Who Will Survive? Ranking the Killers of Exquisite Corpses!

In this chilling new horror series from Image Comics titled “Exquisite Corpses,” created by Michael Walsh and James Tynion IV, I find myself drawn into a unique and thrilling premise. On Halloween night, a Battle Royale-like scenario unfolds as 12 deadly assassins are dropped into an isolated town. Their mission? To be the last one standing, ensuring their employers claim the ultimate prize – four years of shadow leadership over the United States.

The 12 killers hail from diverse backgrounds across various states, each hand-picked by different families who promise to erase their criminal records in return for this lethal service. With no access to the internet, phones, or external help, these ruthless individuals must rely on their skills and cunning to outlast one another. As the clock ticks down, I can’t wait to see which of them will emerge victorious.

Following the publication of the second installment, we’ve chosen to evaluate each character based on their chances of survival, considering that much of this assessment is speculative. Some characters on the list have already been eliminated, but due to their early exit from the game, they will appear lower in our ranking. We’ll also delve into the weapons assigned to them, who was responsible for their demise, and the states they hail from. Now that we’ve covered the guidelines, let’s dive into our list.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Exquisite Corpses.

12) Leopold Strong

Leopold Strong, the North Carolina-based assailant who uses hammers, is out of the game first. When he confronted his initial target, Strong was fatally shot at close range by Massachusetts’s lone sharpshooter, The Lone Gunman. Regrettably, Strong didn’t get a chance to make an impact because someone had to leave the competition first. Despite his unfortunate luck, he will be most remembered as the one who drew the first blood.

Initially, Strong was the one who met an untimely end. Notably, he stood out as the most massive physically, and boasted 23 confirmed kills. Regrettably, little is known about Strong, but future flashbacks might offer additional insights. Additionally, a tie-in trading card game has been announced, which could potentially provide further details on him.

11) The Congregation

The latest entry on our list is The Congregation from New Hampshire, arguably the most unsettling of our suspects. Known for his knife and a confirmed kill count of 39, this individual has an eerie practice – he stitches faces of his victims onto his body as a macabre memorial. The name “The Congregation” is a chilling symbol of the deceased, collectively remembered. However, it was Pretty Boy who took his life, interestingly enough, choosing not to use his signature weapon, the axe.

Before his passing, we had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of his personality. The man, referred to as Strong, was undeniably troubled, hearing voices instructing him to commit violent acts. It remains unclear whether these voices were mere figments of his imagination or if he could genuinely hear them, which might imply some form of supernatural involvement.

10) Nurse Pete

In simpler terms, we suspect Nurse Pete is the next potential target due to suspicions of him being a poisoner with an unspecified number of victims. Although he might be one of the deadliest on the list, his methods don’t seem practical. Despite appearing realistic, it’s questionable whether his ability to poison people will prove effective, especially considering his profession as a nurse. It seems he intends to infiltrate Oak Valley Hospital where this year’s games are being held; however, it appears the EMTs have detected his hidden intentions.

9) G4m3r_Kid + Calvin

One of those who appears highly vulnerable and may not survive for much longer is G4MER_KID and his drone Calvin. Primarily it’s about G4MER_KID, but the implication is clear. Given his youth, I have doubts about his longevity among the dangerous individuals around him, as he could be an easy mark for other killers. Originating from Connecticut, this individual uses electricity as a weapon, controlled via an app on his drone, Calvin. However, even with the drone at his disposal, I’m skeptical about both G4MER_KID and Calvin surviving for an extended period.

It’s highly unlikely that the Kid will make it through the night, but if someone were to eliminate him, they might keep the drone as a souvenir or additional weapon. This drone, capable of spying on other targets and providing a quick kill in tight spots, seems more likely to be useful than the Kid surviving. In fact, the person who acquires the drone afterwards could potentially surpass the Kid’s nine kills tally.

8) Layla Blaze

Delaware resident Layla Blaze exhibits a dangerous fascination with fire that has led her to set ablaze anyone who crosses her path. It’s this very unpredictable element of fire that I suspect may ultimately be the cause of her demise, rather than any other potential assailant reaching her. Despite her deadly track record of 335 victims, it’s worth noting her obsession with fire that has fueled these actions.

If another method besides her own weapon isn’t what ultimately eliminates her, I think it might be the next entry on our list that I’ll soon explain. It could be that scenario or she could continue to eliminate other killers with her firepower, potentially taking down many people in the process. Despite limited exposure to her character, it seems clear that she has some serious psychological issues.

