In a world saturated with superhero sequels and reboots, the comic book industry has been crying out for a fresh, original story to capture our imaginations. Well, that call has been answered, and the response is a resounding, bone-crushing battle cry in the form of Skinbreaker, the new fantasy epic from the dream team of Robert Kirkman and David Finch. This isn’t just another comic; it’s a publishing phenomenon, a testament to the power of creator-owned comics, and a story that will sink its teeth into you and not let go.
When the creator of The Walking Dead and Invincible teams up with the artist who redefined Batman for a generation, you know you’re in for something special. But no one could have predicted the meteoric rise of Skinbreaker. In a stunning display of market dominance, Skinbreaker #1 didn’t just sell well; it became Image Comics’ most-ordered comic of September 2025, toppling even Kirkman’s own established franchises. This is the story of how a brand-new, original IP became an instant bestseller, and why it matters for the future of comics.
What is Skinbreaker?
Skinbreaker transports readers to a brutal, primitive world on the brink of collapse. The story centers on Enor, the aging chieftain of a tribe who wields the legendary weapon known as the Skinbreaker. But Enor’s strength is failing, and he can barely lift the mighty weapon that once made him a feared leader. His heir, Anok, is reluctant to take on the mantle of leadership, but with threats closing in from all sides, he may not have a choice.
A bloody power struggle is brewing within the tribe, but a far greater danger lurks in the shadows beyond their village. Skinbreaker is a story of survival, of legacy, and of the brutal choices that must be made when the world is falling apart. It’s a classic fantasy setup, but in the hands of Kirkman and Finch, it becomes something raw, visceral, and utterly compelling.
The series is an 8-issue limited run, published by Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment, with a creative team that includes colorist Annalisa Leoni (Invincible Universe: Battle Beast) and letterer Rus Wooton (TRANSFORMERS). From the very first page, it’s clear that this is a labor of love from a team firing on all cylinders.
The Dream Team: Kirkman and Finch Finally Unite
For years, comic book fans have dreamed of a collaboration between Robert Kirkman and David Finch. Kirkman, the architect of sprawling, character-driven epics like The Walking Dead and Invincible, and Finch, the artist whose dark, gritty style brought a new level of intensity to characters like Batman and Moon Knight, seemed like a perfect match. And now, with Skinbreaker, that dream has become a reality.
In the official press release from Image Comics, Kirkman expressed his long-held desire to work with Finch: “I have wanted to work with David Finch for the entirety of my career. We’ve gotten close many times over the years, but we wanted our collaboration to be something truly special. Skinbreaker is that series. I feel like this book is a high-water mark for both our careers.”
Finch echoed Kirkman’s enthusiasm, calling Skinbreaker “a labour of love.” He added, “It’s a story that resonated very deeply for me, and it’s been the privilege of my career to help bring it to life. Everyone involved has put every last ounce of effort into this book and I couldn’t be more excited and proud to finally share it with you.”
The mutual admiration between these two comic book legends is palpable, and it shows in every panel of Skinbreaker. Kirkman’s gift for world-building and character development pairs perfectly with Finch’s ability to capture raw emotion and explosive action on the page.
- Caption: The stunning main cover of Skinbreaker #1.
- Credit: David Finch & Annalisa Leoni
- Source: Image Comics
A Sales Juggernaut: Skinbreaker’s Record-Breaking Debut
The hype surrounding Skinbreaker was immense, but the sales numbers were even more impressive. Skinbreaker #1 was the most-ordered comic book of September 2025, a feat made all the more remarkable by the fact that it’s a brand-new, original IP. In a market dominated by established franchises, Skinbreaker proved that a great story, with a powerhouse creative team, can still break through.
According to Bleeding Cool, Skybound Entertainment, Kirkman’s own imprint at Image Comics, had a massive month, with seven of the top ten bestselling Image titles. But Skinbreaker was the undisputed king, even outselling Kirkman’s own Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #5. This is particularly significant when you consider that Battle Beast is a spin-off of the wildly popular Invincible franchise, which has enjoyed a massive resurgence thanks to the hit Amazon Prime animated series.
