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Universal Monsters (Image Comics)
Universal Monsters: The Invisible Man
Eisner Award-winning, bestselling author James Tynion IV and acclaimed artist DANI unravel the horrific origins of an iconic monster with their haunting take on THE INVISIBLE MAN.
WITNESS THE RISE OF A HORROR ICON!
Jack Griffin has always been invisible to the people around him—at least in his own mind. But when an experimental breakthrough presents a path to make his dreams of invisibility a reality, no one—not even the woman he loves—will stand in his way.
Witness Griffin's legendary descent into madness as his humanity fades away, and the monster inside is revealed, leaving only...THE INVISIBLE MAN!
The horror dream team of James Tynion IV (Something Is Killing the Children) and DANI (The Low, Low Woods) reveal their vision of the origins of one of the most horrific monsters to grace the screen in UNIVERSAL THE INVISIBLE MAN.
Collects Universal The Invisible Man #1-4.
WITNESS THE RISE OF A HORROR ICON!
Jack Griffin has always been invisible to the people around him—at least in his own mind. But when an experimental breakthrough presents a path to make his dreams of invisibility a reality, no one—not even the woman he loves—will stand in his way.
Witness Griffin's legendary descent into madness as his humanity fades away, and the monster inside is revealed, leaving only...THE INVISIBLE MAN!
The horror dream team of James Tynion IV (Something Is Killing the Children) and DANI (The Low, Low Woods) reveal their vision of the origins of one of the most horrific monsters to grace the screen in UNIVERSAL THE INVISIBLE MAN.
Collects Universal The Invisible Man #1-4.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,690 books2,107 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 4, 2025
In this chilling reimagining, James Tynion IV delivers a gripping origin story, stripping The Invisible Man down to his darkest core — a sociopath who chooses his own monstrous path. The issue is thrilling and terrible, steeped in dread as humanity is peeled away layer by layer. Dani’s shadow-drenched art brings the descent into madness to life, making this debut unsettling, compulsive, and unforgettable.
April 11, 2026
Well, this one was a step in the right direction...somewhat. With some caveats.
First, the good: The story was actually decent. It had a flow. It focused (mostly) on the main character, as opposed to running off with one of the supporting characters...I'm looking at you, DRACULA, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, and FRANKENSTEIN. And the story was engaging.
For all of that, there's still three big issues here. Sweartagawd, these books can't seem to get out of their own way and just give us a solid story that focuses on the monster, with enjoyable artwork...
...you know...a good graphic novel.
Keeping with the writing, while we stayed with main character Griffin, he was not, in fact, the titular Invisible Man in this story. Instead, in typical Tynion style, he brought the reader up to the point where the story was finally getting going... and ended it. So, that's issue one.
Issue two was Tynion not being able to ease up on the heavy-handedness of the "sight" and "invisible" commentary. Griffin would sit back in a crowded room and be still. He was invisible. Griffin would let others talk at dinner, choosing to remain quiet. Invisible. His girlfriend Flora has to, of course, say, "I haven't seen you in a while." Just so many "LOOK! THIS IS A STORY ABOUT A MAN WHO'S INVISIBLE IN DIFFERENT WAYS!" moments that it becomes an eye-rolling experience.
And finally, the last issue, and a common complaint with this entire series. I have no idea who the artist, DaNi is, but it'd be really nice to see her finish off one of their quick sketches into a decently complete drawing. Faces are sketched in with quick strokes. Clothing and backgrounds are scribbled lines.
In fact, I believe, if it wasn't for the colorist, this would have been a complete failure.
I don't need realism. I love when an artist brings their own style and vision to a story. But dammit, is it too much to ask for something more than a loose, wiggly line for...well...anything? These are HORROR stories! Give me some bone-chilling artists.
Hard to believe this is the same company that, ten years ago, gave us utter horror in the form of Snyder and Jock's WYTCHES.
First, the good: The story was actually decent. It had a flow. It focused (mostly) on the main character, as opposed to running off with one of the supporting characters...I'm looking at you, DRACULA, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, and FRANKENSTEIN. And the story was engaging.
For all of that, there's still three big issues here. Sweartagawd, these books can't seem to get out of their own way and just give us a solid story that focuses on the monster, with enjoyable artwork...
...you know...a good graphic novel.
