Robert Kirkman’s Invincible spin-off, Battle Beast, has quickly proven to be one of the biggest comic book releases of the year, and now publishers Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment have announced that the debut issue is already completely sold out, and headed for a second printing, ahead of its release next week.

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1, written by Robert Kirkman, with art by Ryan Ottley, is the return to the Invincible franchise that fans have been clamoring for, especially since the animated adaptation of the original series has become a runaway success for Amazon Prime.

Fan enthusiasm for the new comic shows in the sales figures, as Battle Beast has already sold over 400,000 copies, necessitating a second printing of the first issue in order to keep up with demand.

The First Issue Of "Battle Beast" Goes To A Second Printing As It Sells Nearly Half A Million Copies

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1; Written By Robert Kirkman; Art By Ryan Ottley; First Printing Available May 14, 2025 From Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment

Battle Beast reunites Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley, the main creative forces behind Invincible, returning them to the world of the popular franchise for the first time since the flagship title concluded its run. With the Invincible adaptation currently in production on its third season, the series is more popular than ever, and if that weren't already clear, the wild success of Battle Beast #1 is the latest emphatic reminder. Kirkman himself described the sales for the issue as nothing short of "absolutely bonkers."

As the author stated:

I can’t decide which is more shocking, the fact that we sold nearly 400,000 copies of our first issue or the fact that we’re rushing back to print so soon! It’s absolutely bonkers. Battle Beast is a character near and dear to my heart and the story Ryan and I are telling in this series will expand readers’ understanding of him in some very unique and intriguing ways. It’s great to know it’s going to be enjoyed by so many people!

The character of Battle Beast was introduced in Invincible #19, and proved to be one of the franchise's most enduring and engaging characters. Now, the character has charmed a new generation of fans with his animated appearance, and as such, it is a no-brainer that he would be among the top candidates for a spin-off series. That decision has more than paid dividends before the first issue has even been released, selling out its first printing with easy and demanding a second.

Expect More "Invincible" Comic Spin-Offs Sooner Rather Than Later, Thanks To Battle Beast's Success

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1; Second Printing Available June 11, 2025

Readers who did not pre-order a copy of Battle Beast #1, but are eager to get their hands on it, will have to wait an extra month until the second printing arrives in June. However, it will be worth the wait, as the follow-up printing will ship with three additional variant covers, including one from co-creator Ryan Ottley himself, as well as Jason Howard and Ryan Sook. Each of these covers is a stunning portrait of Battle Beast in action, as is the case with the variants from the original printing.

Readers have been asking for the franchise to expand for years now, and with Invincible Universe: Battle Beast this is finally happening.

Anticipation among Invincible fans for Battle Beast is at an all-time high, and if there were any doubts about expecting more Invincible spin-offs in the future, this should assuage them. Readers have been asking for the franchise to expand for years now, and with Invincible Universe: Battle Beast this is finally happening, and the results are already exceeding expectations; fans should feel confident that there will be more new Invincible comics coming in the years ahead, as the franchise continues to rapidly grow in popularity.

Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 will be available May 14, 2025 from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment.