Yet another challenge to the death has been survived by Battle Beast. With this survival, Prince Salaka has returned home to rule over his people. But things start to take unexpected turns leading to the arrival of an unexpected guest.
Creative Team
Robert Kirkman (Writer), Ryan Ottley (Artist/Main Cover), Annalisa Leoni (Colorist/Main Cover),
Rus Wooton (Letterer)
Ben Abernathy (Editor), Andres Juarez (Logo/Publication Designer), Jillian Crab (Production)
Publisher: Image Comics / Skybound
Unexpected Guest
Issue nine of Battle Beast brings readers right to the end of issue eight and the massive fight that was still taking place when the issue closed. Readers will finally see the end of that battle and how the story moves forward from there. Which entails a lot of story building for all of our characters involved.
Prince Salaka has returned home and reclaimed his rightful place on the throne. With that taking place, Battle Beast is ready to leave and continue his life’s mission. But things go amiss soon after. The technology on the planet is not advanced enough to get Battle Beast off world to continue his quest. Some time is needed and he is not thrilled about having to stay longer than necessary.
During Battle Beast’s short extended stay, King Salaka comes to his friend in hopes of his help with an issue. Battle Beast gleefully accepts so he can put a cork in the boredom he is swimming in while waiting to leave. It is during this portion of the story that readers are graced with the introduction of a character that has been teased ever since before the “break” took place.
The dialogue between Battle Beast and this “unexpected guest” is short and intimidating. Generating a buildup of Battle Beast’s next epic fight to the death. This is what readers have been waiting for, and you only get a few pages of teaser panels of them speaking to one another. But you can guarantee that issue ten, the battle begins!
The Writing
Robert Kirkham has returned after the short writing break with a fierce fire for this series. This issue sets up the most anticipated fight for Battle Beast since this series debuted. Readers will find that the plot grows at a decent pace while the narration and dialogue are very simplistic making this an easy read. Love where this story is potentially heading, but Robert could throw a wrench into this story…
The Artwork
Ryan Ottley and Annalisa Leoni continue to do an amazing job with this series. One of the major visuals within this issue are the two to three full spread pages of the castle of King Salaka. So many details that had to be drawn and then colored. This really displays the amount of skill these two artists have! As always, the pencil work and coloration for this story is nothing short of perfect. Love getting the newest issue to see what awaits!
Rus Wooton does a fantastic job distinguishing the various characters’ speech within this issue. Giving certain characters a totally different font and coloration of the speech bubble. As always, the placement from Rus is spot on to deliver the narrative but not take away from the art.
Variant Covers
Final Thoughts
Battle Beast overall has been a series that has not disappointed at all! This issue adds to that track record by setting up what could be two to three issues worth of a battle that fans of the Invincible Universe are ready to see. Great addition to the story and the art continues to add to the lore of Battle Beast. Readers will not want to miss out on this newest issue!
Grade: 10/10
Links
Comic Book Reviews & Entertainment News: Nerd Initiative
Previous Battle Beast Review: Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #8 – Two of A Kind
Travis’ NI Portfolio: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
Travis’ Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven
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