RETURN TO SKULL ISLAND #1 – New Comic Review

Return To Skull Island #1, by Titan Comics on 7/9/25, shows Skull Island is about to get a whole lot wilder, and it’s not just the monsters causing trouble.

Credits:

• Writer: Simon Furman
• Artist: Christopher Jones
• Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff
• Letterer: AndWorld Design
• Cover Artist: Inhyuk Lee (cover A)
• Publisher: Titan Comics
• Release Date: July 9, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 34
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of RETURN TO SKULL ISLAND #1:

First Impressions:

Right off the bat, Return to Skull Island #1 throws you into the deep end, delivering a chaotic opening that perfectly sets a tone of desperation and high stakes. The visuals are striking, immediately immersing you in the perilous world of Skull Island.

Plot Analysis:

Our story kicks off with Charlie, a character who’s clearly had a few too many close calls, finding herself in yet another sticky situation on the titular Skull Island. She’s a smart-mouthed protagonist with a knack for trouble, and she quickly introduces us to the island’s most famous resident, Kong, and another colossal creature she dubs “Kraken”. It turns out Charlie’s current predicament stems from her attempts to save her best friend’s life by “borrowing” something from Kong, an act that inadvertently leads to Kong being poisoned by a giant serpent.

The islanders, who seem to have a deep, almost spiritual connection to Kong, are not too thrilled about Charlie’s interference. They reveal that Kong is not just a big ape; he’s the protector of the entire island, keeping a lid on something far more sinister that lurks beneath the surface. If Kong bites the dust, so does the entire island. This revelation ratchets up the tension, placing an immense burden of guilt squarely on Charlie’s shoulders, despite her good intentions.

Accused of upsetting the delicate balance of the island, Charlie is put on trial by the islanders. Her quick wit and sarcastic remarks don’t do her any favors with the stoic island leader, Kaia, who makes it clear that Charlie is seen as a “splinter that must be removed”. Despite Charlie’s protests that she never wanted to be there in the first place, her fate is sealed.

The verdict? Charlie isn’t thrown in, but rather left to the mercy of the island itself. She must survive for three days, and if the island spares her, she’ll be welcomed into their community. This leaves our protagonist facing an uncertain future, alone in a treacherous environment where danger lurks around every corner.

Story

The narrative of Return to Skull Island #1 is a punchy, action-packed dive into a familiar world with a fresh perspective. The pacing is relentless, barely giving you time to breathe before the next monster or existential threat appears. While the core premise of “outsider disrupts ancient balance” isn’t groundbreaking, Charlie’s snarky narration adds a much-needed layer of personality and humor to the perilous events. The reveal of Kong’s deeper purpose as the island’s protector adds significant weight to the unfolding drama, elevating it beyond a simple monster mash.

Art

The artwork in this issue is simply spectacular. The depiction of Skull Island itself is lush and foreboding, a vibrant yet dangerous landscape. The creatures, particularly Kong and the serpent, are rendered with a powerful sense of scale and menace, truly conveying their formidable presence. The action sequences are dynamic and clear, allowing the reader to easily follow the chaos. The character designs are distinctive, and the emotive facial expressions do a great job of conveying the characters’ inner turmoil and determination, especially Charlie’s exasperated defiance.

Characters

Charlie carries the story on her shoulders with her sharp wit and relatable desperation. He’s not a seasoned hero, but a young adult thrust into extraordinary circumstances, making his struggles feel authentic. Kong, while mostly silent, conveys immense power and a surprising vulnerability in his poisoned state, making you truly root for his recovery. The islanders, particularly Kaia, represent the ancient wisdom and harsh realities of Skull Island, serving as formidable, if somewhat enigmatic, foils to Charlie’s modern sensibility.

Positives

The standout aspect of this comic is undoubtedly its ability to immediately hook the reader with its fast-paced action and engaging protagonist. Charlie’s narrative voice is a breath of fresh air, providing witty commentary that keeps the tone from becoming too grim despite the constant danger. The artwork is consistently impressive, vividly bringing the monstrous inhabitants and treacherous environment of Skull Island to life with a kinetic energy that jumps off the page. The expanded lore around Kong’s role as the island’s protector adds intriguing depth to the established Monsterverse.

Negatives

While Charlie’s internal monologue is often entertaining, it sometimes veers into excessive exposition, telling rather than showing certain emotional beats or background information. The supporting characters, while functional for the plot, don’t get much development beyond their immediate roles, which is a missed opportunity for a richer cast. The story, despite its energetic delivery, relies on a somewhat predictable “chosen one” trope, which might feel a little too familiar for seasoned comic readers, even with the unique Skull Island twist.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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RETURN TO SKULL ISLAND #1 is a thrilling kickoff that plunges you into a world of colossal beasts and desperate stakes. It’s got the monster action you crave, a genuinely fun protagonist, and art that makes every panel pop. While it leans on some familiar narrative beats and could use a bit more depth for its supporting cast, it successfully sets the stage for a compelling new Monsterverse adventure. If you’re looking for a high-octane monster romp with a witty lead, this is a solid start.

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