Tag Archives: invincible universe: battle beast

Treachery Brews Within Battle Beast’s Ranks in Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley

Posted on by

Skybound and Image Comics have revealed interior pages and the lineup of variant covers for Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3, the next chapter of the bestselling new comic book series of the year from the the longtime Invincible creative team. The next issue of the blood-soaked, record-breaking new series from co-creator/writer Robert Kirkman and co-creator/artist Ryan Ottley will be available at comic shops on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. 

The crew’s journey leads them to the planet Fantania, a world ruled by a feared warlord. Fueled by bloodlust, Battle Beast yearns for an equal opponent. Will this clash grant him the glorious death he’s been chasing? 

Also, hidden among Battle Beast’s inner circle, a betrayal begins to brew… 

In addition to the main cover by Ryan Ottley and series colorist Annalisa Leoni, the variant covers for Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 include an open to order cover by David Nakayama, the continuation of the 1:10 incentive connecting cover series by E.J. Su, a 1:25 incentive variant by Tonči Zonjić a 1:50 incentive variant by Liam Sharp, and a 1:100 incentive variant by Simon Bisley.  

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3

The full list of covers is below:  

  • Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 Cover A by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni (Lunar Code: 0425IM362)  
  • Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 Cover B by David Nakayama (Lunar Code: 0425IM363) 
  • Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 Cover C (1:10 Incentive) (Connecting) by E.J. Su (Lunar Code: 0425IM364) 
  • Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 Cover D (1:25 Incentive) by Tonči Zonjić (Lunar Code: 0425IM365) 
  • Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 Cover E (1:50 Incentive) by Liam Sharp (Lunar Code: 0425IM366) 
  • Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #3 Cover F (1:100 Incentive) by Simon Bisley (Lunar Code: 0425IM367)

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #2 has its moments but is for the Invincible fans

Posted on by
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #2

Battle Beast has entered the Blood Games. This is bad news…but not for him. Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #2 continues more of the same from the first issue and it shows off the biggest flaw in the series.

Written by Robert Kirkman, Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #2‘s concept is simple, its main character wants to meet competition that will kill him. There’s something potentially fun with that concept but the series hasn’t really found its groove to deliver on that. Battle Beast is joined by a ship navigation system that wants to help him meet is fate his death, and a victim who’s still alive. Again, there’s potential and there’s moments where the trio are entertaining. But, the second issue never really delivers even a hint anyone is a challenge for Battle Beast. It focuses on setting up the quest further and also puts forward an obstacle in that quest. It feels like the first and second issue deliver an actual complete story if read together. On their own, it feels a bit empty with a good concept that’s doesn’t go to its comedic extremes.

Ryan Ottley‘s art is the highlight of the series so far. It revels in the absurdity of it all. There’s blood splattering all over as Battle Beast… well, battles. The battles are a bit crazy in the details with the gore and blood and it has fun with the concept. And, Ottley’s art hits a lot of the comedic aspects with a look, body language, or small detail. But, the comic overall feels like it should be leaning into the absurd even more and could be taking things to an even more extreme. The kinetic aspect of the visuals never pop as much as they could. Annalisa Leoni‘s color helps the visuals, especially the blood splattering all over. Rus Wooton‘s lettering is always great, though there’s one misspelling early on.

Kirkman and Ottley have crafted a comic that plays to the Invincible fandom. I don’t count myself among them, having only read some issues here and there. So there is surely interesting aspects I’m not aware of and details that don’t really click or excite. And, maybe that’s some of the fun I’m missing out on. Overall, the comic doesn’t feel like it goes far enough in its death quest and is dialed in at under 10 when it should be 11.

It’s not that Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #2 is a bad comic. It has really entertaining parts. Where the series suffers is that while the main characters wants to die, he can’t, or the series would end. It doesn’t feel like there’s a real chance that will happen as there’s a next issue. But also, here’s a need to continually ramp up the competition. Escalation is the name of the game here and this issue, while setting up a conflict, doesn’t really throw in anything that feels like Battle Beast might have a hard time. The thrill is in the battle and the chance the main character will die but at no times really delivers that or spectacle to distract.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Ryan Ottley
Color: Annalisa Leoni Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Skybound announces that Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 is getting a Third Printing!

Posted on by

Skybound and Image Comics have announced that the record-breaking Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1, which has sold over 400,000 copies worldwide, has again sold out at the distributor level before a new printing debuts and will return with a third printing to meet the unrivaled demand. 

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 reunites the game-changing Invincible team of co-creator/writer Robert Kirkman and co-creator/artist Ryan Ottley for the first time since 2018. 

Even with a massive second printing of this sold-out debut, fan demand has resulted in an immediate sell out and rush return of Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 with a new cover by Tom Reilly, artist of the history-making G.I. JOE series from Skybound. 

Perfect for longtime fans and new readers alike, this new series has broken comic industry sales records by revealing the secret story of crowd favorite Battle Beast in what is the most demanded Invincible story of all time! 

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. 

