Advance Review — Love, Plus Body Parts, Is In The Air In ‘Exquisite Corpses’ #5
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
A romantic interlude is a slight change of pace for this limited series. But with so many characters and so much going on, it’s getting too difficult to keep track of everything and everyone. There’s just not enough focus.
Overall
8/10Time for a little romance.
After four issues of terror, traumatic amputations, backstabbing (some literally), and explosions, Exquisite Corpses #5 gives readers a romance between two killers. Yes, Layla Blaze (who doesn’t like to be touched) and Slater (who likes to blow things up) spark a, infatuation in the unlikeliest of scenarios.
After all, each of them – along with 10 other killers – have been hired by the rich elite to off each other (and anyone who gets in their way) in a small Maine town on Halloween. Until now, none of the psychos have worked together. Their team-up threatens an All Hallow’s Eve concert in the town – though it may not be the only partnership in the game.
That new plotline is one among many – and of varying levels of interest – in this chapter. As we approach the middle of the 13-part limited series, readers are still learning about the dozen killers, the powerful men and women behind them, and the poor souls stuck in the town. It’s an awful lot to keep track of, and the story suffers for it. Eisner Award-winning colorist Jordie Bellaire joins series co-creator James Tynion IV on writing responsibilities for this chapter.
Claire Roe and co-creator Michael Walsh team up on the artwork, with Bellaire lending her typical strong palette to the book. They make sure that Layla is seen as damaged – and not just mentally. With her mottled skin, she looks to have been through a fire, or worse. Just one look at her, though, and you know she’s trouble. There’s no need for subtlety here. These are all monsters in human form.
Wit so many characters and so much going in, it’s often hard to keep track of what’s going on in this series. This issue makes that situation even worse. Hopefully some of these killers will be taken out quickly so readers can actually start caring about some of the townspeople – and maybe even find a murderer to root for.
Exquisite Corpses #5 will be available in comic book stores and on digital platforms September 17th from Image Comics.
