Advance Review: ‘Exquisite Corpses’ #11 Nears Its Endgame, And Not A Moment Too Soon

Eleven issues into the first “season” of Exquisite Corpses and we’re finally down to the last two killers battling it out for control of the United States for their families.

With still two more issues to go, that issue count will either seem insufficient for readers who love the concept and the bloodletting, or it will seem like an overly long time to crown a champion — like March Madness stretching into April.

This journey to Oak Valley, Maine, has been a lot. And this issue has plenty in it as well, from a decapitation to an impaling to knives through the eyes. But getting here has not always been half the fun. By stretching the story out for so long and featuring a dozen killers plus townsfolk and other secondary characters, what started out as an incredibly promising premise has lost something in its execution.

At least the series has stuck to its monthly schedule, perhaps aided by a bullpen of writers and artists who have assisted series co-creators James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh. In this chapter, Che Grayson writes a strong script with Tynion. Much of the issue focuses on a young boy and his guardian ducking into — no I’m not making this up — a Halloween haunted house to escape one of the killers. It’s straight out of a slasher movie, but works pretty well nonetheless. If this issue stood on its own, without the previous baggage, it would probably feel even stronger.

Gavin Fullerton joins Walsh on visuals, adding life — and death — to an action-packed issue. Colorist Jordie Bellaire plays an even stronger role in this chapter, as the red from the fire ravaging the town reddens the night sky.

There may only be two killers left, but there is plenty of room for surprises from Tynion, Walsh, and company. That may bring some much-needed focus to the story’s conclusion.

Exquisite Corpses #11 will be available in comic book stores and on digital platforms on Wednesday from Image Comics.