In this review of Only the Savage Are Left #3, when Ryder and Fionn go looking for a monster to cure their infection, they get stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Only The Savage Are Left #3
Writer: Zack Kaplan
Art and Main Cover: Stefano Raffaele
Variant Covers: Dave Wachter
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: August 19, 2026
This review contains spoilers
After escaping the group holding Oaklynn captive in Only the Savage Are Left #2, Ryder and Fionn formulate their plan for finding a monster to destroy and burn in order to save themselves from full-blown infection.
They find an ice cream truck that still runs and affix sharpened logs to the front of it to use as a battering ram against the monster. Ryder goes off in search of the beast, but before he’s able to find it, Oaklynn’s captors find him.
Fionn comes to the rescue, but eventually puts down his gun to trade his life for his daughter’s. When that doesn’t work, Ryder charges at the leader. They come to a standoff, as Ryder puts his gun to the leader’s chest and the leader puts his machete to Ryder’s neck.
Before either can make another move, the monster Ryder and Fionn were searching for shows up. It’s massive and towers over everyone, bringing the issue to a terrifying conclusion.
Analysis
Zack Kaplan’s message for this entry comes through loud and clear. In the first two issues, he was setting things up, giving little bits and pieces to build the characters. Now, the focus is on the importance of embracing what makes you different from everyone else and using that to survive.
In this story’s world, savagery can keep you alive, but Ryder is showing that it’s not always necessary. When Fionn suggests trapping, infecting, and killing a soldier, Ryder refuses. He doesn’t want to take another person’s life if there’s another way.
It doesn’t mean he can’t take action when needed, though. His direct confrontation with the gang leader is a standout moment for him, showing he’s willing to fight even if it’s not his first choice.
With only two issues left in the series, the story has been compact and is moving at a breakneck pace. Kaplan is making the most with the issues he’s got, keeping things tight and efficient. This is not a long, drawn out story, so it’s readily accessible to more readers.
The pacing also makes my opinion on Ryder’s survival chances change quickly. In the last issue, I didn’t think he’d make it to the end of the series, but after this issue, I have more hope. While Ryder is still more on the pacifist side of life, he’s showing glimpses of growth in the toughness department. His journey is the most intriguing of all the characters.
To this point in the story, the monsters haven’t come across as unbeatable. Yes, they’re numerous, but mostly small and somewhat easily defeated. With the final-page reveal, Kaplan basically said, “Hang on, I’ve got something to shake things up.” The creature he unleashes at the end is gigantic and it’s going to take everyone present working together to even have a chance at killing it. The next issue should kick off with entertaining action.
If you’ve enjoyed the artwork in the first two issues, there’s more of the same in this one. Stefano Raffaele and Thiago Rocha handle this nightmare landscape nicely. I like the distinction between the apocalyptic scenery with darker tones and the flashbacks that feature cleaner, brighter panels.
Final Thoughts
Only the Savage Are Left #3 has a stellar combination of a good message, riveting action, and excellent artwork. The story is hitting on all cylinders now as we head into the final two issues. If you haven’t given Dark Horse Comics a try lately, this one is a solid offering from them to check out. Have fun, comic lovers!
