Writer: Marco Vito Oddo
Artist: Victor Costa
Mother’s Touch Studios, April 2026
Written by Marco Vito Oddo with art by Victor Costa, Otherkin follows Alex, a seemingly nondescript individual with access to magic and the ability to transform into different forms. Here is the promotional copy from the Kickstarter site:
What if there is a reason we fear the dark? What if the shadows do indeed shelter evil forces? What if there’s more to life than the soul-crushing weight of the mundane? These questions led Alex to answers they never expected to find. Now, forever changed, they hunt for an evil that chose London as its nest. Alone, clueless, and way in over their head, Alex must figure out how to make amends for their past mistakes, using their unlikely abilities to make a difference.
Otherkin is a comic book series filled with mystery, written by Marco Vito Oddo and illustrated by Victor Costa. The story follows Alex, a shapeshifting spell-caster in a personal crusade against the Wizard, a reclusive man who’s said to lead a secret organization known as the Concealed Council. Each issue of Otherkin offers new pieces of a twisted puzzle as readers slowly unveil the origins of Alex’s mysterious power and the events that thrust them into their dangerous pursuit.
When the series began, readers were introduced to Alex through one of these personas: a blonde man in a trench coat, a clear visual nod to occult antiheroes like John Constantine (and his fellow members of the Trenchcoat Brigade from Neil Gaiman’s The Books of Magic for DC Comics in 1990). While that form does not appear in this issue, it remains an important reference point for understanding Alex’s origins as a character. The resemblance, both in appearance and cadence of dialogue, initially suggests a familiar archetype. However, as the series has progressed, it has become increasingly clear that these similarities function more as homage than imitation. Alex has since emerged as a distinct and compelling figure with his own motivations and narrative identity.
Otherkin #5 continues the indie horror-fantasy series’ strong emphasis on character-driven storytelling, shifting focus toward Alex’s past. Rather than pushing the central narrative forward, this issue functions as a reflective chapter that deepens the reader’s understanding of its shapeshifting protagonist and the forces that have shaped his ongoing journey.
Issue #5 embraces a “show, don’t tell” approach. Messrs Oddo and Costa make full use of the sequential art medium, allowing visuals, pacing, and composition to carry much of the storytelling weight. At the same time, the comic is not devoid of strong writing. Mr Oddo’s dialogue is sharp and economical, revealing character through voice rather than exposition. Conversations feel purposeful, giving insight into relationships without overexplaining them.
The emotional core of the issue lies in the introduction of Noah, a key figure from Alex’s past. Their relationship begins under unusual circumstances, with Alex attempting to break into Noah’s apartment before being caught. Instead of responding with hostility, Noah offers him shelter, setting the stage for a dynamic that evolves into something layered and difficult to define. Their bond carries shades of a grandfather-and-son relationship, but also that of uneasy flatmates, shaped by differing personalities and perspectives.
Much of the issue is spent exploring this dynamic. The banter between Alex and Noah feels natural and lived-in, often balancing humor with underlying tension. Noah is portrayed as someone shaped by a difficult past, carrying a more cautious and measured outlook. Alex, by contrast, is more impulsive and driven, inclined to act rather than wait. This contrast creates a steady friction that gives the issue its emotional weight.
Victor Costa’s artwork (which reminds us of Peter Gross’ style) reinforces these themes effectively. The visual style walks a line between simplicity and detail, favoring stylization over realism. There are echoes of artists like Marc Hempel and Dean Ormston in the character work and panel composition, with expressive figures and carefully framed sequences doing much of the narrative heavy lifting. The result is a comic that communicates as much through movement and visual rhythm as it does through dialogue.
As the story progresses, the differences between Alex and Noah begin to take a toll, gradually building toward a turning point that reshapes their relationship. The resolution avoids overt dramatics, instead leaning into emotional consequences that feel consistent with the characters established throughout the issue. It is a development that adds weight to Alex’s journey without relying on excessive exposition.
While Otherkin #5 is not an ideal jumping-on point for new readers due to its focus on backstory, it stands as a strong standalone chapter for those already invested in the series. It enriches Alex as a character, adds context to his motivations, and expands the emotional scope of the narrative. For returning readers, it is a rewarding installment that highlights the strengths of Messrs Oddo and Costa’s collaborative storytelling.
Here is a link to the Kickstarter campaign, which closes on 2 May 2026: Otherkin #5 (Plus #1-#4) | Horror, Mystery, Shapeshifting by Mother’s Touch Studios — Kickstarter
