UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: THE INVISIBLE MAN #2 – New Comic Review

Universal Monsters: The Invisible Man #2, by Image Comics on 9/24/25, finds Jack Griffin’s experiments with invisibility growing darker as unseen forces lurk in the shadows, and a dangerous new presence emerges to challenge him.

Credits:

• Writer: James Tynion IV
• Artist: Dani
• Colorist: Brad Simpson
• Letterer: Uncredited
• Cover Artist: Dani, Brad Simpson (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: September 24, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 28
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: THE INVISIBLE MAN #2:

First Impressions:

The issue opens with a slow simmer that tests patience but gradually pulls readers deeper into its disturbing world. The atmosphere is heavy, tangible, and rich with dread, making the pacing feel deliberate rather than dull. The ending punches hard, leaving a lingering impression that demands attention and sets the stakes high.

Recap:

Last issue introduced Jack Griffin’s descent into madness, starting with his work under Dr. Cranley experimenting with Monocaine – a chemical that can render animals invisible and intelligent but unstable. Griffin’s early success with a rat led to visions of power and control, even as his relationship with his colleagues, especially the oppressive Kemp and protective Flora, revealed growing tensions. By the end, Griffin’s obsession was clear, and his experiments were beginning to betray him.

Plot Analysis:

The issue begins with Griffin narrating the burden of always feeling watched and judged, an invisible weight that mirrors his own invisibility obsession. He reflects on his secret work with Monocaine, recounting past failures and a mysterious success involving a feline subject named Roscoe. Despite setbacks, Griffin presses on, feeding his growing hubris and paranoia.

Griffin faces resistance from those around him: his rival Kemp, who disrupts Griffin’s workspace, and the overbearing Dr. Cranley, who demands proof of progress. The tension between them crackles, underscoring a claustrophobic environment where scientific curiosity meets personal vendetta.

A startling scene unfolds in the laboratory when Griffin’s invisible creation confronts Kemp’s caged ape new lab partner, escalating into violence and chaos. The ape’s fear and aggression contrast sharply with Griffin’s cold detachment, setting up an eerie showdown between man, beast, and the unseen.

The issue closes with Griffin fully embracing his darker nature, donning tinted glasses to sever emotional ties and asserting his invisible dominance. The atmosphere thickens with menace as the invisible creature remains a haunting enigma, leaving readers eager and unnerved for what comes next.

Story

The script takes its time, sometimes too much, with introspective moments that slow momentum. However, the narration effectively conveys Griffin’s fractured psyche and obsession, adding depth to his monstrous transformation. Dialogue is succinct but loaded with tension, particularly in interactions between Griffin, Kemp, and Dr. Cranley.

Art

DANI’s visuals excel in creating a chilling atmosphere. The use of shadows, muted color palettes, and detail in expressions elevate the horror elements. Scenes transition smoothly from quiet psychological moments to violent bursts, maintaining a strong mood throughout. The depiction of invisibility is handled creatively, with clever visual cues that engage without over-explaining.

Characters

Jack Griffin remains a complex antagonist, blending vulnerability and menace with a growing detachment from humanity. Kemp and Dr. Cranley serve as effective foils, highlighting competing motivations within the laboratory setting. The presence of the invisible cat adds an unpredictable wild card, enhancing tension.

Positives

The comic’s strongest asset is its atmosphere, beautifully crafted through art and pacing to immerse the reader in a world where visibility equals vulnerability. The ending is a triumphant crescendo that tightens the narrative and raises compelling questions about control, power, and identity. The art captures emotional nuance with a painterly style that amplifies the story’s horror without resorting to cheap scares.

Negatives

The opening is weighed down by a slow pace and heavy introspection, which can stall reader engagement in a series that benefits from suspense and momentum. Some plot developments feel oblique, requiring patience to fully connect the dots. The dense atmosphere occasionally borders on oppressive, risking fatigue before the payoff arrives.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)

UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: THE INVISIBLE MAN #2 is a moody, richly atmospheric venture into madness and invisibility. It stumbles with a sluggish start but more than makes up for it with a haunting, well-executed buildup and a climax that hits with precision. Griffin’s descent is as chilling as the shadowy art that depicts it, making this a promising middle chapter for the series. This comic proves that sometimes, the unseen can be the most gripping, and the slow burn pays dividends for those willing to stick around.

---

---

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.