Advance Review — Finch Continues To Dazzle In ‘Skinbreaker’ #2

Leave it to David Finch to take a relatively straightforward panel at the beginning of a book and turn it into something that you could stare at for hours.

Where some comic artists, stressed by impending deadlines, might give lesser panels the short shrift, Finch is the consummate perfectionist. Sure it’s an important element because it is the first thing that readers will see when they open the second issue of Skinbreaker #2. But the sheer level of detail he packs into the quarter-page panel speaks volumes.

We see two humanoid villagers vehemently arguing with each other. Anok, who is reluctantly challenging his aging chieftain mentor, is visibly enraged. His neck is turned so his through muscles are clearly visible along with his carotid artery. His sparring partner, Thul, has intricate striations on his face than must have taken considerable time – to say nothing of immense talent – to render.

And that is just the first panel. The entire issue features fights – sometimes on stunning double-page spreads – that should serve as a master class to less experienced artists.

And that speaks nothing of the story itself, written by Robert Kirkman. It’s easy to flip through this issue to only look at Finch’s artwork. But Kirkman’s work here is strong as well. Anok is forced to battle his mentor Enor to the death so he can become chieftain over Thul. It’s a grueling decision – and one Enor instantly regrets. Not many barbarian books deal with this kind of character development, but it’s welcome.

And, once the battle is over, Kirkman shocks readers with a twist that takes the story in a surprise direction. It takes a confident writer to change the course of the series so early in its run. But it will be exciting to see where the creative team is headed.

Skinbreaker #2 will be available in comic book stores and digital platforms Wednesday from Image Comics.