Advance Review – Finch Delivers A Master Class In Comic Artwork In ‘Skinbreaker’ #1
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
With the superstar creative team of Robert Kirkman and David Finch, there no way this title would disappoint, right? Rest assured, Finch knocks this one out of the park with his expressive, detailed illustrations – many of which take up entire pages. It’s a visual tour de force, even if the story itself doesn’t break any new ground.
Overall
9.5/10It turns out there’s a really simple formula for creating a great comic book: Hire David Finch and give him carte blanche to draw whatever he wants to draw.
Of course, anyone who has followed the artist’s career knows how amazing his illustrations are. But now, with the new series Skinbreaker, Finch has an even larger canvas. Finch kicks off the premiere issue with a double-page spread followed by a splash page featuring an alien jungle and then the heroes, Enor and Anok. We don’t know much about them initially or even where they are. But none of that matters thanks to Finch’s stunning artwork.
Yet Finch has a gift for communicating character traits simply through his illustrations. We know that Thul, a rival for the leadership role, is a bad dude the first time we see him. Word bubbles aren’t necessary. One look at the splash page that introduces him and Finch telegraphs everything we need to know about him. Throw in a monster and more splash pages, and you’ve got yourself a compelling book.
Secondary to the art is writer Robert Kirkman’s story about Anok’s reluctance to challenge Enor to take the chieftain’s title. The narrative doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s interesting enough to explain why Finch is drawing such amazing pages. Elderly Enor is well past his prime, in a society that values strength. Thul (even the name is menacing) clearly has set his sights on becoming chieftain, even risking his young son to prove that he, not Anok, is worthy.
It’s actually refreshing to see Kirkman’s restraint here. This is an alien world and a primitive culture. So he provides appropriate dialogue without the need for some of the quips he’s known for. They wouldn’t work here anyway but realizing that shows his maturity as a writer.
In a letter to readers at the end of the issue, Kirkman acknowledges Finch’s mastery. Hopefully Finch’s carte blanche will be extended throughout the run to overshadow any deficiencies with the script.
Skinbreaker #1 will be available in comic book stores and on digital platforms September 24th from Image Comics.