Keeping with the writing, while we stayed with main character Griffin, he was not, in fact, the titular Invisible Man in this story. Instead, in typical Tynion style, he brought the reader up to the point where the story was finally getting going... and ended it. So, that's issue one.
Issue two was Tynion not being able to ease up on the heavy-handedness of the "sight" and "invisible" commentary. Griffin would sit back in a crowded room and be still. He was invisible. Griffin would let others talk at dinner, choosing to remain quiet. Invisible. His girlfriend Flora has to, of course, say, "I haven't seen you in a while." Just so many "LOOK! THIS IS A STORY ABOUT A MAN WHO'S INVISIBLE IN DIFFERENT WAYS!" moments that it becomes an eye-rolling experience.
And finally, the last issue, and a common complaint with this entire series. I have no idea who the artist, DaNi is, but it'd be really nice to see her finish off one of their quick sketches into a decently complete drawing. Faces are sketched in with quick strokes. Clothing and backgrounds are scribbled lines.
In fact, I believe, if it wasn't for the colorist, this would have been a complete failure.
I don't need realism. I love when an artist brings their own style and vision to a story. But dammit, is it too much to ask for something more than a loose, wiggly line for...well...anything? These are HORROR stories! Give me some bone-chilling artists.
Hard to believe this is the same company that, ten years ago, gave us utter horror in the form of Snyder and Jock's WYTCHES.
April 11, 2026
A chilling four issue prequel to the Invisible Man, delving deeply into the twisted mind of Jack Griffin as we uncover the extent of his experiments prior to testing his formula on himself.
Tynion IV's inner monologue is terrifying at times, truly highlighting Griffin's sociopathic disconnect from reality even before he starts experimenting on himself, and DaNi's artwork is just off-kilter enough to really highlight how odd everything is, while remaining grounded, which seems to be her perfect sweet spot.
Another excellent Universal Monsters book.
Tynion IV's inner monologue is terrifying at times, truly highlighting Griffin's sociopathic disconnect from reality even before he starts experimenting on himself, and DaNi's artwork is just off-kilter enough to really highlight how odd everything is, while remaining grounded, which seems to be her perfect sweet spot.
Another excellent Universal Monsters book.
March 6, 2026
Magistral tebeo de género ante el que no queda más remedio que rendirse. Tynion IV sobresale en las historias contenidas, en las series limitadas o en los one-shots, y en este cómic realiza la que para mí es su obra maestra hasta la fecha.
La psicopatía de Griffin es tratada de una manera eficacísima, mostrándola a través de sus propias palabras y también de sus silencios. A su lado —y me cuesta decirlo— el Griffin de Alan Moore queda desdibujado por su falta de profundidad psicológica: el hombre invisible de Tynion es un monstruo complejo, una bestia con forma humana sin traba moral alguna. La Ciencia vista como una fuerza arrolladora y desprovista de moral. Para él, todo es una herramienta de trabajo, un medio para un fin. Bestias y seres humanos no son más que sujetos de experimentación para el desalmado científico. Resumiendo, que por fin Tynion cumple de verdad las expectativas que siempre se tienen en torno a sus obras. Fantástico.
La psicopatía de Griffin es tratada de una manera eficacísima, mostrándola a través de sus propias palabras y también de sus silencios. A su lado —y me cuesta decirlo— el Griffin de Alan Moore queda desdibujado por su falta de profundidad psicológica: el hombre invisible de Tynion es un monstruo complejo, una bestia con forma humana sin traba moral alguna. La Ciencia vista como una fuerza arrolladora y desprovista de moral. Para él, todo es una herramienta de trabajo, un medio para un fin. Bestias y seres humanos no son más que sujetos de experimentación para el desalmado científico. Resumiendo, que por fin Tynion cumple de verdad las expectativas que siempre se tienen en torno a sus obras. Fantástico.
December 8, 2025
Finished issues 1-4 (which will eventually be bound in this version)
This was a super cool way to experience this story. Really didn’t know much about The Invisible Man, but gee wiz—dude’s a psycho. Makes me wanna go watch the classic movie/read H. G. Wells book.
This was a super cool way to experience this story. Really didn’t know much about The Invisible Man, but gee wiz—dude’s a psycho. Makes me wanna go watch the classic movie/read H. G. Wells book.
