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I used to collect Magic: The Gathering cards in elementary school. I had a binder full of them, all in pristine condition. I would take the folder to school and trade Magic cards with my best friend Scott, and after school, if we were lucky, we would go to the local comic book store and pick up packs of M:TG, then call each other and talk about the cards we got. I still collect Magic cards to this day. I am eagerly anticipating the Final Fantasy set coming out this summer. I do wish I knew how to use any of these damn cards, though. To me, they are incredible micro pieces of art, and I am a sucker for a beautiful design or unique art piece. I have no idea how to play this or any other trading card game.

This extends to digital card games as well. I've downloaded the Gwent game by CD Projekt Red maybe five times, along with the digital M:TG game. I spent hours trying to figure out the game Triple Triad in Final Fantasy VIII and Tetra Master in Final Fantasy IX. To top it off, I design trading card games! I've spent billable hours working on layouts, design systems, and art for a few different trading card games. Even after all that, I cannot find the energy to invest in learning how to play these TCGs.

But there is hope for me. If you share in my dilemma, there is hope for you as well. I read James Tynion IV's substack about Exquisite Corpses by Tiny Onion. In it, James explains all the cool ideas and techniques behind the book. He outlines Tiny Onion's unique and engaging approach to the new comic series. It got me all goosed up for the series. Buried in the article, James mentioned the potential of the comic spinning off into a trading card game. It was as if a light went off above my head.

I realized what was missing from my quest to play trading card games.

I needed a primer.

Exquisite Corpses can be the primer.

What is Exquisite Corpses?

Have you ever played Exquisite Corpses? You take turns drawing a picture and passing the paper to another person who must finish your drawing. The caveat is that they are not allowed to see whatever you drew. At the end, usually three rounds on a single sheet of tri-folded paper, you unfold the paper and see the exquisite corpse the group created.

Like its namesake, the Exquisite Corpses comic by writer James Tynion IV and artist Michael Walsh brings together a murderer's row of creators to collaborate and create their own wonderful 13-issue corpse. In Exquisite Corpses, 12 of the "most deadly people in the world" descend on Oak Valley, Maine, for a knockdown, drag-out, last-man-standing battle royale. How will the citizens of this small town survive as they are caught in the crossfire? 

The affectionately named Corpse Crew is made up of Pornsak Pichetshote, Adam Gorham, Marianna Ignazzi, Valentine De Landro, Tyler Boss, Gavin Fullerton, Jordie Bellaire, Che Grayson, Becca Carey, and Claire Roe. It's their job to figure out which characters survive, which die, and who wins the deadly game. I am a sucker for a good concept and deep lore, and Exquisite Corpses is shaping up to have both. 

At the same time, the 'game' inside Exquisite Corpses is being developed by co-creator/lead artist Michael Walsh, using art and themes from the Exquisite Corpses series - and his past with tabletop gaming and being a years-long veteran of drawing M:TG cards. In it, you take on the persona of one of the serial killers in the series, forming alliances, boosting your kill count, and fighting to be the last one standing. The game is described as a mix of Magic: The Gathering and Ultimate Werewolf. Two games I like but have no idea how to play. The card game aims to be easy for newcomers like myself to pick up and play, and deep strategy elements for veteran TCG players alike. 

Trading Corpses

I rambled on and on about how I tried to get into trading card games but couldn't. Now, there is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a brand new game based on a property I fully plan to dive deep into. The game won't be out until the entire 13-issue run is complete sometime in 2026. That gives us nerds enough time to get acquainted with the characters, mourn the losses, and celebrate(?) the winner. Then, it's our turn to hop into Oak Valley and cause some bloody mischief. Figuratively, of course.

The concept of Exquisite Corpses is already something I have not seen done in a comic series. I was already hooked on the premise. Throwing in a companion card game was the icing I needed to be fully on board. I never read anything about the 'story' of Magic: The Gathering. I didn't finish The Witcher, so Gwent also made no real impact on me. While well-regarded, the various card games in the Final Fantasy series were overshadowed by my love of the rest of the game. Young Carl had no interest in stopping my RPG momentum to play a card game.

Looking forward at the Exquisite Corpses franchise

Exquisite Corpses gives me a clear and lore-filled entryway into a possible future card game. Fans will be familiar with the characters, their strengths and weaknesses, and how each fared in the comic. Our investment in the story and conceit of the comic will undoubtedly translate into the ability to understand the game mechanics. That's my hope. Using the comic and its story as a bridge into the world of trading card games is the most accessible way for me to date. I've watched video tutorials, lore explanations, and game mechanic breakdowns. Nothing has worked. 

For Exquisite Corpses, I hope for a smoother transition into the game thanks to my investment in everything that comes before. I am already a fan of the comic, and it isn't even out yet. But its approach to creative collaboration is so damn interesting; it makes me incredibly excited for what's to come from the Corpse Crew.

And if I get good at the game, that knowledge will translate to other TCGs. Look out Pokémon, Lorcana, and Star Wars: Unlimited. I suppose I have to watch out. Who has the time and money to collect all of those? At best, I finally learned to play a tabletop card game and can play it in person with fellow enthusiasts. At worst, I have a new set of cards to add to my growing collection of micro art.

Also, does anyone else want to get a peek inside that lore bible?

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.