It took me a while to comprehend, but the core story of Skinbreaker is about change. Change is a constant, as they say, and it can often lead to great or terrible things. It’s also hard to make change last, as Skinbreaker #3 shows. Following the whammy of an ending in Skinbreaker #2, years have passed since Anok has taken over leadership of his tribe, and their hunting ways have taken a turn for the clever. Not only does he use traps to stop the massive beasts that lurk in the forest, but his son has found a way to bring water to their village. Not everyone is happy with Anok’s rule, however…
The leap forward in time was completely unexpected, yet Robert Kirkman makes the most of it by showing how time has changed Anok. Much like his old chieftain, Enor, he emphasizes thought and compassion over brute force. “None can do what you do,” he reassures his son after a hunt, also telling him that he isn’t a weakling for seeking another way. This surprisingly emotional moment sets Skinbreaker #3 apart from other comics because Kirkman had the time to make these emotional beats land with the force they require.
Skinbreaker #3 also features more of David Finch’s gorgeous artwork, which is nearly unmatched in its detail. Mirroring the changes in Anok’s rule as chieftain, Finch adds new details to the village where his people live. Ornate statues, bearing patterns that can only be described as “otherworldly,” stand guard at the entrance. The stone huts where the orc warriors live show signs of weathering, yet still stand tall. As for Anok himself, his wizened stature and scarred face mirrors Enor’s at the time of his death. As the issue progresses, it’s very clear that that was intentional on Finch’s part.
Image Comics
So is the resentment that Thull, Anok’s old rival, holds for him. Thull resents how Anok has “weakened” the tribe, and that resentment shines deep in his eyes (thanks to colorist Annalisa Leoni, whose palette is almost always full of stunning colors.) That resentment’s also taken hold in his son Paca, a massive brute who seems to leap at the opportunity to inflict violence. No one’s as hard on Anok as Anok himself, with Kirkman penning a stunning monologue that lays bare his fears about the future.
Lest you think Skinbreaker #3 is all philosophical musings – not that there’s anything wrong with that – there’s plenty of violence to keep a section of fantasy fans entertained. The back half of the book excels in this regard as Finch illustrates a wild chase scene with a “Silver Fang” on Anok’s heels. It’s equal parts frightening, as the Silver Fang resembles a mutated chameleon gone berserk, and exhilarating as Anok scales a cliff then leaps onto the Silver Fang, tearing at its mane in a desperate attempt to stop it from devouring his clan.
Skinbreaker #3 is a balancing act between exploring the nature of change and the weight of leadership, brought to life by a compelling story and well-crafted artwork. Though this series is almost at its halfway point, it still remains an amazing read.
You must be logged in to post a comment.