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Invincible returns to comics after 8 years with the original creative team reunited. Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley launch Invincible Universe: Battle Beast this April, reviving the beloved superhero saga that captivated readers for 15 years. The prequel series centers on the galaxy’s deadliest warrior, filling a massive gap in the franchise.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: April 16, 2025 in comic shops nationwide
- Creative Team: Robert Kirkman (writer) and Ryan Ottley (artist) reunite
- Series Gap: 7 years since original Invincible ended in 2018
- Fan Demand: Battle Beast is the most requested story in Invincible history
A Triumphant Return from Eight-Year Silence
Invincible Comics ended its historic run in February 2018 with issue #144, concluding a 15-year journey that redefined superhero storytelling. The original series ran 146 issues and spawned multiple spinoffs and crossovers, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Now, Kirkman and Ottley are breaking the silence with Battle Beast, a prequel that reveals untold secrets.
The return comes after massive success of the Prime Video animated series, which reached audiences in over 240 countries. Three seasons have earned Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes and won the Golden Tomato Award for Best Animated Series in 2023. The fourth and final season premieres April 30, 2026 on Prime Video.
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Meet Battle Beast: The Universe’s Most Feared Warrior
Battle Beast debuted in Invincible issue #19 nearly two decades ago, created by Kirkman and Ottley. The intergalactic fighter from the planet Kregg became an instant fan favorite, commanding such presence that readers debated his survival throughout the series. Ottley recalls, “I wasn’t sure if he’d be a big character or die a terrible gory death.”
This new series fills the massive narrative gap between issues #19 and #55 of the original Invincible run. Battle Beast searches the universe for one warrior mightier than him, cursed with an unquenchable thirst for violence that threatens those he loves. The question haunts him: can he find someone strong enough to end him before he destroys everyone close to him?
Why Fans Have Demanded This Story for Years
Robert Kirkman stated, “Longtime fans will know there’s a massive gap in Battle Beast’s appearances…There’s a lot of story to tell.” Fan forums and communities have been literally begging for this series since 2018, making it the most requested Invincible story ever published. Ben Abernathy, Executive Editor at Skybound, noted: “Fans have been literally begging for this series for years.”
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | April 16, 2025 |
| Publisher | Image Comics/Skybound |
| Price | $3.99 |
| Platforms | Comic shops, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play |
“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.”
— Ryan Ottley, Artist and Co-Creator
A Revolutionary Blind Bag Cover Program Never Done Before
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 features a first-of-its-kind blind bag program offering fans a chance to get any cover from A through I. Rare surprise covers might include entirely different characters from the Invincible universe, creating unprecedented collectibility. The program generates excitement and replay value for comic shop purchases nationwide.
Kirkman shared his creative process: “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!” This revival marks his return to the creator-owned comics that built his legacy.
Will This Epic Prequel Revive the Entire Invincible Universe?
The debut of Battle Beast launches April 16, 2025, just weeks after Invincible Season 3 concludes on Prime Video March 13. This perfectly timed release positions the comic series to capture momentum from the streaming show’s massive audience. Issue #7 released March 18, 2026, confirming the series’ ongoing success and reader demand.
Skybound has teased additional Invincible Universe announcements at upcoming comic conventions, suggesting bigger plans for the franchise. New omnibus collections and remastered editions are already hitting shelves, signaling a full-scale revival. The question now becomes: can Battle Beast reignite the entire Invincible universe and prove superhero comics still have epic stories to tell?
Sources
- Image Comics – Official press release announcing Invincible Universe: Battle Beast by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley
- Skybound Entertainment – Creator statements and series development information
- Screen Rant – Analysis of the new Invincible comic canon and creative team reunion