Here’s a look at the top 10 Image Comics titles for September 2025:
Rank | Title |
|---|---|
1 | SKINBREAKER #1 |
2 | INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE: BATTLE BEAST #5 |
3 | TRANSFORMERS #24 |
4 | EXQUISITE CORPSES #5 |
5 | G.I. JOE #11 |
6 | VOID RIVALS #23 |
7 | SPAWN #368 |
8 | G.I. JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #320 |
9 | UNIVERSAL MONSTERS THE INVISIBLE MAN #2 |
10 | EVERYTHING DEAD & DYING #1 |
The dominance of Skybound titles on this list is a testament to Kirkman’s vision and the strength of the Energon Universe, the shared G.I. Joe/Transformers franchise that has become one of the biggest success stories in comics. But Skinbreaker standing atop them all? That’s something special.
Why Skinbreaker’s Success Matters for the Comic Industry
The success of Skinbreaker is more than just a win for Kirkman and Finch; it’s a victory for the entire comic book industry. It’s a powerful reminder that readers are hungry for new ideas and that creator-owned comics can compete with, and even surpass, the sales of the Big Two. For more on the importance of creator-owned comics, check out our article on the rise of independent comics.
In an era where Hollywood is dominated by sequels and reboots, it’s easy to become cynical about the state of popular culture. But Skinbreaker is a beacon of hope, a sign that originality and creativity can still triumph. It’s a testament to the power of a great story, well-told, and a reminder of why we fell in love with comics in the first place.
The comic book industry has been grappling with questions about its future for years. Are readers only interested in established characters? Can new IPs compete with the marketing muscle of Marvel and DC? Skinbreaker answers these questions with a resounding yes. When you have a compelling story, a talented creative team, and a publisher willing to take risks, magic can happen.
David Finch’s Art: A Career-Defining Performance
While Kirkman’s writing is undoubtedly a major draw, it’s David Finch’s artwork that truly elevates Skinbreaker to legendary status. Finch has always been known for his detailed, muscular style, but in Skinbreaker, he’s pushed himself to new heights. The world he’s created is both beautiful and terrifying, a harsh landscape where survival is never guaranteed.
Sean Mackiewicz, SVP and Publisher at Skybound Entertainment, called Skinbreaker “the finest work of David Finch’s already masterful career.” He added, “Together Robert Kirkman and David have created a savage, new world full of wonders and creatures that have to be seen to be believed. Only two absolute comic book legends working at the top of their game could create Skinbreaker.”
Kirkman himself was effusive in his praise for Finch’s work, stating, “David Finch is one of the greatest comic artists to ever live. This is the artist who made Moon Knight outsell Batman. Even a casual glance at any of his work in Skinbreaker will prove to you that this is historic material. His work on this series has to be seen to be believed. It would be impossible to overhype it.”
- Caption: An alternate cover for the bestselling first issue of Skinbreaker.
- Credit: David Finch
- Source: Atomic Books
The Collector’s Dream: Variant Covers Galore
For collectors, Skinbreaker #1 is a treasure trove. The issue was released with an impressive array of variant covers, featuring work from some of the industry’s top artists. In addition to the main cover by David Finch, readers can choose from:
- Cover B: Portrait Variant by David Finch
- Cover C: 1:10 Incentive by Tony Moore
- Cover D: 1:25 Incentive by Lorenzo De Felici
- Cover E: 1:50 Incentive by Eric Canete
- Cover F: 1:100 Incentive by Ryan Ottley
- Cover G: 1:1000 CGC Signed by Finch & Kirkman/Graded (Foil) by David Finch
- Cover H: 1:2500 David Finch Original Art Sketch Cover
- Cover I: Blank Sketch Cover
- Cover J: Die Cut Foil Mask Cover by David Finch
The variety and quality of these covers demonstrate the faith that Image Comics and Skybound have in the series. They’re not just selling a comic; they’re selling a collectible experience.
