Rascal Randy #1 Spoiler-Free Review
When a big event in comics ends, there are always a few new #1 issues to follow up on storylines and characters that people wanted more of. Thankfully, Exquisite Corpses continues to follow that event-style format because the world needs more Rascal Randy. But with this solo debut, Rascal Randy takes the entire weight of the world on his shoulders. Tyler Boss, Dylan Burnett, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey have the task of setting the stage for the world beyond the Exquisite Corpses snapshot of it in Rascal Randy.
Starting with the event book rather than the solo stories means that so much of the world at large is a blank slate. Thankfully, the creative team tears through Issue One, painting the world in a spectacular fashion with color, character, and an interconnected universe of slashers.
The sleepy little town of Aurora Springs, NY, has exactly one claim to fame: it’s the birthplace of Rascal Randy. Not the man in the suit—that man has never mattered. He was no one until he put the mascot head on for the first time… not until he felt the life leave someone’s body with his thickly furred gloves wrapped around them.
No, Aurora Springs is the birthplace of Rascal Randy the rabbit, who, once upon a time, was poised to become the greatest animated character this country had ever seen—until greed and tragedy changed his trajectory forever.
Rascal Randy #1 follows up on the energy that made him the scene stealer with his every appearance in Exquisite Corpses. Even if the story is set before the games in Exquisite Corpses, it stands alone as its own title. You could pick up this spin-off without having read Exquisite Corpses and still enjoy it just as much. It is one of the few spin-offs coming that expand the world, so it’s a good sign of what is to come.
Tyler Boss and Dylan Burnett quickly establish this book as its own with style. We are introduced from the jump to a new lead character, Lilly, as they start a new job in a new place. The tone is set by Burnett’s incredible style, which blends cartoon sensibilities with a grounded aesthetic. Nothing feels mundane, but rather an elevated view of reality, strengthened by Jordie Bellaire’s color choices. Becca Carey’s careful lettering guides the story like a breeze.
Rascal Randy #1 starts to unravel the stories of its young leads through the issue. Eli and Lilly are outsiders, a nerd and a military brat who find friends in one another. They are such strong leads for a book like this because you instantly fall in love with them while you know the world around them is so cruel.
Rascal Randy’s strength is brevity. A gigantic bunny mascot costumed man cannot be the lead of the story and still be terrifying. He must be treated like Jaws, his presence overwhelming, but his physical form is only seen rarely. Tyler Boss’s level of restraint as a storyteller is masterful because he knows exactly when to have the bunny man step out of the shadows.
In multiple interviews I have done with the Exquiste Corpse Crew (Writer’s room for the series and universe), other creators have talked about how Tyler Boss found Rascal Randy and instantly glommed onto him. We should be thankful for that because Boss understands the horror and how to squeeze the fear out of a concept that could have been very silly if not handled correctly.
Rascal Randy expands the world of Exquiste Corpses far beyond the confines of the game. There is a lot going on with this issue that I am saving for you to read yourself. But there is much more to the horror that lurks just beyond your eyeline, wearing a bunny costume. A perfect 10/10 that stands alone from the series before to slash out its own path.
View on Kindle Store
Buy from Third Eye
This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission if you buy through this link.