May 22, 2026
A prequel to the classic film. Jack Griffin is an apprentice chemist experimenting with a substance that makes pigments disappear. While his work progresses--through mouse, cat, dog, and human victims--we explore his burgeoning sociopathy and megalomania.
This is some of Tynion's best work. He channels Ed Brubaker's voice and style enough that I double-checked the cover to see if I'd somehow missed that the Criminal great was the writer.
Griffin's experience of intrusion from the gaze of others rings true, as does his lust for power and his inability to empathize. And the end of the story folds neatly into the beginning of the classic Claude Rains film, no loose threads and no sense of being forced. It's a solid approach to translating the movie to the graphic novel medium and great execution. This is the best of the Universal Monsters graphic novels series, I think.
This is some of Tynion's best work. He channels Ed Brubaker's voice and style enough that I double-checked the cover to see if I'd somehow missed that the Criminal great was the writer.
Griffin's experience of intrusion from the gaze of others rings true, as does his lust for power and his inability to empathize. And the end of the story folds neatly into the beginning of the classic Claude Rains film, no loose threads and no sense of being forced. It's a solid approach to translating the movie to the graphic novel medium and great execution. This is the best of the Universal Monsters graphic novels series, I think.
April 4, 2026
Of all the Universal Monster books in this series, "Invisible Man" surprised me by being the best of the bunch. Very nice artwork and a well-paced storyline.
May 19, 2026
Es el primer comic que leo en mi vida, y no podria haber elegido uno mejor. Te deja en tension constante y te corta la respiracion con esos pedazo de paneles.
Read
April 22, 2026As in his Dracula, which began this Universal imprint at Image, Tynion's story here is fine but inessential, a prequel-cum-retelling that adds little not already found in two and a half millennia of stories about invisibility enabling all humanity's worst urges – except, perhaps, a couple of nods to that specifically modern unease at being perceived when one isn't bent on any fiendishness, but simply not in the mood for the weight of eyes. And, like Dracula, the project is redeemed by its artist, here DaNi, a perfect choice for all those sinister streets and negative spaces, shadowing Griffin's face even before the formula and the dark glasses hide it for good.
Review of advance copy
Tras inaugurar esta colección con su variación del Drácula cinematográfico de Universal Pictures, James Tynion IV repite con la oportunidad de abordar otro de estos grandes iconos de la ficción fantástica y de terror. Y si en Drácula, hay que admitir que los aplausos realmente iban por el lado del artista, aquí sí que podemos corear al equipo completo. El guionista propone una precuela del film de 1933 basado en la novelette original de H. G. Wells por lo que se apuesta del todo sobre esa máxima del personaje que distinguia mucho al Dr. Jack Griffin del resto de companions del Panteón Monstruoso de Universal, justamente por demostrar que la faceta monstruosa era innata a su ser en esa condición de humanidad renegada a seres de condición puramente sobrenatural como Drácula. el Hombre Lobo o innatural como las Criaturas del Dr. Frankenstein. De este último, por supuesto, también se distancia al experimetar consigo mismo y entrar en esa transformación que le desapega del resto de la humanidad.
La historia, por tanto, nos retrotrae un tiempo antes del momento en el que Griffin acaba recluido en ese hospedaje rural en el que iniciará su reinado de terror invisible. Con esos datos ofrecidos en el film por los personajes de apoyo como su compañero Kemp, su prometida Flora y su yerno Cranley en torno a su obsesión con un compuesto desconocido que motivará la invención de su suero para la invisibilidad y del que se alude a que los sujetos de prueba mostraban signos de enajenación. James Tynion IV nos descubre esa perturbadora experimentación que la película realizada por James Whale mencionaba de pasada. Pero es más relevante e inquietante el VER (sic.) a Jack Griffin en una vida diaria de la que ya se sentía desapegado y con unas tendencias sociopáticas y megalomaníacas que ya no excusan como en la propia película su conversión al terrorífico villano que pone en jaque a Inglaterra. Pero todo empieza revelando que antes que Jack, existió otro Hombre Invisible. Y esto se convierte en un inesperado e increíble motivante de un tercer acto y climax que me confirma este cómic como el mejor que llevamos hasta ahora de esta colección. Por supuesto, la presencia gráfica de DaNi ya avalaba mucho el proyecto, contando con trabajos de índole terrorífica hasta en DC Comics. Su estilo emula mucho el arte de EC Comics, y el color suele acompañar perfectamente a la composición tenebrista. Como digo, es cierto que el elemento de Hombre Invisible no es algo constante ni presente en la totalidad de la miniserie. Pero cuando lo hace demuestra un genuino interés e inventiva en este medio. Pero a la hora de defender que la propuesta sea más "visible" que invisible con su protagonista, esto igualmente trasmite ese suspense y terror que demuestra que cuando se comprende el potencial del personaje (ojo a las aproximaciones modernas en cine como Hollow Man o la película de Leigh Whannell), puede ser el Monstruo Clásico más temible e inquietante de representar.
