Battle Beast #1 Explodes with Cosmic Action

Seventeen years after his first appearance in Invincible, Battle Beast finally steps into the spotlight in a brutal, oversized debut that delivers on every level. Battle Beast #1, written by Robert Kirkman with art by Ryan Ottley, colors by Annalisa Leoni, and letters by Rus Wooton, marks the first new Invincible comic on shelves in seven years—and it was worth the wait.

This highly anticipated issue continues directly from Invincible #19 and includes the original short from Skybound X #25 to offer context for newer readers. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the comic series, someone who discovered Battle Beast through the Amazon Prime show, or brand new to this universe, this debut sets the tone for a cosmic saga filled with gore, grief, and glory.

Nerd Initiative’s own Editor-in-Chief Ken and Assistant Editor Marty weighed in with their takes on Battle Beast #1—and they didn’t hold back.

Writing: Kirkman’s Blood-Soaked Character Study

Marty:

Robert Kirkman knows his characters—and few have generated more fan demand than Battle Beast. In Battle Beast #1, he brings a layered complexity to a character who was once just a glorified gladiator. The setup is instantly compelling: cursed with an unstoppable thirst for combat, Battle Beast wanders the stars seeking a warrior strong enough to kill him.

It’s this moral contradiction that gives the issue real narrative weight. Yes, the fights are epic and the action is constant, but underneath it all is a story about identity, regret, and a desperate quest for redemption through death.

Kirkman laces the dialogue with sharp wit and a surprising amount of humor, especially in the exchanges between Battle Beast and the ship’s onboard AI. Think Invincible-style banter with the added grit of a war-weary anti-hero at the center. Longtime readers will appreciate how naturally this continues from previous Invincible canon, while newcomers won’t feel lost thanks to smart exposition and well-placed callbacks.

Ken:

Kirkman throws readers back into the battle with this debut story. The opening pages serve as a reminder of the dangerous threat Beast truly is. There is no remorse shown as his quest becomes unfulfilled. His banter with the ship computer provides some humorous aspects before delving into a new path. Once at this stage, events return to its violent form.

As his new combatant debuts, Beast shows his trademark confidence. Kirkman crafts the moments as the build to the bout locks readers in. Once the action starts, it never pauses for space. Readers watch as nothing is off limits in the battle. Beast does what he does best: fight. The resolution brings forth a fitting close. It also delivers a new wrinkle into plans. This locks in well with Beast’s mission. The writing wraps events up for now with a sense of what’s to come.

Art, Colors & Letters: A Masterclass in Mayhem

Marty:

Let’s be honest—nobody draws violence like Ryan Ottley, and this issue is proof of that in every single panel. His linework is relentless, visceral, and kinetic. Whether it’s bodies flying, jaws cracking, or weapons tearing through alien flesh, every moment feels massive. Ottley’s action choreography isn’t just intense—it’s artful.

The creature design are especially inspired—particularly our main adversary, an alien warrior that Battle Beast tears through with gruesome efficiency. This design highlight just how wild and imaginative this corner of the Invincible universe can be when let loose.

Annalisa Leoni’s colors crank everything up to 11. From the vibrant blood splatters to the rich cosmic landscapes, her palette gives the story emotional texture. The reds are deeper, the shadows heavier, and the lighting more dramatic—just what you want in a comic about an unstoppable killing machine with a soul.

Rus Wooton’s lettering keeps pace perfectly. He uses size, placement, and style to great effect—amplifying Battle Beast’s roars, emphasizing the ship’s dry AI commentary, and punctuating key blows in battle. It’s subtle, but it adds a pulse to the page that pushes the reading experience forward.

Ken:

Ottley and Leoni kick events off with a familiar scene. The half page carnage serves as a quick reminder of what Beast is all about. A full page shot of his ship in space spots a quick pause in the drama. Readers watch as it becomes short lived. Ottley delivers on a full page bloody scene before the quick origin starts. The moments are concluded with another great full page image. It’s a fitting transition stop before the detour in story begins.

A solid two page splash welcomes the latest challenge to Beast’s path. The attention to detail on its’ face works well to create the tense build. Readers watch as the threat comes into view via a near full page. At this stage, the art delivers on the brutal beginnings. There’s a full page of Beast breaking some teeth that feels like vintage Invincible. Pacing kicks into high gear as the action is flying off the panels. The fight ends with a striking full page blow delivered. Its’ resolution leaves readers with some surprises as the path of rage continues onward. Buckle in for a bloody good time.

Final Thoughts

Overall Grade: 9.4/10

Marty – 9.5/10:

Battle Beast #1 isn’t just another spin-off—it’s an essential expansion of the Invincible mythos. It dives into the tragedy of a character who could easily be written off as a one-note bruiser, and instead gives him heart, history, and a haunting curse. The book balances high-octane action with slow-burn character development, all wrapped in a gorgeously grotesque visual package.

For fans of Invincible—comic or show—this is a no-brainer. For newcomers, it’s a bloody gateway to one of the most exciting superhero universes in comics today. And for readers tired of cookie-cutter capes and tights, this comic is a welcome punch to the gut.

Battle Beast #1 is a ferocious debut that hits like a meteor and bleeds like a beast. Kirkman and Ottley have reunited to remind everyone that Invincible wasn’t just a fluke—it was the beginning of something bigger, bloodier, and even more brutal.

Want More Reviews From martystoked? Click HERE

Ken: 9.3/10

Battle Beast returns on his violent quest in a strong debut chapter. Kirkman brings out the inner age with the writing. Ottley and the art team leave nothing to chance with constructing the violence. A new era of Invincible ferociously begins and readers won’t want to miss this!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

Thanks for checking out our joint review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let us know what comics you’re reading and hit us up on any social media platform! Marty can be found here and Ken can be found here! Untill next time…