Excellent
8,645 Comic Reviews
Excellent
8,645 Comic Reviews
The macabre masterpiece continues. Exquisite Corpses #12 delivers another chapter of the critically acclaimed Mature Readers ongoing series from Image Comics, and Cover B showcases the wonderfully distinctive and darkly expressive artwork of Gustaffo Vargas — an artist whose unique visual sensibility and deeply personal approach to horror imagery have made him one of the most compelling voices in the genre. Vargas brings a raw, hand-crafted intensity to every cover he produces, and his variant for issue #12 is no exception — a striking, unsettling image that perfectly captures the spirit of a series that has never been afraid to go to dark and unexpected places.
Whether you’re a dedicated Exquisite Corpses reader completing your variant run, a Gustaffo Vargas collector, or a Mature Readers fan who seeks out the most artistically adventurous covers in the Image lineup, Cover B of issue #12 is the edition that rewards close attention.
🦴 Fun Fact: The title “Exquisite Corpse” originates from a Surrealist parlor game invented in 1920s Paris — in which artists and writers would collaboratively create images or sentences without seeing what the others had contributed — producing strange, dreamlike, and often deeply unsettling results that became a cornerstone of the Surrealist movement and a lasting influence on horror and dark art to this day.
CVR (Cover)CVR A: The Standard Edition. This is the primary artwork found in most retail shops.
CVR B (and beyond): The Variant Edition. "B" is the first alternative cover, followed by C, D, and so on. These are often produced in smaller quantities than Cover A.
VAR (Variant)Definition: Short for Variant.Purpose: A general label confirming the book is an alternative cover option rather than the standard retail edition. These are often used to showcase guest artists or celebrate special milestones.
CARD STOCK Material: A thicker, stiffer, and more premium paper (similar to a business card).Benefits: Highly durable and resistant to "spine ticks" (small structural cracks) or corner bending.
Standard covers use thin, glossy paper; Card Stock is the "deluxe" physical upgrade.
FOIL (Foil Variant)Effect: A special edition where parts (or all) of the cover are printed with metallic, reflective foil.
Visuals: Provides a shimmering, high-end look that catches the light. These are typically priced higher and sought after for their "shelf appeal."
Artist Name (Variant Credit)Context: Usually follows the "CVR" designation (e.g., CVR B - Jimenez).
Collectability: Many collectors buy books specifically for the cover artist. A "Store Variant" or "Ratio Variant" is often defined by the prestige of the artist involved.
New Releases: Sold direct-from-distributor. While handled with care, we do not guarantee specific numerical grades or "mint" condition.
Back Issues: Sold As-Is.
Imagery: We primarily use stock photography.
Inquiries: Specific condition photos are available upon request—please contact us before purchase.
Professional Grading: We do not guarantee that any raw book will achieve a specific grade (e.g., CGC/CBCS) once submitted to a third-party service.
We know that for collectors, condition is everything. That’s why we don’t cut corners on packaging. To ensure your comics arrive in the same condition they left our shop, every order is secured using industry-leading materials:
Gemini Comic Flash Mailers: Specifically engineered for comic books, these mailers feature integrated structural ribs and a multi-depth design that prevents corner dings and edge wear during transit.
Corrugated Filler Pads: We sandwich your comics between rigid filler pads to provide an extra layer of puncture resistance and to prevent any shifting or bending inside the package.
The Result: Professional-grade protection that stands up to the rigors of the postal service, so you can unbox with confidence.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days. Please note the following regarding comic conditions:
Grading Consistency: We do not guarantee that comics will achieve specific professional grading levels (e.g., CGC/CBCS).
Minor Wear: Industry-standard imperfections—including minor spine ticks, small color breaks, printer defects, or slight corner wear—are not considered grounds for returns, credits, or replacements.