In this review of Skinbreaker #4, Anok and Paca battle for the title of chieftain. Will Anok survive the challenge?
Skinbreaker #4
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: December 24, 2025
This review contains spoilers
After Paca’s challenge at the end of Skinbreaker #3, Anok prepares for the fight as this issue opens. Dala and Emom beg him not to do it, but Anok knows what has to be done. As the two combatants stand face to face, Anok stresses to Paca that he must prepare for the attacks from the increasingly intelligent Silver Fangs when he becomes the new chieftain. Paca launches his assault and refuses to hear the old chieftain’s pleas, instead vowing to return the tribe to the old ways where no traps are used to make hunting easier for everyone.
Even though Anok is far weaker than Paca, he puts up a good fight, although most of it is spent on the defensive side of things. After getting kicked to the ground, Anok is able to back-roll away from Paca while cutting a water line to create a diversion, allowing him to escape the village. He heads into the forest where he kneels in sadness, taking off his armor and stabbing the Skinbreaker into the ground for Paca to claim.
Paca gives chase, but Anok goes off deeper into the forest. Paca finds the sword a short time later, claiming the title of chieftain and letting Anok go off to die in shame without his weapon, ending the issue.
Analysis
In Skinbreaker #4, I initially feared Anok would die to fuel Emom’s character arc, especially since he couldn’t physically overpower Paca. However, Kirkman’s decision to keep him alive is more compelling; it sets up a resolution where Anok’s innovative hunting methods prove Paca’s traditionalism wrong. I’m glad Anok’s journey continues, reinforcing the book’s central theme of embracing growth over stagnant tradition.
Now, let’s take a moment to discuss the absolutely incredible level of detail that continues to be present in David Finch’s art. These pages are loaded with intricate linework and inking. Every single panel and page forces your eye to linger far longer than normal for a comic book. During the fight, you can see the expressions of delight or horror on each individual’s face. There is no blurring of figures in the background. The weapons and armor are likewise embellished with magnificent detail.
There are two noteworthy spreads in this issue – one when Paca strikes the first blow in the battle and the other when Anok is walking off into the forest at the end. Both carry emotion to the reader through the visuals. Of course, Annalisa Leoni’s color work continues to take the beautiful artwork to even greater heights. Throughout the series, her colors have remained consistent, making for a seamless transition from one issue to the next.
Final Thoughts
Skinbreaker #4 continues to treat us to an excellent story about change, while giving us some of the best artwork in comics. Halfway through the run, this story keeps bringing action and excitement. Have fun, comic lovers!
