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
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