FIRST LOOK: EXQUISITE CORPSES: RASCAL RANDY #1 (TINY ONION/IMAGE COMICS)

Exquisite Corpses took the comics world by storm over the last year. Nominated for an Eisner Award, a successful Kickstarter campaign for a game, and finishing off the first season strong, heading into season two. But before we get to that next season, it’s time to find out the origin of one of the most popular killers, Rascal Randy. The first issue of the five issue limited series from Tiny Onion/Image Comics is set to hop into comic shops on July 8th, 2026. Ahead of the Final Order Cutoff date of Monday June 15th, 2026, Tiny Onion gave us a copy of Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #1 for a SPOILER FREE first look review.

Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #1 - Written By Tyler Boss – Art By Dylan Burnett - 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:

Lilly has just moved to the sleepy town of Aurora Springs, NY with her father who is now stationed there for the Navy. Her mother was murdered years before, so it’s just her and her dad. She got a job at the local roller rink. However, when she arrived for her first day, she witnessed the bullying of a young boy, Eli. Eli is a diabetic, so Lily had to help him get help from his great aunt Aliza. Hanging out with them she finds out that Eli’s great grandfather created, and later his mother revived the character of Rascal Randy. A once iconic animated character that tragically faded away. Little do they know, across town Rascal Randy is getting a new beginning.

WRITING:

This first issue of Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy gives enough backstory to get readers hooked, well leaving enough in the shadows to be discovered. Tyler Boss spins a mysterious backstory in a sleepy town which builds into so much more. The strained dynamic between Lilly and her dad shows how she has become a bit of a loner. But when she meets Eli and his great aunt, she opens up a bit and finds some kindred spirits. These relationships feel like they will be more important later in the series.

Speaking of things that will surely be more important, the backstory of the animated character, Rascal Randy. The brief description that Eli gives feels a little too abbreviated and that there will 100% be more to it. The way Boss sets up these parts of the story build anticipation and suspense that will surely get readers hooked. But don’t worry, Boss gives us the Rascal Randy fans of the Exquisite Corpses series have grown to love as well.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this first issue captures the look and feel of Exquisite Corpses, well also showing off something completely different as well. Dylan Burnett pays homage to the original series with some of the artwork, well putting his own flare on the story as well. The action and “scary” scenes look and feel like the Exquisite Corpses art style, well the body of the story has its own look and feel. The way Burnett switches up the art styles makes the book feel familiar, well giving this story its own identity.

The color pallet is very close to the pallet for the original series. This is mostly because the colorist on this book, Jordie Bellaire, was the colorist on the original series as well. This touch really ties this spinoff to its predecessor and that vibe is a winning success. The art team as a whole does a fantastic job of reminding you this is a spinoff of a successful series, well also giving it an identity of its own.

check out my review of exquisite corpses #13

Final Thoughts:

Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #1 is an awesome kickoff for the first spinoff tale from the world of Exquisite Corpses. The creative team does an amazing job of making a spinoff, but making it unique as well. The story doesn’t reveal too much, but just enough to bring you back for more. I’m a huge fan of Exquisite Corpses and am beyond stoked that we are getting more of this universe. Even better, this first issue delivers on its promise instead of feeling like a quick cash-in.

Make sure to run down to your Local Comic Shop before Monday June 15th and order your copy, a collectors copy, a copy for your friends, and one for your mailman. While you are there, also make sure to add it to your Pull List so you don’t miss a single issue. Can’t wait until July 8th when everyone gets a chance to read this awesome first issue!

FINAL GRADE: 9.5/10

Let me know your thoughts on Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!