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Orphan and the Five Beasts #1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: James Stokoe
Art: James Stokoe
Colors: James Stokoe
Letters: James Stokoe
Cover: James Stokoe

Stokoe opens up this over-the-top marital arts epic with an exciting tale that sets up the story for Mo, our long-spear wielding heroine who has a mission to defeat the Five Beasts, a group of her master’s former students who were once heroes. However, we find out they took a different path after gaining the power needed to save the valley.

Stokoe grabs your attention with great art (which we’ll get into later), colorful characters, and several twists with the formula here. Mo’s master isn’t too likable but he’s quite pragmatic which might convince you to see his point of refusing to teach his art. Now the time we get with Mo herself is pretty great. From her opening training sequence to beginning her journey, we get a solid sense of her character and skills as a fighter. Stokoe also makes sure the background characters are just as entertaining and add a bit of comic relief while not making the story seem silly, though this might be a point of contention with some readers when you meet the first of the Five Beasts: Thunderthighs!

The visual storytelling is pure Stokoe greatness and everything about it fits securely with the narrative. The opening sequence is quiet and he allows the art alone to move things along. Mo’s stance and skill conveys power and fluidity that shows she’s pretty adept at using her long-spear. This scene builds to the tension quite well and things pick up from here. The shadowy character designs for the five villagers is simplistic but they look like they are constantly in motion. There’s a high level of detail throughout which makes for rich backgrounds and settings but it’s the action sequences that really help to kick things off. They’re kinetic and a full-on display of power and eye-catching fight scenes that are cinematic quality. Also, I was not expecting Thunderthighs at all and his full page reveal is hilarious! A mountain of a man who comes in riding on a horse who is under the weight of this guy. I haven’t felt more sorry for a horse since Rick’s in The Walking Dead.

Orphan and the Five Beasts is off to a great start with a first issue that executes in style. It boasts a strong narrative and artwork that practically leaps off the page so just know we’re in good hands with Stokoe’s latest adventure!

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