EXQUISITE CORPSES #13 (TINY ONION/IMAGE COMICS)

After some interesting rules lawyering, we are now finally down to the final two. Laura holding the gun and representing Massachusetts and Audrey holding the sword representing New York. One of the two citizens who have been thrust into this game for survival will win and live, well one will die. The toll has been heavy, but never with this amount of emotions on the line.

Exquisite Corpses #13 - Written By James Tynion IV - Art By Michael Walsh - Colors By Jordie Bellaire – Letters By Becca Carey - Edited By Steve Foxe, Greg Lockard, and Eric Harburn - Published By Tiny Onion/Image Comics

Credit: Tiny Onion/Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

After some moving and shaking it is decided according to the rules that Laura and Audrey can fight for their respective families based on the weapons they have. This infuriates the New York representative as he feels he has already won, but now Massachusetts is back in the running. Laura doesn’t want to hurt Audrey, but Audrey is too far gone and thinks this is the only way she can save her son. As she attacks, Laura shows great restraint and only strikes back to defend herself. Unfortunately for Laura if she wants to save Jason and Xavi, she is told that she must kill Audrey. Can she pull the trigger and save herself and the kids, or will she be unable too and let Audrey in her crazy state win?

WRITING:

This final issue of Season One brings us all the action we have become accustomed to, as well as a fantastic emotional rollercoaster. James Tynion IV finishes off this crazy ride of a Season in spectacular fashion. The action in the final fight scene is on par with this series as far as brutality and violence go. Where it excels is the delivery of some of the most emotional scenes in this entire run. Tynion brings out this raw human emotion that every reader can relate to, well pulling at your heartstrings.

The pain and anguish of a mother who has sacrificed herself and her morals under the guise of saving her child is terribly sad, yet disturbing as she continues to push forward. At the same time the hero war veteran who has done what she has had to do to save those around her, can’t push herself to get the final step done. The dichotomy of the two characters stands out and really makes the reader decide who they would be if put in this situation. This introspective aspect is what makes Tynion’s writing genius in this final issue.

The ending is both fitting and sure to make readers want more. The ambiguous way that Tynion leaves how the survivors handle what has happened to them lends itself to how the reader pictures themselves dealing with it, with no party proven right or wrong. The power of the reader choosing their own thoughts on the ending will make for interesting conversations at the shop this week. Tynion doesn’t just leave us with that hook though, he also teases Season Two and beyond in the epilogue.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue is absolutely stunning and crackles with the same intensity as the story itself. Michael Walsh brings every brutal clash and explosive burst of action to life, while also delivering the emotional beats with incredible force. The consistent visual style carried over from earlier issues strengthens the series’ identity and makes everything feel cohesive. Walsh truly excels in facial expressions and body language, capturing pain, desperation, and raw emotion in a way that hits hard. Paired with Jordie Bellaire’s signature colors, the art doesn’t just support the story, it elevates it.

check out my review of exquisite corpses #12

Final Thoughts:

Exquisite Corpses #13 is a fitting and original ending to cap off this original and ambitious concept. With all the moving pieces involved in this series, it would’ve been easy for the wheels to fall off. But not only didn’t the wheels fall off, it delivered and then some. This final issue of Season One not only ends this season on a high note but also gets the reader pumped for the next season and the first spinoff series to come.

The team over at Tiny Onion took a big swing with this series and is justly reaping the rewards with the success this series has brought. If you weren’t reading this series, make sure to get caught up with trades before the second season. However, for those of us who have been enjoying this series all along, celebrate this awesome ending and get ready for Rascal Randy in July!

FINAL GRADE: 10/10

Let me know your thoughts on Exquisite Corpses #13 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!