The White Smoke Signals: Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore’s BATTLE POPE Returns in Glorious Hardcover!
The heavens have opened, and a divine announcement has descended upon the comic book world! Today, Skybound and Image Comics officially proclaimed the return of a legend. Get ready, sinners and saints, for the Battle Pope 25th Anniversary HC! This marks a monumental occasion, bringing the visionary work of superstar creators Robert Kirkman (the mind behind The Walking Dead and Invincible) and acclaimed artist Tony Moore (Punisher) together in a single, definitive collection for the very first time. Fans worldwide can prepare to once again CALL BATTLE POPE in September 2025. This news is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of comics’ most outrageous and beloved anti-heroes, and as long-time enthusiasts of groundbreaking graphic storytelling, we couldn’t be more thrilled.
The timing, as Kirkman humorously noted, almost seemed too perfect. “I swear we had this planned months ago! Full disclosure, we did try to time this announcement around the conclave but it happened so fast! And the first American Pope? Seems suspicious, right?” Kirkman shared. He continued, expressing his excitement: “Well, regardless of all that, I couldn’t be more thrilled to see my earliest professional(ish) work collected in a deluxe and downright heavenly format! And Tony Moore came back to do a new cover, how cool is that?”
This collection isn’t just a reprint; it’s a celebration of beginnings. Kirkman reminisced, “I can’t believe I’ve been in this business for a whole 25 years… Battle Pope is where I first met and got to work with Matthew Roberts, Cory Walker and E.J. Su and all that work is collected here. The beginnings of The Walking Dead, Brit, Manifest Destiny, Invincible, Science Dog, Tech Jacket and Blood & Thunder… all started here… in this ridiculous comic.” He also highlighted his long-standing friendship with Moore: “Tony Moore and I met in the 7th grade, how crazy is that? And then years later… Battle Pope. There were so many people from our high school who thought we were, well, morons, who would never amount to anything. Well, we showed them. Ha!”
What Unholy Glory Awaits in the Battle Pope 25th Anniversary HC?
So, what exactly can devout followers and curious newcomers expect from the Battle Pope 25th Anniversary HC? Prepare for a divine intervention of epic proportions. The premise itself is the stuff of legend: when Heaven, Hell, and every dimension in between declare all-out war, humanity’s last hope might just be Pope Oswald Sin. Once condemned by God Almighty for his less-than-saintly trifecta of hard drinkin’, womanizing, and generally evil ways, Pope is given one final shot at salvation. How does he greet this divine opportunity? With twin Uzis blazing and the somewhat bewildered companionship of his new roommate, none other than Jesus H. Christ. It’s a concept that was audacious upon its initial release and remains refreshingly irreverent today. For those unfamiliar with early creator-owned sensations or even popular comic book covers from that era, Battle Pope was a true standout.
This upcoming hardcover edition, meticulously assembled by Skybound, promises to be the definitive version of this iconic series. Robert Kirkman himself couldn’t contain his enthusiasm for the physical product. “Wait until you hold this book in your hands, it’s just gorgeous,” he gushed, then added praise for the designer, “Andres Juarez, designer supreme at Skybound put, let’s be honest, way too much work into this thing. He really deserves an Eisner for best reprint collection design for this book. Just wait until you see it.” Kirkman emphasized the quality, stating, “It’s going to have gold foil and everything. Seriously, the chances of this book earning a profit are slim to none. We’re just doing this for the love.”
Beyond the Blasphemy: Deluxe Features and Creator Insights
The Battle Pope 25th Anniversary HC is more than just the core story; it’s an archival treasure. Featuring a stunning new remastered cover by the original artistic maestro, Tony Moore, this immaculate edition is packed with the “holy grail” of behind-the-scenes material. Fans can expect comprehensive cover galleries showcasing the evolution of Battle Pope’s iconic imagery, alongside fascinating sketchbook material that offers a glimpse into Moore’s creative process. This collection truly aims to present Battle Pope’s story in its “full divinity for the first time ever,” offering layers of appreciation for both long-term fans and those new to Pope Oswald Sin’s chaotic crusade. It’s a chance to see the raw energy and collaborative spirit that launched several stellar careers, making it a must-have for any serious collector and avid reader at Comic Book Addicts.
The creative team for the original Battle Pope series includes:
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Tony Moore
- Key Collaborators mentioned by Kirkman as part of his early journey starting with Battle Pope: Matthew Roberts, Cory Walker, E.J. Su
- Designer for this 25th Anniversary HC: Andres Juarez
The significance of this release extends beyond just Battle Pope itself. It’s a marker of Robert Kirkman’s incredible journey from a bold, independent creator finding his voice to a titan of the comic and entertainment industry. Seeing where it all began, with the raw, unfiltered energy of Battle Pope, provides valuable context to the global phenomena that The Walking Dead and Invincible would later become. Similarly, Tony Moore’s distinctive, expressive art style was already evident in these early pages, laying the groundwork for his acclaimed work on numerous other titles. This hardcover is not just a book; it’s a piece of comic book history, a testament to creative partnerships, and a celebration of taking wild, irreverent chances.
The Battle Pope 25th Anniversary HC (ISBN: 978-1-5343-3393-2) is scheduled to bless comic book shops on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. For those who prefer other avenues or digital divinity, it will be available at booksellers and on digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
This is more than just a collected edition; it’s a resurrection of a cult classic, perfectly packaged for its silver jubilee. The Battle Pope 25th Anniversary HC is a testament to the enduring power of bold storytelling and the incredible careers it launched. Prepare for salvation, Battle Pope style!What are your favorite Battle Pope memories, or are you excited to experience this legendary series for the first time? Let us know your thoughts over on our Twitter page: https://x.com/comicbookaddt!
