Advance Review — The Story Catches Up To The Visuals In ‘Skinbreaker’ #6

In a series where the visuals dominate the story, the script becomes more important than ever. Such is the case in Skinbreaker, when you have an illustrator like David Finch producing eye-popping issue after eye-popping issue.

Finch has given a master class in visual storytelling in this limited series’ first six installments. His attention to detail — particularly in the backgrounds that many artists would largely ignore — makes all the difference here. He has built a world full of fantastical creatures, and he has no intention of letting readers’ eyes wander.

It’s no surprise then that Finch delivers another blockbuster issue here. His work features disgraced warrior Anok and his barbaric alien homeworld, exotic lizard-like creatures, and exotic trees (all subtly colored by Annalisa Leoni). Later in this chapter, the scene switches to a wordless underwater chase scene with Anok and a fantastically rendered leviathan.

And yet, for all of this amazing artwork, its Robert Kirkman’s script that finally shines through in this issue. Perhaps it’s because there’s relatively little dialogue this time around, making what is left on the page that much more impactful.

Skinbreaker has always been about the folly of clinging onto the old ways even when circumstances evolve. In this issue, Kirkman addresses that issue head on, and we see some doubt crop up in challenger Paca’s mind. Paca, the young upstart, has challenged Anok for the chiefdom.

Until now, Paca has been singular of mind. Now we see him second-guessing himself — much to the chagrin of his father. It’s a pleasant surprise and shows that Paca is more than just a one-dimensional antagonist.

By blending a thoughtful story with stunning artwork, Kirkman and Finch have created one of the best limited series of the year. It’s just too bad that there are only two issues left to enjoy.

Skinbreaker #6 will be available in comic book stores and on digital platforms Wednesday from Image Comics.