Beyond the Book: Skybound’s Must-Have Media Tie-Ins
Skybound Entertainment is bringing the action—and the monsters and superheroes, too. The L.A.-based multimedia content company— which is helmed by Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead and Invincible comic series—is known for his prowess in adapting beloved characters (Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula) and building global franchises that spark pop culture con versations. In conjunction with Image Comics and Universal Products & Experiences, Skybound publishes work that is part of a wide cross-channel universe including toys, games, TV series, lms, and audio series. Skybound is now rolling out a new collection of comic book adventures for its legions of fans, with tales about the Wolf Man, the Bride of Frankenstein, the insatiable Battle Beast, and the spirited and unpredictable agents of M.A.S.K. (aka the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand).
Battle Beast
One of Skybound’s biggest recent publishing events is the release of Invincible Universe: Battle Beast Vol. 1, the first-ever Battle Beast series, written by Kirkman and illustrated by Ryan Ottley and colorist Annalisa Leoni. Invincible, an already successful comic series with multiple spinos, has branched o into animation and video games, and inspired the hit animated series Invincible on Prime Video, where Battle Beast makes appearances. Battle Beast is one of the most successful original IP launches for Skybound. The character is part of the main roster lineup for PlayStation’s Invincible VS video game. In Vol. 1, Battle Beast displays an “unquenchable thirst for violence” that threatens to destroy those he loves most, and he’s looking for someone (or something) in the universe to stop him before he harms others. In Vol. 2, which hits shelves this October, Battle Beast, “the galaxy’s deadliest warrior,” continues his rampage of violence, and is still looking for someone to stop him. There have been many challengers—but no winners yet, and not for a lack of trying.
M.A.S.K.
The studio also recently launched the new M.A.S.K. comic book series, created by Dan Watters, Pye Parr, and Pierluigi Casolino, that’s based on a property that started out as a toy line in the 1980s. M.A.S.K. is a collaboration between Skybound and Hasbro, and part of the popular Energon Universe, which also includes G.I. JOE and Transformers. MASK #1 is billed as the next phase of the Energon Universe. It stars Matt Trakker and the members of M.A.S.K.— a network of specialists recruited to respond to the next global emergency. Trakker and his agents have the ability to use technology that converts their vehicles, and drivers, into high-speed weapons. The agents are pitted against V.E.N.O.M., a crew that’s taking part in a secret arms race and is bent on destruction. The Energon Universe has been a hit not only in the comics space but across Hasbro’s toy lines, with multiple Energon Universe characters or versions of characters being brough to life as toys. These include Transformers Studio Series EU Optimus Prime, which will hit stores in October.
Universal Monsters
Another jewel in Skybound’s crown is the Universal Monsters series—an extension of the iconic franchise of horror, sci-fi, and mystery films produced in the early 20th century by Universal Pictures that include The Mummy and The Phantom of the Opera. These legend ary monsters are a mainstay in the culture—so iconic that they inspired their own theme park: Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Fla., which opened in 2025.
Skybound is taking these beloved Universal Monsters properties and turning them into bestselling and coveted comics. Among the new releases in the Universal Monsters series is Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man by New York Times bestselling author Joshua Williamson (G.I. JOE, Superman) and artist Leomacs (Basketful of Heads, Rogues). The book is a “brutal reimagining” of Wolf Man for a new generation of horror enthusiasts. Based on the 1941 horror film, it stars Adam Jaeger, who wakes up after a college party with blood on his hands. There’s been a massacre, and he may be responsible. In 2027, Skybound is releasing Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives by Kelly Thompson and artist Mattia De Ilulis. The pair (Absolute Wonder Woman, The Cull) reunite to deliver this new horror series about one of horror’s most remarkable and volatile female leads, who was originally inspired by Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein. Made of stolen flesh and animated using electricity, the Bride is born into a world she doesn’t understand—and she’s not happy about it. Now she must find out who she is and how to survive, and all bets are o . The comic comes on the heels of the 2026 film The Bride!directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Skybound prides itself on being a creator-first studio. It has everything a comics fan needs—whether they’re into old school monsters, conflicted good guy warriors, or notorious villains. The Skybound universe is proving it has no limits.
Sponsored by Skybound Entertainment
A version of this article appeared in the 07/20/2026 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline:
