EXQUISITE CORPSES: RASCAL RANDY #3 (TINY ONION/IMAGE COMICS)

The backstory and history of Rascal Randy continues to grow as well as his body count. Lily and Eli are trying to connect the dots; well a mysterious stranger that seems to know a lot about Randy shows up. Unfortunately for all involved Rascal Randy doesn’t like being hunted, especially when he has a task at hand.

Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #3 - 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:

Lily & Eli have put together an evidence board as they are trying to figure out who this killer is before he gets them. They get a visit from a stranger who looks kind of sleazy and also seems to know a lot about this killer. He offers to help, but Eli seems unsure of accepting, well Lily is more than happy to find out what he knows. All through the issue we get more of the backstory about the fictional cartoon version of Rascal Randy, which seems to be tied to the murders being committed by the psychopath in the Randy suit. But as the body count rises, can Lily & Eli stay one step ahead of the killer? Or are they playing right into his trap?

WRITING:

This issue picks up a little bit in the action and horror, well also giving readers more of a clue on what’s really happening. Tyler Boss keeps us guessing what Randy’s true motives are, well at the same time slowly revealing more. This slow burn style pays off as it keeps readers intrigued and full of suspense. The introduction of the mysterious stranger helps us piece together that there is method behind Randy’s madness, and until recently he was targeting victims tied to the animated character. This revelation shows the reader that nothing is truly random and there is more to this story than just some psychopath in a rabbit costume. Boss also delivers the horror and gore in this issue as well. The way Randy stalks reminds me of Michael Myers, well his brutal kills have the air of Jason Vorheese. This story is a hit on the mystery and horror fronts simultaneously.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue captures the mystery and horror elements of the story perfectly. Dylan Burnett makes the town and setting feel creepy and that lends itself to the horror realm perfectly. The creepy atmosphere has readers thinking that Randy can jump out and kill at any moment. It gets even creepier when at the hotel with the mysterious stranger and Lily and that’s even before the slasher style emergence of Randy. The unsettling costume looks even creepier in the stalking scenes of this issue. Jordie Bellaire’s signature colors choices for this franchise standout, as well as the brutal kill scenes. Becca Carey’s lettering makes the story easy to follow and keeps the slow brooding pace going, well also delivering when the story crescendos. The art team delivers in this issue like they have for the run of this series so far and doesn’t show signs of slowing down either.

check out my review of exquisite corpses: RASCAL RANDY #2

Final Thoughts:

Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #3 deepens the mystery, sharpens the horror, and proves there is a disturbing method behind Randy’s madness. Tyler Boss, Dylan Burnett, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey deliver another suspenseful, atmospheric must read. Pick up a copy at your Local Comic Shop and add the series to your pull list before you miss any more of this horror classic!

FINAL GRADE: 9.5/10

Let me know your thoughts on Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!