In this review of Skinbreaker #2, Anok makes a hard decision, but what is the tribe’s fate? Find out in the second installment of this exciting tale.
Skinbreaker #2
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Art and Main Cover: David Finch
Variant Covers: David Finch, Tony Moore, Eric Canete, Lorenzo De Felici
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: October 22, 2025
This review contains spoilers
At the end of Skinbreaker #1, Anok had just made a challenge to fight Enor in order to become leader of the tribe. This leaves him anguished over his people’s old ways because he wants no part of killing Enor and losing his valuable experience. When the time comes to begin the fight in Skinbreaker #2, Anok remains reluctant to attack, only defending against Enor’s blows.
It is only when Thul begins to scream about how dishonorable Anok’s efforts are that he comes to realize what has to be done. With ease, he goes on the offensive, uttering an apology to his chieftain as he makes the fatal strike. Enor’s final words are those of thanks, knowing that his tribe will be in good hands.
There is a stone bringing ceremony to honor the fallen leader, along with a time jump that introduces us to Anok as a much older leader. He is on the hunt with a young warrior, Krek, in order to prepare for a feast. Anok still employs new ways to hunt, using traps and tools to slaughter the massive prey. It is effective, making quick and easy work of the beast charging him and Krek. Paca, another young warrior, questions the chief, accusing him of being too weak for the old ways. At that, Anok breaks open Paca’s fresh kill with only his hands, demonstrating that he has plenty of strength and no need for tools, but chooses to make life easier for his tribe with these new methods.
Skinbreaker #2 ends with Paca walking away in disgust while Anok reassures Krek that he will make sure Paca has no chance of bringing back the old ways that lead to ruin and death.
Analysis
In Skinbreaker #2, Robert Kirkman moves the story forward in a big way. At first glance, it may seem that the major time jump makes the story less connected with the first issue, but the opposite of that is true. Kirkman is giving us some strong parallels between the time when Anok was a young warrior and his current status as an old leader. I think that we’re going to see flashbacks in upcoming issues to fill in the time between, but it is clear that Anok’s implementation of new, efficient ways for his people are being met with some pushback, thus creating some drama. In both issues, we get to see his struggle with the decision to become leader to his people and we will get to see his struggle in helping his tribe to prosper.
We aren’t told for sure, but Paca looks to be the son of Thul, based on his actions and beliefs. If that’s the case, Kirkman is setting up the inevitable revenge challenge, as Thul felt he was robbed of his opportunity to lead. I’m hoping that will be the case because it will be interesting to see the result. There was foreshadowing early in this issue that Anok wanted to do away with the challenge system, so I hope we get to see that play out.
David Finch’s artwork in this issue may very well beat his output from the first issue. There are several moments that are deserving of two-page spreads. The opening of the fight, as well as Anok’s final strike on Enor, are captured in magnificently detailed spreads. Anok’s transition from young to old is also illustrated in this manner and is the perfect way to show the time jump. Annalisa Leoni’s colors continue to look incredible coupled with Finch’s meticulous art. This book is worth its cover price for their work alone.
Final Thoughts
Skinbreaker #2 is an overall beautiful book, both in the storytelling and the artwork. If you are a fan of a good story and gorgeous art, but are questioning whether this fits into your usual type of comic, give it a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Have fun, comic lovers!
