SKINBREAKER #1 – New Comic Review

Skinbreaker #1, by Image Comics on 9/24/25, is a powerful debut that shows a reluctant young hero’s journey is a rocky one.

Credits:

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: David Finch
• Colorist: Annalisa Leoni
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: David Finch, Annalisa Leoni (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: September 24, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 34
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of SKINBREAKER #1:

First Impressions:

This comic is an absolute spectacle. The art feels like a gritty, epic movie on paper. You can feel the weight of every swing of the titular axe, and the emotional scenes hit you hard. The world-building is also subtle and compelling.

Plot Analysis:

Anok’s village is in the midst of generational upheaval. The chieftain Enor, is in an irreversible decline. Enor is a powerful, fearsome warrior who wields the legendary ax Skinbreaker, and it becomes clear he wants Anok to take his place. But Anok is not ready; he’ is a healer’s a family man and loyal to Anok, not a fighter hungry for power.

Anok’s son has been suffering from a strange delay the prevents him from shedding the bark-like skin of youth. The delay is taken as a sign of weakness by the other warriors of the tribe. Gripped by the love of his son and his Chief, Anok desperately hopes for time and guidance to resolve the mutual

Thul, a rival warrior, wants to challenge Enor at the right time to prove his strength and take over as Chieftan. His ambition makes him reckless with his own son and dangerous to those who disagree with him. During the Skinbreaker ceremony, Thul forces his son to endure the ritual too young as proof of the strength of his bloodline.

When Anok’s son partakes of the ceremony, his skin refuses to break, sending whispers among the tribe. The issue ends when challenges are made that can only result in death.

Story

Robert Kirkman’s comic’s script is solid and delivers a compelling, emotional narrative. The dialogue is direct and to the point. The pacing of the story is good, with a slow build of tension and character development that leads to a climactic finale. There are several emotional beats throughout the issue, and each is handled with a deft hand. The story and character work are very effective.

Art

The art in this comic is the real star of the show. David Finch’s style is gritty and detailed, with a heavy emphasis on dynamic action and emotional facial expressions. The character designs are excellent. The monsters are grotesque and terrifying, and the human characters are expressive and realistic. The colors are muted and earthy, which helps to create a grounded and realistic world. The art is simply stunning, and it is clear a lot of care went into every single panel.

Characters

The characters feel real and believable. Anok’s journey is the core of the story, and his emotional conflict is palpable. The other characters, such as Enor, are also well-realized, and their actions feel authentic and believable. The character development is a highlight of the comic.

Positives

The art in this issue is absolutely top-tier. Every page is a work of art, with dynamic action sequences and powerful character moments. The emotional storytelling is also a standout aspect. Anok’s journey from a reluctant healer to a hero is handled with incredible care and emotional depth. The story is a masterful example of character-driven narrative.

Negatives

While the story and art are excellent, the pacing could be slightly better, especially in the opening scene. The issue also ends on a cliffhanger that feels slightly abrupt, leaving the reader wanting more. The story could also have used more exposition and dialogue, but for a first issue, it does its job well.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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SKINBREAKER #1 is a must-read for any fan of fantasy, action, or emotional storytelling. It’s a perfectly crafted debut issue that introduces a compelling world and an even more compelling hero. The art is some of the best in the business, and the story is both brutal and beautiful. This is a comic that will stick with you for a long time. It is a true masterpiece that delivers on every front.

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