La historia, por tanto, nos retrotrae un tiempo antes del momento en el que Griffin acaba recluido en ese hospedaje rural en el que iniciará su reinado de terror invisible. Con esos datos ofrecidos en el film por los personajes de apoyo como su compañero Kemp, su prometida Flora y su yerno Cranley en torno a su obsesión con un compuesto desconocido que motivará la invención de su suero para la invisibilidad y del que se alude a que los sujetos de prueba mostraban signos de enajenación. James Tynion IV nos descubre esa perturbadora experimentación que la película realizada por James Whale mencionaba de pasada. Pero es más relevante e inquietante el VER (sic.) a Jack Griffin en una vida diaria de la que ya se sentía desapegado y con unas tendencias sociopáticas y megalomaníacas que ya no excusan como en la propia película su conversión al terrorífico villano que pone en jaque a Inglaterra. Pero todo empieza revelando que antes que Jack, existió otro Hombre Invisible. Y esto se convierte en un inesperado e increíble motivante de un tercer acto y climax que me confirma este cómic como el mejor que llevamos hasta ahora de esta colección. Por supuesto, la presencia gráfica de DaNi ya avalaba mucho el proyecto, contando con trabajos de índole terrorífica hasta en DC Comics. Su estilo emula mucho el arte de EC Comics, y el color suele acompañar perfectamente a la composición tenebrista. Como digo, es cierto que el elemento de Hombre Invisible no es algo constante ni presente en la totalidad de la miniserie. Pero cuando lo hace demuestra un genuino interés e inventiva en este medio. Pero a la hora de defender que la propuesta sea más "visible" que invisible con su protagonista, esto igualmente trasmite ese suspense y terror que demuestra que cuando se comprende el potencial del personaje (ojo a las aproximaciones modernas en cine como Hollow Man o la película de Leigh Whannell), puede ser el Monstruo Clásico más temible e inquietante de representar.
April 13, 2026
A new version of the horror classic The Invisible Man is crafted by James Tynion. Jack Griffin is an obsessed scientist. He's studying monocaine powder, which has very unusual properties. Griffin wants to work in secret but he shares a lab under the tutelage (and financing) of Doctor Cranley. He's also been hanging out with Cranley's daughter Flora, who believes in him and wants to get married. But Griffin is much more interested in his monocaine-based formula which will cause a living being to become invisible. As he becomes more successful, he becomes more obsessed, more secretive, and less humane than ever.
The book does a good job creating a new storyline for the classic character. His larger story arc is familiar but plenty of details have been changed, resulting in new suspense and horror. He already has sociopathic tendencies even before he's exposed to monocaine's influence. The art underlies his secretiveness and hostility, with Griffin's face typically shaded in an environment already full of blackness, figuratively and literally. This is one of the better adaptations of the Universal Monsters canon.
Recommended.
The book does a good job creating a new storyline for the classic character. His larger story arc is familiar but plenty of details have been changed, resulting in new suspense and horror. He already has sociopathic tendencies even before he's exposed to monocaine's influence. The art underlies his secretiveness and hostility, with Griffin's face typically shaded in an environment already full of blackness, figuratively and literally. This is one of the better adaptations of the Universal Monsters canon.
Recommended.
March 18, 2026
Ara t'escolto!
D'ençà del primer volum adaptant Dràcula, que em va semblar magistral, només han aparegut escorrialletes fluixíssimes o a mig coure basades en els monstres de la Universal. Només La Mòmia se'n salvava una mica, sense flipar-se.
Ha hagut de venir en James Tynion IV a clavar un cop de puny a la taula amb aquesta preqüela de la pel·li de Whale, que fa de Griffin un veritable monstre sàdic i aterridor.
