Orphan 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

I 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

Look, 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

The 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

Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 tributes kung fu classics with all of the absurd energy associated with it. Read Full Review

Orphan 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

A 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

Written, Art and Letters by; James StokoePublished by; Dark Horse Comics Read Full Review

James Stokoe's energetic, larger-than-life artwork is on full display in this kung-fu comic. Read Full Review

Orphan 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

The 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

This 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

Orphan 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

A potentially tone-deaf, bland take on vengeance and betrayal from a wildly talented cartoonist makes its debut.  Read Full Review

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.

Really good story, this book left a lot to look forward to in the next issue.