7) Recluse

Originating from Rhode Island, this character, dubbed Recluse, uses a rope as her weapon. She’s not your typical killer, often spotted merely lurking among the trees. However, what she lacks in direct confrontation, she makes up for with strategic patience. Recluse appears to set up razor wire traps, which eventually lead to her victims’ demise. Despite the seemingly unconventional method, her tally of 64 kills undeniably speaks volumes for her effectiveness.

In most cases, my predictions haven’t been spot-on about who eliminates whom, but it’s clear that Recluse is likely to ensnare and eliminate G4MER_KID, taking his weapon to scout for potential trap locations. Recluse’s exceptional skill at remaining undetected would certainly be an advantage, though I’m not convinced razor wire will ultimately win the game.

6) Slater

In the world of Slater, it seems explosives are a common companion with Maryland as his backdrop. With yet another staggering death toll of 124, Slater finds himself in an unusual predicament once more. Just like Recluse, Slater has numerous locations where he can conceal explosives and might unexpectedly eliminate other killers at any given moment.

Regarding Layla’s situation as previously discussed, it seems plausible that Slater might arrange a dangerous situation involving explosives near Layla. Given her erratic use of fire, there’s a chance she could accidentally detonate one of Slater’s bombs, potentially ending in their mutual demise. It’s important to note that Slater is skilled enough to eliminate multiple threats, but he also has the ability to turn the tables and sacrifice himself by setting off an explosive device if captured, particularly if cornered in a barbed wire trap.

5) Rascal Randy

Among the suspects, Rascal Randy from New Jersey, known as the “Strangler,” might be the unpredictable one. With a tally of 19 deaths, Rascal Randy is an ordinary individual, disguising himself in a mascot suit and relying solely on his bare hands as weapons. However, due to some clever marketing and his distinctive appearance, Randy could potentially serve as the face of the series. Given this, I can imagine him managing to stay alive a bit longer than the others.

Using just his bare hands as a weapon, it seems clear that this could be his undoing against opponents armed with more traditional weapons like swords or guns. While hands are effective in their own right, they may prove less useful when pitted against these other tools of destruction.

4) Pretty Boy

Originally from Georgia, the captivating character known as Pretty Boy is a charismatic serial killer in the game. Amongst his peers, he’s one of the few who has succeeded in eliminating another murderer on the roster, specifically The Congregation. Despite coming across as friendly and approachable, Pretty Boy’s charm is as lethal as his axe. What propels him to such a high position in our ranks? His charisma could prove instrumental in his gameplay, allowing him to eliminate more killers along the way.

In a somewhat humble brag, it’s undeniably his charisma that’s earned him a place on this list, yet it may ultimately be his undoing. His self-absorption knows no bounds, and when he lets his guard down – often unexpectedly – that’s when the blade finds its mark. However, before meeting his end, he’ll leave quite a trail of injured and fallen opponents behind him.

3) Lady Carolina

Originating from a powerful family in South Carolina and honing her archery skills over the past year, we find Lady Carolina occupying our third position. Distinguished by the lowest tally of seven kills, Carolina stands out among her peers. Unlike others, she is not portrayed as a ruthless serial killer but rather a contestant who fights for her family’s victory in this game. She might be one of the few sympathetic figures on our list, despite possibly displaying an unusual level of madness compared to the rest. Her unique perspective may view the game as a means to cleanse the world and eliminate other killers, considering it a twisted sense of duty.

Her demise can be traced back to her extremely low number of kills and, let’s be honest, excessive pride. Given her character traits, she may think herself a victor and reunite with her family in positions of power for the next four years, but unfortunately, this is highly unlikely. Much like Pretty Boy, though she initially garners more compassion, it will ultimately lead to her downfall at the end of the game.

2) The Fox Mask Killer

As a cinephile, I’d wholeheartedly recommend The Fox Mask Killer as my top choice for the last character standing. Originating from the bustling cityscapes of New York, this enigmatic figure is equipped with an impressive sword. While she shares some similarities with Randy at number five, I believe her longevity could outshine his.

Firstly, The Fox’s prominence in the initial issues as a cover girl lends her a certain familiarity and visibility among viewers, making her something of a ‘face’ for this gripping series.

Secondly, her weapon of choice, one that is considered amongst the best in the game, gives her an edge in terms of combat efficiency. With such a potent tool at her disposal, she could potentially eliminate numerous adversaries before reaching the climax.

1) The Lone Gunman

Opting for The Lone Gunman from Massachusetts seems prudent, given that a gun is more fitting in a gunfight. His military background and role as our guide through the story make him a clear choice if you’ve read the first issue. He carries not just the plot but also his own intriguing history, while upholding the tradition of the golden mask. Moreover, he’s not only fighting for Massachusetts’ victory, but also for his personal freedom.

2025-06-25 20:42