El còmic és ple de bones idees (el paral·lelisme entre la invisibilitat física i la social) i està il·lustrat amb caràcter.
D'ençà del primer volum adaptant Dràcula, que em va semblar magistral, només han aparegut escorrialletes fluixíssimes o a mig coure basades en els monstres de la Universal. Només La Mòmia se'n salvava una mica, sense flipar-se.
Ha hagut de venir en James Tynion IV a clavar un cop de puny a la taula amb aquesta preqüela de la pel·li de Whale, que fa de Griffin un veritable monstre sàdic i aterridor.
El còmic és ple de bones idees (el paral·lelisme entre la invisibilitat física i la social) i està il·lustrat amb caràcter.
Review of advance copy
I've enjoyed the Universal Monsters comics from Image to varying degrees. Frankenstein was my favorite title so far. Until I read The Invisible Man today.
This is what these titles are at their best. Further developing the characters and telling a new part of the story.
This series is a direct prequel to the original movie. It's the entirety of how Jack Griffin created the formula that turned him invisible and the absolutely insidious things he did to achieve doing so. He's a straight up sociopath here and it's so effective. An excellent tale of mad science.
This is what these titles are at their best. Further developing the characters and telling a new part of the story.
This series is a direct prequel to the original movie. It's the entirety of how Jack Griffin created the formula that turned him invisible and the absolutely insidious things he did to achieve doing so. He's a straight up sociopath here and it's so effective. An excellent tale of mad science.
April 30, 2026
This was really good and everything was keeping me hooked... and then it just ends. Now, I haven't seen the movie, which I guess is my 93-year old mistake. I know this is acting as a prequel to the film, so the ending might be a non-issue for some. But, the Frankenstein comic was a complete tale, no prior knowledge needed. If this comic had another two issues that completed the tale, four stars from me. As it stands, I left dissatisfied.
May 2, 2026
Since the film "The Invisible Man" begin with Jack Griffin already invisible and on the run this serves as a prequel story that sets everything up.
As usual James Tynion does a bang up job, being faithful to the original story and adding to it. DaNi's art is new to me but fits this story well.
It works both as a stand-alone story for those unfamiliar with the property, as well as long time fans.
As usual James Tynion does a bang up job, being faithful to the original story and adding to it. DaNi's art is new to me but fits this story well.
It works both as a stand-alone story for those unfamiliar with the property, as well as long time fans.
April 10, 2026
This adaptation of the universal monsters filmed by James Whale is a newer experience in the sense that they added some of the original novel to the book and the illustrations on it were absolutely amazing. It’s one of the few books they’ve done in the universal monster series that I think is new and exciting approach to this classic monster.
May 9, 2026
The Invisible Man is easily the best volume of Image’s Universal Monsters line. James Tynion ramps up the horror by leaning into the madness that consumes Jack Griffin. DaNi provides plenty of panels that make you think “this is messed up” without a single word of dialogue. This is the first volume where I finished it and genuinely wanted more.
September 10, 2025
Love James Tynion IV's writing and while not a huge man of the character "The Invisible Man", I still wanted to see how it was given life by the folks working on the G/N. I actually really like it so far (1 issue in) and can't wait to see how this graphic novel plays out. I recommend!
April 24, 2026
A decent story idea, but poorly executed. The internal monologue got boring pretty quick, and it was soooo heavy-handed. The story only really gets going in the final issue, and then just … stops. Didn’t think much of the artwork, either, none of it looked finished.
October 3, 2025
Just in time for spooky season
Review of advance copy
Read as individual issues
Review of advance copy
Over-scripted reimagining that feels less faithful than any other subject in the series
Read
March 1, 2026Decent prequel, solid art, good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a good prequel to H.G. Wells’s book.
April 4, 2026
By far the best of the 'Universal Monsters' comic ook series. Tynion recreates the classic story in a smart and terrifying way. I hope it gets a sequel.
April 18, 2026
Really dug the subtext, the art, and I even like the story twist that occurs at the 3/4 mark but it just loses steam at the end
April 24, 2026
After issue 3 I really thought the boy would be the invisible man, I was wrong 😭.
April 27, 2026
Tied for my favorite of the Universal Monsters books. Unnerving.
May 2, 2026
A great prequel to the classic film. The art by DaNi is beautiful. The story by Tynion IV is great. Another great entry into this series. A must read for any monster kid
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews