It’s been over seven years since the final issue of Invincible was published by Skybound and Image Comics. But co-creator Robert Kirkman never really left, thanks to the development of the animated series. Which is fine and all, but comics are where it started, and comics are where the property has thrived. And thankfully, Kirkman and artist Ryan Ottley haven’t missed a bloody beat.
Mild spoilers past this point, but Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 picks up right where Battle Beast, the hulking cat-man thirsty for blood, left off in Invincible #19. He’s just kicked the crap out of Invincible, and leaves through a portal… Then doesn’t show up again until Invincible #55. So what happened in between? Battle Beast traveled the galaxy, looking for more people to kick the crap out of.
That’s basically the whole gist of it, but what Kirkman and Ottley smartly do in this first issue is build a fun cast of characters around the single-minded Battle Beast. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of gruesome action, as bloody as ever. But Battle Beast alone would just be a grueling Grand Guignol if left to his own devices. As is, we get two characters — and maybe more — to challenge the title character, and add a little classic Kirkman humor to the book, too.
Speaking of challenges, Ottley also pushes himself in wild ways throughout the book, ranging from comedic scenes and weird, alien characters; to wide, empty splash pages evocative of ’70s sci-fi. Battle Beast is as much an art showcase for Ottley as it is for Kirkman to return to the universe of Invincible, and the penciller (and inker, here) is thriving.
The other nice part, just in case you’re an Invincible neophyte: you can hop right in with this issue. Sure, there’s the weaving between the raindrops nature of the book, but all you really need to know is Battle Beast is a nigh invulnerable alien with an insatiable thirst for fighting, and then go from there. It’s goofy, it’s fun, and as usual, there are a ridiculous number of exposed intestines.
But if you are already in the tank for Invincible? It’s just great to return to this over-the-top, fun, extremely bloody superhero universe, once again. Bring on the next challenger!
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 hits stores on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from Skybound and Image Comics
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 Rating:
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 Official Synopsis:
Cursed with an unquenchable thirst for violence that threatens those he loves, Battle Beast searches the universe for the one warrior mightier than him…so that he may die before harming anyone else. But even in a universe of mighty Viltrumites like Invincible and Omni-Man, it seems that no one may be able to stop the galaxy’s deadliest warrior…unless he does the unthinkable.
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