To a certain extent, Orc Stain is a mockery of patriarchy. The fantastical world of this comic is completely astray, thanks to toxic masculinity taken to the umpteenth degree. Power is almost entirely in the hands of orc men narrowly focused on picking fights, having sex, and controlling others. Rather than creating an exclusive utopia for themselves, these brutes create dystopian chaos.

Really, though, Orc Stain is largely pretty dumb, albeit in a good way. With its massively creative world-building, undeniable bits of charm, basely-entertaining filthiness, and downright astounding artwork, the first volume of James Stokoe’s Orc Stain is actually pretty great, even though it’s not the most astute piece of literature.

You see, there’s simply too many frivolous penises and not enough subtle characterization or thematic work or what have you for Orc Stain to be much more than a rollicking, fun trip, but a rollicking, fun trip it is. The plot of the first five issues collected in the premier trade is half a simple revenge plot and half a simple story of conquering. It’s all steeped in purposely arbitrary prophetic gobbledygook and can at times be a touch contrived, but it’s not an intensive plot at the end of the day.

The appeal of Orc Stain is much more in its craft than its story. The world Stokoe has crafted is sprawling and filrled with constantly surprising and inventive creations. A lot of it is like Flintstones, with animals used as tools like hammers and horns, but it’s all a bit more complex and a lot viler. From big critters that serve as make-shift safes with treasure in their innards to birds that squawk like a horn when their balls are tugged on, every little creation is a joy.

There are really only two characters that are compelling on their own, that being the protagonist “One-Eye” and a mischievous woman who lurks in the woods. One-Eye is special in that he is more level-headed and crafty than his orc brethren. He constantly outdoes the brutes with his brain and it’s classic, albeit clichéd, fun. The same can be said for the latter, who’s a faithful femme fatal that manages to please in the testosterone-fueled world she lives in.

What holds everything worthwhile in this comic together is Stokoe’s masterful art. When it comes to packing ginormous amounts of detail into a cartoon art-style, Stokoe is unparalleled as far as I’m concerned. Everything is intricately drawn and painstakingly colored with loads of variety, from the textures of small boards in the background to every wrinkle and bit of expression on every little face. Many of the pictures are from a very zoomed-out perspective, creating the opportunity for all of this fine detail that ultimately paints the picture of a breathing world much bigger than the pages. The end result is a visually-stunning book that is so fascinating to ogle for ages.

It’s technically solid artwork as well, visualizing all of the zany contraptions in a way that makes sense. Movement is fluid and character’s faces express just the right emotions to evoke the anger, menace, fatigue and everything else required to create a connection.

It really is ludicrous that James Stokoe managed to create, write, draw, color and letter this comic all himself. While the stuffiest of critics may be tempted to write off Orc Stain as insignificant and one-dimensional, it’s really something that should be appreciated for its visually-stunning world-building and raunchy charm.

Story and Art: James Stokoe
Story: 7.5  Art: 10  Overall: 8.5  Recommendation: Buy

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