INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE: BATTLE BEAST #5 – THE INSATIABLE BEAST WITHIN

A Bloody Glorious issue of Battle Beast #5 arrives this week and opens with a vestige from our beloved Invincible Universe – a pair of killer brothers. This time, we meet Juggernaut and Colossus.

But what is their mission, why are they invading this new world, and how will Battle Beast factor in?

We also learn more about the background of Prince Salaka and his past cowardice. Will he and Beast make amends for what happened to his kingdom, to his parents?

And the question from most fans – will Beast ever meet his demise in glorious battle?? Only time will tell!

Creative Team:

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Ryan Ottley

Color Artist: Annalisa Leoni

Letters: Rus Wooton

Publisher: IMAGE COMICS/SKYBOUND ENT

The Art:

Ottley is a master artist, and this issue truly shows that. The backstory of Salaka is one of redemption … or at least we hope, but his past is absolutely humiliating, and this is told through Ottley’s art.

The looks on the Prince’s face as his kingdom is ravaged and he sees his dead parents, who pass on their legacy to him, while he continues to do nothing to save his kingdom.

Meanwhile, the contrast of Battle Beast and his lack of fear and constant cravings for battle give Ottley the ability to truly show off.

In panels where you learn a major character’s motivations, it’s not just the dialogue that matters, but the art, the faces, the eyes – those are the things that truly connect with a reader!

READ MORE: “INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE: BATTLE BEAST #4

The Writing:

What can I say about Kirkman that hasn’t already been said? The man knows how to tell a story like no other.

We learn about Salaka and his past here, but even more importantly, we learn about the never-ending pain Beast is in and his life parallel to that of a character like Darth Vader. His pain is constant, so is his need to feed.

The little dialogue where we hear the internal rumblings of the computer is where Kirkman does his best work, and I surmise where he, the man himself, gets to share his opinions within his creation.

I love comics that take us back and show a character’s true nature and Battle Beast #5 delivers.

Also the Yin and Yang of Beast and Salaka really bring home the balance in this issue.

Overall Grade: 10/10

The issue closes with such a promise of what’s to come, and it truly is a glorious battle between Juggernaut and Beast. It’s the kind of ending we expect from such a series, but also – I NEED ISSUE #6 NOW!!!