The constant Battle Beast has gotten into in order to satiate his desire to find an opponent that can give him a worthy fight has delivered great action. Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley have not tried to make Battle Beast into something he is not. He is someone just looking for fights and that is all he needs to be to be a compelling character. We got the chance to check out an early copy of the next chapter in this series thanks to Skybound and Image Comics. Find out how Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #4 turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Ryan Ottley
Colorist: Annalisa Leoni
Letterer: Rus Wooton
INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE: BATTLE BEAST #4 SOLICITATION
“Battle Beast has arrived at Prince Salaka’s homeworld, but it may be more dangerous than the prince remembers…” – Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
HIGHLIGHTS OF INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE: BATTLE BEAST #4
Prince Salaka Perfect Partner To Balance Battle Beast
With how focused Battle Beast is on finding a worthy opponent he is a lead that needs a character to balance him out. Robert Kirkman has found that balance in Prince Salaka. Battle Beast and Prince Salaka are on two opposite ends of the spectrum in how they react to things that it works well. It most importantly enhances Battle Beast’s presentation as he doesn’t have to carry every page. There are moments where Prince Salaka is able to take the focus, which makes how Battle Beast reclaims the focus even better.
History of Prince Salaka’s Planet Rich with Potential
Speaking of Prince Salaka, spending an extended amount of time on his home planet does a lot to create a grander narrative for the series. Both the threat that Battle Beast and Prince Salaka face in this issue and the one built up for the future are well handled. It provides a natural way to make Prince Salaka’s narrative of reclaiming their throne with Battle Beast’s search for an opponent. Through it all we learn how much damage has been done to the planet with who is currently ruling it.
Battle Beast Heart Being Showcased
Due to the situation created in Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #4 the series lead is placed in a position we don’t normally see him in. This position created a greater focus on Battle Beast as a character. The range he shows throughout this issue gives greater depth to the character. It helps develop Battle Beast as someone with the potential to not just have mini-series comics but a genuine ongoing series.
Ryan Ottley Artwork Gives Personality to the Story
Ryan Ottley’s artwork has been a highlight of Invincible Universe: Battle Beast thus far. This fourth issue was no different. But whereas in the previous three issues it was the action that stood out, it was a different situation here. A great focus was on how the character reactions and movements told the story. Ottley artwork does a fantastic job with this type of storytelling. The danger that Battle Beast and Prince Salaka are comes across every panel.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE: BATTLE BEAST #4
Chapter Has Side Mission Feel
For as great as all the character storytelling is there are moments that make this issue feel like a filler issue. There is a vibe of a filler episode from an anime that can’t be escaped. Though this is certainly a quality filler with a lot of work done for Prince Salaka. Though some may see this as keeping us from seeing more kick ass Battle Beast action.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #4 is a great mythology building issue. Battle Beast and Prince Salaka balance each other well. The way they compliment each other enhances the dangerous situation they end up finding themselves. It all works to build up the anticipation for the next big fight Battle Beast will get into.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
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