a book I love to become a movie, but this one? If it were done right, it would be an absolute masterpiece on screen.
This was simply wonderful and a lot of fun. I cannot WAIT to dive into more. Bravo.
May 14, 2025
Well if this isn't going to get darker. A new series from a favorite creator of mine, Tynion IV, there are elite families who control the country. To keep them sharp as well as prove their worth, each year they come together to conduct a "game" where they're assigned a specific weapon to have access to and it's a fight unto the death. The survivor's family controls until the next battle.
But even more sick and creepy is *where* the game takes place.
Being introduced to the players in this first issue is enough to make the anticipation strong for #2!
But even more sick and creepy is *where* the game takes place.
Being introduced to the players in this first issue is enough to make the anticipation strong for #2!
June 7, 2025
I know it’s a longer single issue but even still I was very impressed by everything they were able to fit into the first single issue and the bang for your buck you get out of it. That aside the storytelling and setting up is both great and wildly entertaining. I was put onto this by two people I think highly of so of course I was gonna give it a try and I’m so glad I did. Excellent first issue, characters and world building in general.
September 24, 2025
Wow, this is going to be a good one. What an amazing start to a series! This set up worked well and I’m so excited to continue and see who wins the game.
I did start this on my kindle only to realize that it was in colour and I was missing out big time. The artwork and colour is so captivating. The style works so well for the type of story and the bold colours chosen are real cool. Honestly, I think I’ve loved everything I read by this author.
I did start this on my kindle only to realize that it was in colour and I was missing out big time. The artwork and colour is so captivating. The style works so well for the type of story and the bold colours chosen are real cool. Honestly, I think I’ve loved everything I read by this author.
September 26, 2025
This is a great thriller/horror comic! It's a battle royale type of story, fight-to-the-death contest with trained killers, but it's done so well. It's a lot of fun to read and sometimes I like a messy story with a lot of morally grey characters.
I've only read issues 1-5 because that is all that has been released so far, but I'll definitely be finishing this one and buying any future seasons/story arcs.
I've only read issues 1-5 because that is all that has been released so far, but I'll definitely be finishing this one and buying any future seasons/story arcs.
January 20, 2026
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: The concept was giving a rich demented version of Battle Royale
Art & Coloring: Perfect for the gore and horror
Writing: Amazing! I was hooked and I need to know who the last killer is going to be standing.
What I didn't like: I would have liked less jumping around from character to character.
Final thoughts: Adding the 1st vol trade to my to be read list
Continuing?: 100% yes
What I liked: The concept was giving a rich demented version of Battle Royale
Art & Coloring: Perfect for the gore and horror
Writing: Amazing! I was hooked and I need to know who the last killer is going to be standing.
What I didn't like: I would have liked less jumping around from character to character.
Final thoughts: Adding the 1st vol trade to my to be read list
Continuing?: 100% yes
May 15, 2025
This is riding hard on the concept but the concept is a good one! Feels like the start of a horror movie that I would be very interested to watch, though kind of more of a popcorn thriller than a super heady one. Still, it’s fun and interesting to see this big production in an indie book. Just a shame that North Carolina picked a real loser…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
AHHHHHHH Tynion just can’t stop pumping out BANGERS! I need the rest of the story NOW it’s a crime have to WAIT but you BET I’ll be getting it issue by issue!
Scary, dark, gruesome, Fortnite meets Cabin in the woods meets John wick meets the Purge, and even with all those comparisons you’ll still be on the edge of your seat and this is just issue 1!
Scary, dark, gruesome, Fortnite meets Cabin in the woods meets John wick meets the Purge, and even with all those comparisons you’ll still be on the edge of your seat and this is just issue 1!
August 24, 2025
I received this DRC from Edelweiss.
I thought this was a good intro to the series. Even though the event hasn't actually started yet, the pacing was done well with the intercutting between the different story lines. The setup of the game is interesting, although some of the weapon choices seemed unfair relative to others. The quirky assassin intros reminded me of the Suicide Squad movies.
I thought this was a good intro to the series. Even though the event hasn't actually started yet, the pacing was done well with the intercutting between the different story lines. The setup of the game is interesting, although some of the weapon choices seemed unfair relative to others. The quirky assassin intros reminded me of the Suicide Squad movies.
September 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for my Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
I loved this book! 12 of the richest families hiring killers to kill each other in a town that has been cut off from the rest of the world??? Give me more! I liked the art, I liked the dialogue, and I liked the characters (even the killers.) I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I loved this book! 12 of the richest families hiring killers to kill each other in a town that has been cut off from the rest of the world??? Give me more! I liked the art, I liked the dialogue, and I liked the characters (even the killers.) I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
netgalley
October 2, 2025Thanks to Image Comics and Net Galley for a copy of this arc
This is absolutely the type of trade I would buy on a whim and not shut up about.
Death Games, mass murder and interesting characters who you root for just meeting him combine with stellar art and a color palette thats to die for.
I will definitely be picking this series up and might even ad the single issue to my pull list
This is absolutely the type of trade I would buy on a whim and not shut up about.
Death Games, mass murder and interesting characters who you root for just meeting him combine with stellar art and a color palette thats to die for.
I will definitely be picking this series up and might even ad the single issue to my pull list
October 5, 2025
Picked this up after waiting months for it to come out. I love James Tynion IV stuff so much. It totally lived up to the hype. Basically horror Hunger Games of sorts. Really enjoying the concept. I’m gonna need to buy the monthly issues for this series I think, not sure I can wait until May for volume 2. It was so good. Great that I could read it around Halloween too.
October 25, 2025
May 2025
Extra Size.67p.
"Happy Halloween Oak Valley.Lets make this a night to remember"
Well...it's a mash up of plenty of things...as the 12 families who run America from behind their curtains...find a character (psychotic)...are designated a weapon and fight to the death .
Last one Standing.The family rules for the next 5 years.
So mark your scorecards and let's jump in.
Extra Size.67p.
"Happy Halloween Oak Valley.Lets make this a night to remember"
Well...it's a mash up of plenty of things...as the 12 families who run America from behind their curtains...find a character (psychotic)...are designated a weapon and fight to the death .
Last one Standing.The family rules for the next 5 years.
So mark your scorecards and let's jump in.
June 21, 2025
This was as good as a first issue as you could want! Introduced all of the characters really well, the plot and world building was straight and to the point! The action and art work was stellar! This story looks super promising!!
September 15, 2025
What a cool mashup of crazy characters! The art was super rad too. I really want more of each psycho killer and I loved how they were introduced. Ofc I'm rooting for the townies but idk which one is my favorite killer yet? Interesting purge killer-hunger games type mashup! Ready for the next one.
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