I Heart Skull-Crusher! #5 is bringing and end to the first story arc for Josie Campbell and Alessio Zonno’s BOOM! Studios series. Thus far this has been a fun start to a new franchise. The post-apocalyptic world that has been built has had a unique element the establishment of the Screaming Pain Ball sport. Trini and friends journey to achieve their dreams leading to a major twist of a clash with Skull-Crusher herself was a cool twist. We got the chance to check out an early copy of I Heart Skull-Crusher! #5. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Josie Campbell
Artist: Alessio Zonno
Colorist: Angel De Santiago
Letterer: Jim Campbell
I HEART SKULL CRUSHER #5 SOLICITATION
“END OF STORY ARC. Tyrants, battle royals, and bubble cities galore as Trini and her teammates struggle to survive during their final hour in post-apocalyptic America. But they’ve grown to be far more than just a team, and what they must do will threaten to tear them apart–or worse!” – BOOM! Studios
REVIEW
When it comes to presentation I Heart Skull-Crusher! #5 is one of the best comic books you will find hitting the market this week. Both from getting over Trini as the underdog and Skull-Crusher as this impossible mountain to overcome. This entire issue has a build that gets over all sides of the story.
For as much as Trini is the lead character, I Heart Skull-Crusher! #5 is built on the title character that inspired Trini’s journey. Skull-Crusher is what makes or breaks this issue. Luckily the presentation from dialogue to design of everything Skull-Crusher does is on point. Both Skull-Crusher’s past and preset all feed into making her an unstoppable force.
The flashbacks in particular give us more insight into the current state of the world. There are a lot of political elements that are further explored in these scenes. It gives greater insight for the older characters we have seen in this series thus far. It all helps to further establish the current system of the world and how the control of its state works.
All of the character and world building around Skull-Crusher most importantly gets you more into what Trini and her friends have to overcome. Everything is done to ultimately get over Trini as a series lead you want to continue to see grow beyond this story. Her dialogue and actions all showcase who she is and how she will continue to grow from here.
The artwork by artist Alessio Zonno and colorist Angel De Santiago continued to be simply amazing. There is so much personality in every panel and page of I Heart Skull-Crusher! #5. Whether it’s the vibrant neon building interiors or outdoor wasteland, the settings have as much personality as the characters themselves. That creates a fun energetic setting that elevates everything that we see go down in this story arc finale. Just like it’s been since it debuted, I Heart Skull-Crusher concludes its first story arc being one of the best-looking comic books.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I Heart Skull-Crusher! #5 delivers an energetically fun conclusion to the first story arc of Josie Campbell and Alessio Zonno series. The presentation alone emphasizes what has made this one of the standout new comic books released this year. The way this first story arc concludes it leaves you wanting to read more stories in this world. If you haven’t had the chance to check out this series yet make sure to pick up the trade for I Heart Skull-Crusher! first story arc when it is released.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
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