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 Third Printing (Lunar Code Below | SRP: $3.99) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.  Check out our review of the first issue.

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 Third Printing

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 gets the team back together

Posted on by
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1

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. Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 gives us a power being on a suicide mission that fans of Invincible will enjoy.

I’ve read some of Invincible and know the general idea and twists, but I haven’t read every issue so my familiarity of Battle Beast is slim. But, it’s a comic written by Robert Kirkman with art by Ryan Ottley so I was interesting in checking out the debut issue. Overall, the comic is entertaining and shows potential but it doesn’t quite have the hook or connection I remember from reading Invincible the first time. As a spin-off, it feels like it has issues with other spin-offs in that you really need to be invested in the character and world already. New readers, which I’d consider myself, won’t know the history and background and no real opinion on the character.

The concept is really simple, the character loves battle and constantly trying to fight those stronger than him but he’s tired and wants to end it but that only happens in death. We’re not talking rocket science and while the first battle in this comic is entertaining, it’s still not something that feels like it’ll really win anyone over that wasn’t already interested in the series.

Ottley’s art is solid as expected delivering an epic feel to the battle with his signature style. With color by Annalisa Leoni and lettering by Rus Wooton the comic looks solid like it’s been no time at all since Invincible wrapped up its original run. The comic looks like that series as well as the numerous tie-ins and spin-offs. The battle is fierce and there’s a humor Ottley’s art delivers with how serious Battle Beast is and the small details Ottley adds.

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 isn’t bad in any way, it’s quite entertaining. But, the first issue doesn’t suck you in enough or build upon its rather simple plot. Invincible fans will love diving back into the series while new readers will be left saying, “that’s it?”. We’ll see what future issues bring but as such a high profile debut, it feels like a tie-in comic from the past offering nothing new or exciting.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Ryan Ottley
Color: Annalisa Leoni Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.6 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Kindle

Preview: Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1

Posted on by

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1

(W) Robert Kirkman (A/CA) Ryan Ottley, Annalisa Leoni
In Shops: Apr 23, 2025
SRP: $3.99

Series Premiere. The best new (not quite a) super-hero series in the universe! 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. COVER C Blind Bag: This is a first-of-its-kind blind bag program. The blind bags will include a chance to get any of the solicited covers from A through I. However, there are rare SURPRISE issues that may or may not be related to Battle Beast or the Invincible Universe that can be found in these blind bags. Those surprise issues will not be publicly announced in advance of the issue release.

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1

Skybound and Image unveils surprises in the Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 Blind Bag

Posted on by

Skybound and Image Comics have revealed the full contents of the groundbreaking Blind Bag program for the record-breaking Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1,  from co-creator/writer Robert Kirkman and co-creator/artist Ryan Ottley, reuniting the longtime Invincible creative team for the first time since 2018. The debut issue of this new series is on sale Wednesday, May 14 at comic book shops. 

While fans already knew that Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 featured a first-of-its-kind blind bag program that allows readers a chance to get ANY of the solicited covers from A through I, today they learned there were not one, not two, but THREE intermixed secret covers including: 

  • A new printing of Invincible #19, the first appearance of Battle Beast! 
  • A special advance edition of Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #2, allowing fans to read the next shocking issue in its entirety 
  • And, in partnership with Marvel Comics, a reprint of Marvel Team-Up #14, the historic first meeting of Invincible and Spider-Man—and features art by Invincible co-creator Cory Walker! 

Even with nearly 400,000 copies ordered by fans worldwide, Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 sold out at the distributor level well in advance of today’s release. A new printing will be released in June and feature three new covers by superstars Ryan Ottley, Jason Howard, and Ryan Sook. 

Perfect for longtime fans and new readers alike, the new ongoing series promises to reveal the secret story of crowd favorite Battle Beast in what is the most demanded Invincible story of all time! 

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. 

The full list of covers is below:  

  • Battle Beast #1 Cover A by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni (Lunar Code: 0125IM287) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover B by David Finch (Lunar Code: 0125IM288) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover C Blind Bag: Various (Lunar Code: 0125IM289) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover D (1:10 Incentive) (Connecting) by E.J. Su (Lunar Code: 0125IM290) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover E (1:25 Incentive) by Kael Ngu (Lunar Code: 0125IM291) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover F (1:50 Incentive) by Arthur Adams & Tanya Lehoux (Lunar Code: 0125IM292) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover G (1:100 Incentive) (Foil) by Jonboy Meyers (Lunar Code: 0125IM293) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover H (1:1000 CGC Signed/Graded) (Foil) by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni (Lunar Code: 0125IM294) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover I Blank Sketch Cover (Lunar Code: 0125IM295) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover J (Battle Beast Die Cut Mask Cover) (Foil) ($4.99) by Ryan Ottley, Andres Juarez & Annalisa Leoni (Lunar Code: 0125IM296) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover K (1:2000 Ryan Ottley Original Art Sketch Cover) by Ryan Ottley (Lunar Code: 0125IM297) 

And fans can pre-order copies of Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 Second Printing (Lunar Codes Below | SRP: $3.99), which will hit comic shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. 

  • Battle Beast #1 Second Printing Cover A by Ryan Ottley (Lunar Code: 0125IM940) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Second Printing Cover B by Jason Howard (Lunar Code: 0125IM941) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Second Printing Cover C by Ryan Sook (Lunar Code: 0125IM942)

Skybound and Image unveil Variants for Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley

Posted on by

Skybound and Image Comics have revealed the stacked lineup of variant covers for the all-new Invincible Universe series Battle Beast #1, which reunites the longtime Invincible creative team of co-creator/writer Robert Kirkman and contributing creator/artist Ryan Ottley, who first created the fan-favorite character together nearly two decades ago.  

Perfect for longtime fans and new readers alike, the new ongoing series promises to reveal the secret story of crowd favorite Battle Beast in what is the most demanded Invincible story of all time, in the first-ever Battle Beast series. The debut issue will be available in comic book shops April 23, 2025. 

In addition to the main cover by Ryan Ottley and series colorist Annalisa Leoni, the first issue’s variant cover lineup includes an open to order cover by David Finch and incentive variant covers by E.J. Su, Kael Ngu, Arthur Adams, and Jonboy Meyers. Additionally, the program includes a 1:1000 incentive CGC signed/graded foil version of Ottley’s main cover, a Battle Beast die cut mask foil cover by Ottley & Leoni, and a very special 1:2000 Ottley Original Art Sketch Cover. 

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 also features a first-of-its-kind blind bag program that allows fans a chance to get ANY of the solicited covers from A through I. However, there are rare SURPRISE comics related to Battle Beast or the Invincible Universe that can be found in these blind bags. Those SURPRISE comics will not be publicly announced in advance of the issue release. 

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. 

The full list of covers is below:  

  • Battle Beast #1 Cover A by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni (Lunar Code: 0125IM287) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover B by David Finch (Lunar Code: 0125IM288) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover C Blind Bag: Various (Lunar Code: 0125IM289) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover D (1:10 Incentive) by E.J. Su (Lunar Code: 0125IM290) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover E (1:25 Incentive) by Kael Ngu (Lunar Code: 0125IM291) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover F (1:50 Incentive) by Arthur Adams (Lunar Code: 0125IM292) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover G (1:100 Incentive) (Foil) by Jonboy Meyers (Lunar Code: 0125IM293) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover H (1:1000 CGC Signed/Graded) (Foil) by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni (Lunar Code: 0125IM294) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover I Blank Sketch Cover (Lunar Code: 0125IM295) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover J (Battle Beast Die Cut Mask Cover) (Foil) ($4.99) by Ryan Ottley, Andres Juarez & Annalisa Leoni (Lunar Code: 0125IM296) 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover K (1:2000 Ryan Ottley Original Art Sketch Cover) by Ryan Ottley (Lunar Code: 0125IM297) 

New Invincible Comics Are Coming! Skybound and Image Announce Invincible Universe: Battle Beast by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley

Posted on by

Skybound and Image Comics announced the all-new Invincible Universe series Battle Beast, which reunites the longtime Invincible creative team of co-creator/writer Robert Kirkman and contributing creator/artist Ryan Ottley, who first created the fan-favorite character together nearly two decades ago. For the first time a new Invincible comic has been on shelves in seven years, the debut issue of the first-ever Battle Beast series will be available in comic book shops in April 2025.  

Perfect for longtime fans and new readers alike, the new ongoing series promises to reveal the secret story of crowd favorite Battle Beast in what is the most demanded Invincible story of all time.  

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. 

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 also features a first-of-its-kind blind bag program that allows fans a chance to get ANY of the solicited covers from A through I. However, there are rare SURPRISE comics that may or may not be related to Battle Beast or the Invincible Universe that can be found in these blind bags. Those SURPRISE comics will not be publicly announced in advance of the issue release. 

For fans with a thirst as unquenchable for Invincible content as Battle Beast’s is for violence, the new comic book series debuts the month after season 3 of the hit Prime Video series wraps.  

Battle Beast #1 (Lunar Codes Coming Soon | SRP: $3.99, unless otherwise noted) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. 

The full list of covers is below:  

  • Battle Beast #1 Cover A by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni  
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover B by David Finch  
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover C Blind Bag: Various  
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover D (1:10 Incentive) by E.J. Su 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover E (1:25 Incentive) by Kael Ngu  
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover F (1:50 Incentive) by Arthur Adams 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover G (1:100 Incentive) (Foil) by Jonboy Meyers  
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover H (1:1000 CGC Signed/Graded) (Foil) by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover I Blank Sketch Cover  
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover J (Battle Beast Die Cut Mask Cover) (Foil) ($4.99) by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni 
  • Battle Beast #1 Cover K (1:2000 Ryan Ottley Original Art Sketch Cover by Ryan Ottley  
Recent Entries »