Additionally, Skinbreaker #1 was released in a special Treasury Edition, a massive 10″ x 14″ format printed on deluxe newsprint. This oversized presentation allows readers to fully appreciate the grandeur of Finch’s artwork, making it feel like a true event.
Robert Kirkman: A Track Record of Success
Robert Kirkman’s success with Skinbreaker is hardly surprising when you look at his track record. The man has a Midas touch when it comes to creating compelling, long-lasting comic book franchises. The Walking Dead ran for 193 issues and became a cultural phenomenon, spawning multiple television series and a massive multimedia empire. Invincible ran for 144 issues and is now enjoying a second life as one of the most critically acclaimed animated series on television.
But Kirkman isn’t content to rest on his laurels. With the Energon Universe, he’s taken on the challenge of revitalizing classic toy franchises like G.I. Joe and Transformers, and the results have been spectacular. Transformers #1 became the bestselling comic of 2023, and the entire Energon Universe has been a massive hit for Image Comics and Skybound.
Now, with Skinbreaker, Kirkman is proving that he can still create something entirely new and have it resonate with readers. It’s a testament to his storytelling prowess and his understanding of what makes a great comic book. For more on Kirkman’s creative legacy, check out our piece on the evolution of comic book antiheroes.
The Future of Skinbreaker
Skinbreaker is an 8-issue limited series, so we only have a precious few issues left to enjoy this epic tale. But if the first two issues are any indication, we’re in for a wild ride. Kirkman has promised a story that is “unrelentingly brutal but also contains a ton of emotion and heart,” and so far, he and Finch have delivered on that promise in spades.
The limited series format is a smart choice for Skinbreaker. It allows Kirkman and Finch to tell a complete, self-contained story without the pressure of maintaining an ongoing series. This approach has become increasingly popular in the comic book industry, as it gives creators the freedom to tell the story they want to tell without worrying about sales figures or editorial mandates.
Of course, the success of Skinbreaker #1 has led to speculation about whether the series could be expanded in the future. Could we see a sequel series? A spin-off? Only time will tell, but for now, fans are content to savor the story that Kirkman and Finch are telling.
Where to Buy Skinbreaker
Skinbreaker #1 and #2 are available now at your local comic book shop and on digital platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play. With a variety of stunning variant covers from artists like Tony Moore, Ryan Ottley, and Lorenzo De Felici, there’s a version of Skinbreaker for every collector.
If you’re looking to experience the series in all its glory, the Treasury Edition is the way to go. The oversized format truly does justice to Finch’s incredible artwork, and it’s a must-have for any serious comic book collector.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Original Comics
Skinbreaker is more than just a comic book; it’s a statement. It’s proof that in an industry often dominated by established franchises and corporate IP, there’s still room for bold, original ideas. It’s a reminder that when you put talented creators at the helm and give them the freedom to tell the story they want to tell, the results can be extraordinary.
Robert Kirkman and David Finch have created something special with Skinbreaker. It’s a brutal, emotional, and utterly compelling fantasy epic that stands as one of the best new comics of 2025. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kirkman’s work, a devotee of Finch’s art, or just someone looking for a great story, Skinbreaker is a must-read.
The success of Skinbreaker should serve as a wake-up call to the entire comic book industry. Readers are hungry for new ideas, and they’re willing to support them when they’re done right. Here’s hoping that Skinbreaker is just the beginning of a new era of original, creator-owned comics that push the boundaries of what the medium can do.
Resources
- https://bleedingcool.com/comics/skinbreaker-is-image-comics-most-ordered-comic-of-september-2025/
- https://comicbook.com/comics/news/walking-dead-creators-new-comic-just-became-one-of-the-biggest-debuts/
- https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/comics-icons-robert-kirkman-david-finch-announce-new-action-series-skinbreaker
