Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #7 – One Life Down, Eight to Go

After a brief hiatus, Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley’s Invincible Universe: Battle Beast has returned to local comic shops with a surprisingly laid-back issue that focuses more on developing its core cast than delivering the kind of big, pulp spectacle the series has become known for. The result is a satisfying catch-up, rife with both heart and humor, and it easily stands as my favorite issue thus far.

Now, being an issue centered on setting up the second half of this story, there isn’t much in the way of major beats to discuss. The team does a great job threading the coming threat of the Viltrumites, as well as the return of the Emsiu warriors as they lick their wounds. There’s an excellent scene of the people of the Fantanian Empire standing against the Juggernaut, which includes one of my favorite displays of facial expression illustrated by Ottley to date. These moments are equal parts comedic and menacing, revealing the kind of idiosyncratic mean streak that many of Kirkman’s Invincible villains have been defined by.

The true highlight of this issue, however, is seeing how Prince Salaka and the newly named Zoolah have changed as a result of their journey with Battle Beast. The Prince now stands tall with a newfound sense of bravery, while Zoolah has formed an identity outside of her programming. A ton of great comedy spins out of this, illustrated with excellent timing in both imagery and panel pacing. More importantly, it’s compelling to see Beast himself recognize these changes and begin to find new motivation in his pursuit of the Emsiu warriors.