EXQUISITE CORPSES: RASCAL RANDY #4 (TINY ONION/IMAGE COMICS)

Lily & Eli continue to uncover evidence and put together what is going on in this small town. We get to see flashbacks of the last time the cartoon of Rascal Randy was brought back and how that ties into this whole crazy story. But this is an Exquisite Corpses book at the end of the day, so you know we also get to see everyone’s favorite murderous rabbit do what he does best as well.

Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #4 - 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 ***

WRITING:

This issue continues to paint the picture of how we got to where we are, well still keeping that slasher vibe that we also need. Tyler Boss is taking the reader on one hell of a ride and is showing no signs of slowing down. The revelations we get in the flashback scenes help us to put together how the characters we are following in the presents fit into this messed up backstory. At the same time, it is also slowly giving clues and information about who Randy may actually be. Boss never lets us forget that there is someone under that character suit, and that someone has a mission and a reason for the carnage they are committing. In this way Boss makes Randy feel more like Michael Myers, a stalking killer who is calculated and kills with a purpose. Instead of a killing machine that is in it for just the bloodlust like a Jason Vorheese. Speaking of slasher elements, this issue has that too and it will definitely fill your need for gore and brutality.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue captures what Boss is doing with the story, well also staying true to the world of Exquisite Corpses. Dylan Burnett brings the emotion and mystery that Boss is creating with his writing to life on the pages. The more cartoony still lightens the mood, well also giving this world a darker contrast. What should feel safe and friendly, quickly feels full of dread and danger. Burnett excels at showing the terror, concern, and worry in the faces of the characters throughout the issue. These emotions make the issue play out like a horror movie and really draw the reader in. The graphic scene at the end of the issue is a nice slasher gut punch to send the reader home happy and reward their bloodlust.

Jordie Bellaire brings that signature Exquisite Corpses color pallet to the party and makes the linework look stylistic. The use of pinks, oranges, purples, and more vibrant colors has become a staple of this universe. The stylistic nature never takes you out of the story, instead it draws you in even more. When the issue hits a more serious tone Bellaire pulls back on the style a bit to let the emotion in the moment takeover. However, when the gore finally comes, Bellaire doesn’t hold back at all giving us exactly what we want to see. Becca Carey matches the energy and vibe of the story with her lettering. The lettering and sound effects have become just as much of a calling card of this universe as the coloring is. That is a testament to the work Carey puts into the lettering.

check out my review of exquisite corpses: RASCAL RANDY #3

Final Thoughts:

Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #4 deepens the mystery surrounding Randy while delivering the suspense, brutality, and dark humor fans expect from this twisted universe. Tyler Boss continues to reveal the disturbing method behind the mayhem, while the art team gives the issue its striking, cinematic energy. With unsettling flashbacks, expressive artwork, vibrant colors, and a vicious closing sequence, this issue keeps the story moving and leaves plenty of questions begging to be answered. Pick up a copy at your Local Comic Shop and add the series to your pull list, as you will not want to miss what comes next.

FINAL GRADE: 9.6/10

Let me know your thoughts on Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!