INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE: BATTLE BEAST #9 (SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT/IMAGE COMICS)

After dispatching Juggernaut & Colossus, Battle Beast is not quite satiated. His appetite for legendary battles and his ultimate death is not quenched. King Salaka, however, would like to keep his friend Battle Beast around as he fears that there are some who are against him in Fantania.

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #9 – Written By Robert Kirkman – Art By Ryan Ottley - Colors By Annalisa Leoni – Letters By Rus Wooton - Published By Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics

Credit: Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

After slaying Juggernaut & Colossus, Battle Beast feasts on their carcass’s well King Salaka regains his rightful spot as King of Fantania. However, the King has some enemies that need to be kept at bay, and thankfully he has his friend Battle Beast to squash those that dare go against him. Unfortunately for Salaka, Battle Beast wants to leave Fantania and continue on his quest for epic battles and his death. King Salaka convinces him to stay longer and hunt the massive creatures that may try and destroy his newly rebuilt planet. But before Battle Beast embarks on that journey, a new challenger to the planet of Fantania has arrived.

WRITING:

This issue takes a step back from the gratuitous action and violence of the last issue but still brings a lot to the story. Robert Kirkman may have pulled back on the action but makes up for it with some great world building storytelling. The set up for the internal conflict in Fantania, as well as the new external threat really set up where this story will go in the subsequent issues. Kirkman uses this issue as a bridge but makes it all flow together and keeps the reader entertained. Although this issue lacks flashy action scenes, it never feels like a filler issue and delivers some good laughs and plot elements.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue is striking and vividly realized. Ryan Ottley excels in every panel, from memorable character designs to rich backgrounds that draw readers into the world. The fight scenes are intensely rendered, with graphic violence and plenty of gore that heighten the issue’s impact. Annalisa Leoni’s colors elevate the visuals even further, reinforcing the mood and making each page feel dynamic and alive.

Check Out My Review of BATTLE BEAST #8

Final Thoughts:

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #9 brings some great set up for where the series is going with this arc. Finishing off the threats of the first arc, well introducing us to the possible threats that lie ahead. If you are hesitant about reading this series, this is a good spot to dip your toes in and give it a shot. Pick up a copy at the LCS and see what the hype is all about.

FINAL GRADE: 8.3/10

Let me know your thoughts on Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #9 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!