Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley are bringing us back to the Invincible Universe with a new comic book starring Battle Beast. In a franchise filled with standout characters Battle Beast was certainly one of those characters that could’ve carried their own comic book. Now we are going to see just that with this new series set in the Invincible Universe. The fact that Kirkman and Ottley are reuniting for this series is enough to sell how big of a deal this is. We got the chance to check out an early copy of Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Ryan Ottley
Colorist: Annalisa Leoni
Letterer: Rus Wooton
INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE: BATTLE BEAST #1 SOLICITATION
“Cursed with an unquenchable thirst for violence, BATTLE BEAST searches the universe for the one warrior mightier than him—and a glorious death his only reward.
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.
Superstars ROBERT KIRKMAN and RYAN OTTLEY present the most demanded INVINCIBLE story of all time, revealing the secret story of Battle Beast that’s perfect for any long-time fan (no spoilers!) and new readers alike.” – Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics
REVIEW
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 is exactly what it needed to be. There is no confusion about this starring a superhero character. This is a story about a brutal, battle-hungry warrior in search of other warriors that can truly test him. The confidence in the direction radiates from the very start that reminds the reader why Battle Beast made such a big impact when he debuted.
Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley chemistry is unmatched. While reading Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 they nail how to make every page and panel have some sort of impact. Whether it is the epic cosmic scope to the brutal way Battle Beast speaks and acts, everything has an impact of a big punch. It exemplifies why he was a character you were immediately drawn to when he debuted.
Everything about this comic book speaks to how Battle Beast is on a never ending journey to find someone to challenge him. That is where Ottley’s artwork in particular shines. The way Battle Beast fights speaks to his nature of finding someone that can give him a real contest. The brutal way he kills every opponent has a rage to it that speaks to his frustration no one he has come across has challenged him. Which goes back to how he left Earth in his first appearance, unsatisfied with how easily he defeated Invincible and the Guardians of the Globe.
The brutal way Battle Beast fights makes the silent moments work even better. They are these moments of serenity that allow you to take in the cosmic scope of Battle Beast’s journey. While brief they work as effective compliments to the loud action sequences that fill this comic book.
How Ottley’s artwork shines throughout this comic book is also a credit to Kirkman’s writing. Kirkman knows what the star of the show is for this comic book. The writing reflects that all the dialogue enhances the action being taken. When Battle Beast or his opponents talk, they are all in reaction to what we see going on every page. It is a cool creative balance that drives home why this comic book is must-read.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is truly impressive seeing how Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley do not miss a beat with their work on Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1. This comic book hit on the feeling of returning to a universe the reader missed experiencing. Opening the comic book with the impactful way Battle Beast made his debut drove home exactly what kind of experience this would be. And that experience is one to not miss out on for Invincible fans.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
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