Writer Robert Kirkman and artist Ryan Ottley reunited to launch the prequel comedian sequence Invincible Universe: Battle Beast on April 16, 2025, ending an eight-year hiatus for the franchise’s authentic inventive crew. The new publication from Skybound and Image Comics focuses on the backstory of the galaxy’s most formidable warrior.
The return of the comedian e-book property follows the conclusion of the unique 144-issue run in February 2018. According to Art Threat, the debut of the prequel was timed to leverage the success of the Prime Video animated adaptation, which concludes its fourth season on April 30, 2026.
The narrative explores the interval between points #19 and #55 of the first sequence. The plot follows Battle Beast, a personality from the planet Kregg, as he traverses the cosmos searching for a combatant able to defeating him in battle.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 16, 2025 |
| Publisher | Image Comics/Skybound |
| Price | $3.99 |
| Platforms | Comic retailers, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play |
Artist Ryan Ottley expressed shock concerning the long-term recognition of the character, noting the character’s preliminary debut almost 20 years in the past.
“I wasn’t sure if he’d be a big character or die a terrible gory death.” acknowledged Ryan Ottley, Artist.
Ottley indicated that the collaboration with Kirkman supplied a most well-liked inventive outlet following their earlier 15-year tenure on the unique title.
“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. I haven’t had this much fun since Invincible.” acknowledged Ryan Ottley, Artist.
Robert Kirkman addressed the need of the prequel by highlighting particular chronological gaps within the present lore of the franchise.
“Longtime fans will know there’s a massive gap in Battle Beast’s appearances…There’s a lot of story to tell.” acknowledged Robert Kirkman, Writer.
Kirkman additional famous that his involvement with the animated adaptation of the sequence served as a catalyst for returning to the unique medium.
“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!” acknowledged Robert Kirkman, Writer.
Executive Editor at Skybound, Ben Abernathy, confirmed that the venture was a direct response to constant requests from the readership for the reason that authentic sequence concluded.
“Fans have been literally begging for this series for years.” acknowledged Ben Abernathy, Executive Editor at Skybound.
The launch incorporates a blind bag cowl program, a primary for the franchise, which incorporates uncommon variant covers labeled A via I. Skybound has indicated that additional franchise expansions can be introduced at upcoming comedian conventions as new omnibus collections attain retail cabinets.
