Orphan and the Five Beasts #1
| Writer | James Stokoe |
| Artist | James Stokoe |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
A brand-new kung-fu epic from James Stokoe, the creator behind Orc Stain and Aliens: Dead Orbit!
Spurred on by her master's dying words, the adopted warrior "Orphan Mo" seeks to find and kill five former disciples who now threaten the land with corruption from their demonic powers. Part Five Deadly Venoms and part surreal grindhouse, James Stokoe brings his knack for ultra-detailed fantasy imagery and over-the-top violence to this classic tale of revenge.
"His artwork is astonishingly detailed, with an infectious, monstrous energy and dynamism that needs to be experienced by every fan of comic books."-SyFy Wire
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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9.6
The Brazen Bull - Dave Robbins
Mar 17, 2021Orphan and the Five Beasts can take its well-earned place among the best of the martial arts epics. A riveting story with fantastic art. Any fan of wushu show not miss this. Read Full Review
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9.6
Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz
Mar 17, 2021Stokoe has as much fun writing this comic as he has drawing it. It is over the top for sure but who cares? It's so much fun that I could not put it down. This issue is a great start to the series and I love the direction we are headed. This comic has a cool story with some amazing artwork and I loved it. Read Full Review
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9.5
COMICON - Brendan M. Allen
Mar 19, 2021I picked this book up for two reasons, Stokoe's art and my love of classic kung-fu films/Spaghetti Westerns. Orphan and The Five Beasts delivers on both points. It's everything it needs to be. Read Full Review
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9.3
Word Of The Nerd - Brent Jackson
Mar 16, 2021Look, I love old kung-fu movies and I adore James Stokoe, so obviously Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 was made for me to praise. I loved every second of it. Now, not much happens story-wise besides the setup, but Stokoe lays everything out and by the end, I was immediately wanting the second issue. The art is splendid and, as always, a treat to look at every single panel and page. Stokoe's art is like nothing else on the shelves. I am superbly hyped to see what Stokoe has created in that mad mind of his for the next three issues. Read Full Review
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9.0
But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford
Mar 10, 2021Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 delivers a cool classic feeling start to this story. As Mo sets out to defeat her five foes, it feels like Stokoe has only scratched the surface of this character. I, for one, cannot wait to see what else will be revealed. Read Full Review
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9.0
Big Comic Page - Craig Neilson-Adams
Mar 16, 2021The final pages introduce the first of the five beasts in gloriously over-the-top fashion, setting the scene for what promises to be a similarly outlandish battle in issue two. While Ill admit that it was the name on the cover that first drew me in, Stokoes singular talents and clear affection for what hes doing ensured that I was well and truly hooked by about the third page. If you like your tales of revenge to be packed with dynamic enthusiasm and immaculately illustrated, this is most definitely the book for you. Read Full Review
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9.0
Monkeys Fighting Robots - Jake Palermo
Mar 19, 2021Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 tributes kung fu classics with all of the absurd energy associated with it. Read Full Review
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8.5
Multiversity Comics - Matthew Blair
Mar 19, 2021A comic that evokes the classic Shaw Brothers films with an incredible aesthetic and gorgeous art and a plot that is okay, but feels like its stalling for time. Read Full Review
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8.0
Kabooooom - Matt Morrison
Mar 14, 2021This is not a story for those who wish to contemplate the gentle play of light, as if this were an Ukiyo-e print or a Kurosawa film. This is a story for those who want to gape at a villain called Thunder-Thighs, whose style of combat, "Two Trees Bearing Heaven," involves crushing people between his legs. Orphan and the Five Beasts is not subtle, but it is enjoyable. Read Full Review
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8.0
Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes
Mar 17, 2021Written, Art and Letters by; James StokoePublished by; Dark Horse Comics Read Full Review
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8.0
ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett
Mar 17, 2021The first issue is steeped in lore explaining the history of this unique brand of martial arts and how it empowers individuals in mountainside battles between small villages and raiders. That set up is necessary, but it's the explosive action sequences and hyper-detailed designs that allow it to still sing on the page as Stokoe builds his way to the adventure at hand. Read Full Review
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8.0
AIPT - Sam Rutzick
Mar 22, 2021James Stokoe's energetic, larger-than-life artwork is on full display in this kung-fu comic. Read Full Review
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8.0
DC Comics News - Tony Farina
Mar 25, 2021Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 is what indie comics are all about. One person, alone in a room and in his head and this is what we get. I am thrilled with the first issue in this mini-series. The fact that there are five beasts but only four issues leads me to believe the breakneck pace will only pick up. I can't wait to see what comes next. Read Full Review
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7.5
Comics Bookcase - Larry Jorash
Mar 17, 2021Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 as a story will fit a very particular sort of comic fan. Those who love epic-journey stories like Conan the Barbarian, or full fledged, action-manga like Naruto are sure to find their eyes a home here. Read Full Review
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5.0
Bleeding Cool - Hannibal Tabu
Mar 21, 2021A potentially tone-deaf, bland take on vengeance and betrayal from a wildly talented cartoonist makes its debut. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Upgraded my review from 9.5 to a 10 after a second read. It's just page to page artistic madness. This guy does not take any panels off, period. Eagerly awaiting more.
+ Like • Comment -
9.5
Was hoping for more Orc Stain, but this will do. Stokoe's great at world building and creating interesting characters, even the bandits seem pretty fleshed out. I look forward to more of this.
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9.0
Really good story, this book left a lot to look forward to in the next issue.
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9.5
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9.5
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9.0
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9.0
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8.5
2025 In Review:
