Image Comics reviews 8-19-26 – GI Joe 25, Redcoat 19
Invincible Universe Battle Beast 12
The level of absurdity with this issue can’t be overstated, but is every bit as wildly fun as you’d imagine.
It’s pretty safe to say this will be the only issue all year that features one character munching on his foe’s intensities while that character is punching his hand through the other’s chest.
Worried that the Battle Beast vs Conquest fight was going to disappoint? No chance. Writer Robert Kirkman has been happy to let this onslaught play out with a full healing of carnage, bone and teeth flying and intestines falling out. There’s not a ton of dialogue here, but Kirkman does more with less.
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Artist Ryan Ottley handles the bulk of the work crafting this onslaught of violence while keeping the punches, kicks, slashes and bites from feeling repetitive. Colorist Annalisa Leoni has some of the most challenging work in creating some leve@: to the bloodshed and finding pockets on the panels that aren’t awash with blood to provide some contrast. Rus Wooton provides plenty of playful and creative sound effects as the combat unfolds.
How will this story arc end? Great question. It feels like calling it a draw might be the only solution but after Conquest, who could pose a legitimate threat to Battle Beast?
Rating: 9.5 out of 10