The original creators ofInvincibleare making their long-awaited return to comics with a prequel spinoff centered on one of the series' most powerful and iconic villains— a fan favorite whose power rivals evenThanoshimself. WithInvincibleenjoying a major resurgence thanks to its hit animated series on Prime Video, the timing of this new comic announcement couldn’t be more perfect.
Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley are returning to theirInvinciblelegacy withInvincible Universe: Battle Beast, a prequel series that, as the title promises, willspotlight Battle Beast—the fierce, honor-driven alien warrior from the planet Kregg, who became one of the most unforgettable villains and supporting characters in theInvincibleuniverse.
Set between issues #19 and #55 of the original series,Invincible Universe: Battle Beastwill reveal what Battle Beast was up to during the long stretch of his absence.Issue #1 of the new series drops in April 2025, but fans can get a taste of what’s to come with the preview above.
Battle Beast Headline’s the Next Chapter of Storytelling in theInvincibleUniverse
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast#1 by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley Will Release in April 2025
WithInvincible Universe: Battle Beastset to expand on BB’s untold story, fans can expectthe narrative to center around his ongoing quest to uphold the strict warrior code while searching for an opponent strong enough to kill him, all while sparing his loved ones from the endless cycle of violence that defines his life. Image Comics teases that Battle Beast will be forced to consider an unthinkable solution to this problem, promising a deeper exploration of BB’s character and subjecting him to new trials and tribulations. Despite the limited details so far, it’s already clear that this series is a must-read for Battle Beast diehards and anyone looking to dive into theInvincibleUniverse.
Along with a hard-hitting, character-defining story from Kirkman and stunning artwork by Ottley, fans can also look forward to variant covers from esteemed artists like Kael Ngu, Arthur Adams, David Finch, E.J. Su, and Jonboy Meyers, who will lend their talents to the first issue. Adding to the excitement,fans will have the chance to purchase blind bag versions of the first issue, which will feature one of the variant covers at random and include a bonus mystery comic.It’s clear that Image Comics is going all out for this series launch, signaling their confidence thatInvincible Universe: Battle Beastwill be a hit with readers.
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Kirkman & Ottley Chose the Perfect Character to Expand theInvincibleUniverse
Battle Beast First Appeared in Comics inInvincible#19 (2004)
Invincible is known for its wide cast of characters, giving Kirkman and Ottley plenty of spinoff options to choose from. However, there’s no denying that their decision to delve deeper into Battle Beast was the right one. Initially, this character, whose fate was unknown, could have easily been a one-off, inconsequential figure destined for a quick and brutal end. But, as Ottley laments,“Battle Beast became a fan-favorite and lived to tell a larger tale!”As one of the most powerful and complex characters in theInvincibleUniverse, fans will undoubtedly celebrate his return in his own solo series.
Robert Kirkman: “What can I say? I just can’t get enough of the Invincible Universe! Moving from the comic series directly to the animated series, I haven’t really had a break. That said, while adapting the series to animation, I’ve been itching to do something new! Longtime fans will know there’s a massive gap in Battle Beast’s appearances in the series between Invincible issue 19 and issue 55. There’s a lot of story to tell and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Battle Beast co-creator Ryan Ottley on board to tell it with me!”
Ryan Ottley: “When Robert and I first created Battle Beast way back in Invincible issue #19 as a way to increase Invincible’s Rogues gallery, I wasn’t sure if he’d be a big character who’d come back throughout the series, or a character who’d die a terrible gory death right away. Robert always kept me and the readers on our toes, he could command a death at any moment, and you know I’d always jump at the chance to carry out the visual execution! Luckily, Battle Beast became a fan-favorite and lived to tell a larger tale! It’s amazing to be working with Robert again in the Invincible Universe. A while ago I was telling him I wasn’t sure what project to do next, and when he mentioned us doing a Battle Beast series together, I jumped at the idea of being back on a creator-owned book, enlarging the Invincible Universe even more! I’m really happy to be back at Image Comics and Skybound, and can’t wait for you to see the story we are fleshing out in this series! I haven’t had this much fun since Invincible!”
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1will be released in April 2025 by Image Comics!
