Introducing Invincible: A Refreshing Spin on the Superhero Comic
I’m always late to the trend party. Late and uninformed. See, I hear things and start boldly forming my own loosely knitted conclusions about them. This is how I ended up thinking Omni-Man and Homelander were somehow connected, most likely in the same universe; possibly even as father and son. SMMFH.
After educating myself via Amazon Prime University, I am now equipped to share my thoughts on Invincible, a groundbreaking comic book series that has left an indelible mark on the genre since. Created by Robert Kirkman of The Walking Dead fame with artwork by Cory Walker and later by Ryan Ottley, Invincible was published by Image Comics under its Skybound Entertainment imprint. The series quickly became a fan favorite on the back of its unique blend of traditional superhero tropes, extreme violence, heartfelt storytelling, and complex character development.
Kirkman originally envisioned Invincible as an answer to the often repetitive and predictable storytelling seen in mainstream superhero comics. He crafted a story that played with expectations, embracing superhero clichés only to subvert them in shocking and unpredictable ways. The series’ success led to a variety of collected editions, including trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and the Invincible Ultimate Collection, making it easy for new readers to jump in and experience the story in different formats.
The Invincible Universe
At the heart of Invincible is Mark Grayson, a seemingly ordinary high school student who inherits superhuman abilities from his father, Nolan Grayson, better known as the beloved superhero Omni-Man. Mark eventually takes on the name ‘Invincible’, a budding superhero who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and responsibility. What starts as your classic coming-of-age comic book story quickly transforms into something much deeper, darker and more complex. We see Mark wrestle with betrayals, heartbreak, and the moral ambiguities of being a hero.
The ‘real’ Omni-Man is the gotcha plot twist in the series and sets the stage for much of the narrative. Without being too much of a Spoily Spoilerton, the truth behind his motives serves as a catalyst that propels Mark into a larger, interstellar conflict involving the Viltrumite Empire, a brutal and imperialistic alien race who hold down the series antagonist role.
The Expanded Invincible Universe
Invincible’s success led to several spin-off series that expanded its universe, such as Guarding the Globe and The Astounding Wolf-Man, both of which intersect with Mark’s story at various points. These spin-offs provide deeper looks into supporting characters and world-building elements of the larger universe.
Perhaps the most significant expansion came in the form of the Invincible animated adaptation, which debuted on Amazon Prime Video in 2021. The series, celebrated for its faithfulness to the source material, brought Mark Grayson’s story to life with stunning animation and an all-star voice cast, including Steven Yeun as Mark, J.K. Simmons as Omni-Man, and Sandra Oh as mom and wife, Debbie. The animated series amplified the graphic nature of the comic while staying true to its core themes of heroism, betrayal, and family. It’s no X-men the Animated Series, but I dig it!
Why You Might Dig Invincible, Too
Invincible is a masterclass in long-form storytelling. If you’re tired of superhero comics with predictable plots and cookie cut characters, this series offers a fresh take filled with layered characters, jaw-dropping reveals, and a level of violence that defies traditional superhero storytelling. With a rich history, cast of unforgettable characters, and themes that resonate on both personal and universal levels, it’s no wonder Invincible is heralded as a new classic in the world of comic books.
Contel Bradford is a mystical and complex individual. You can attempt to unravel some of the mystery by visiting his author site at countkrewpublications.com.
