Robert Kirkman, the powerhouse behind The Walking Dead and Invincible, is back with a passion project that’s been brewing for years, and he’s teamed up with superstar artist David Finch for it. The result is Skinbreaker #1, a debut that drops you headfirst into a stunningly realized, primitive, and bloody world.
This isn’t just a quick detour for Kirkman, who’s been busy with the Invincible TV show and new additions to the Energon Universe like Void Rivals. Skinbreaker is a brand-new, grand-scale fantasy adventure that feels like it has deep roots and a massive scope. The creative team has put in some serious work, and it shows.
The story centers on a tribe whose society is built around a grim, high-stakes ritual: the Skinbreaking Ceremony. This first issue quickly establishes the core drama through two main figures: the aging Chieftain Enor and his loyal, yet reluctant, heir Anok. Enor has led the tribe for many seasons, but his time is clearly coming to an end. He can barely lift the mighty weapon that defines his rule, the Skinbreaker. This creates an immediate opening for rivals, most notably the warrior Thul. Thul, keenly aware of Enor’s growing weakness and what he sees as a flawed bloodline, is openly waiting for the right moment to challenge for leadership.
The central drama explodes when the tribe gathers for the Skinbreaking Ceremony on the day of the New Sun. This ritual is a right-of-passage where the children, who dwell in shadows, are “challenged… to see the light and be strong” as the light from the Skinbreaker weapon breaks their skin. Anok’s young son, Emom, is a key point of conflict here. He’s seen as weak and is visibly terrified. When he fails the ceremony, Thul sees his opportunity, immediately demanding his own newly born son be put forth to prove his bloodline’s strength. That success allows Anok to boldly make his long-awaited challenge for leadership right then and there.
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While the story itself follows a fairly well-trodden path, a power struggle in a warrior culture, it’s fast-paced, sets up compelling narrative themes, and does its job perfectly as a debut issue. The one moment of true emotional connection comes from Emom, the unbroken son, who understands how others view him as a failure, even as his father reassures him of his worth. That small beat gives a welcome bit of heart to an otherwise brutal tale. The Skinbreaker culture is also very intriguing, with its composite stone weapons and ceremonial garb, and has this Aztec/Mayan-inspired aesthetic that immediately draws you in.
While the political intrigue is compelling, the real, undeniable star of Skinbreaker #1 is David Finch’s art. Kirkman wanted this series to be an artist’s showcase, and Finch delivers what can only be described as genuinely outstanding work.
Finch’s reputation as one of the greatest comic artists is immediately apparent. He drew the book on massive art boards, which translates into a printed page that feels incredibly lush and dense. Every inch of every page is gorgeously rendered and filled with immaculate detail, from the intricate jungle settings to the imposing designs of characters like Enor and Thul. The Skinbreaker itself stands out, becoming a character in its own right just through the strength of its design.
Bringing Finch’s staggering pencil work to life is colorist Annalisa Leoni (who previously worked with Kirkman on Oblivion Song and Invincible Universe: Battle Beast). Her colors give the world a vivid and unique look, particularly in the jungle and during the ceremony, where the light from the key weapon is central to the ritual. The lettering by Rus Wooton, tailored specifically for the series with tall, oval, manga-esque balloons, is also brilliant and unique.
Skinbreaker #1 is a powerhouse debut. It successfully launches a massive fantasy world with high-stakes political drama, and it’s arguably the most visually stunning book on the stands right now. And here’s an enormous bonus: the entire eight-issue series is already completely drawn! This means no concerns about delays or a drop in quality for future issues. You can dive in knowing this grand saga is ready to be told.
If you’re looking for a new fantasy series that blends visceral, primitive action with a surprising amount of emotion and features arguably the most incredible comic art you’ll see all year, Skinbreaker #1 is an absolute pull. For the full visual impact, look for the Treasury-Sized edition released alongside the regular issue.
‘Skinbreaker’ #1 By Kirkman and Finch is a Visceral Fantasy with Jaw-Dropping Art
If you’re looking for a new fantasy series that blends visceral, primitive action with a surprising amount of emotion and features arguably the most incredible comic art you’ll see all year, Skinbreaker #1 is an absolute pull.
