Superhero television nowadays is more popular than ever, with Marvel and DC dominating the genre across numerous platforms. However, Invincible, Amazon Prime Video’s animated adaptation of Robert Kirkman’s comic book goes beyond the norm. With its breathtaking action, shocking brutality, and several other key elements, Invincible is able to deliver a superhero experience that can be often exiting or devastating.
Unlike most animated superhero series, which tend to be constrained by shorter runtimes, Invincible embraces a longer cinematic approach to episodes. Each episode runs over 40 minutes which gives the story time to breathe and allow character development for the rest of the cast. Invincible does not just deliver an action-packed spectacle, it also takes time to explore the downside of being a hero and the psychological toll it has.
Often in television, superhero battles are often censored, but Invincible refuses to and the show makes that very clear from the first episode. The violence is not held back and while it may look like it does not serve a purpose to the show, it forces viewers to confront the terrifying reality of what it is like when godlike beings clash and it also does not shy away from the collateral damage in these fights that may be caused. This approach to storytelling makes the stakes feel real in a way that most superhero shows can not replicate.
Invincible also includes an all-star voice cast that brings depth to the characters. Steven Yeun, voices Mark Grayson (Invincible), a teenager who barely gets the idea of his newfound powers and the consequences that may come with them. Sandra Oh gives a great emotional performance as Mark’s mother, Debbie, while J.K. Simmons is both a leader and terrifying as Omni-Man, Mark’s father and the show’s most captivating character. The chemistry between these actors makes the Grayson family dynamic feel authentic which adds emotional layers to the story.
At first glance, Invincible may just seem like a coming-of-age superhero story where Mark Grayson is thrown into the world of crimefighting when he obtains superpowers. However, this is not the case, as the show quickly takes the familiar superhero tropes and transforms them in shocking ways. The story explores themes of power, responsibility, and betrayal with an extreme level of depth that surpasses many other superhero shows.
Robert Kirkman, the creator of the Invincible series, has also done the idea of diversity right. One of the most notable changes from the original Invincible comic, is the decision to make Mark and his mother of Korean descent, which reflects the background of Steven Yeun. Kirkman himself has acknowledged that he was not mindful of diversity when he first created the series in the early 2000s.
With its ambitious storytelling, thrilling action, and emotional character development, Invincible has already established itself as one of the greatest superhero shows ever. As the show continues to grow and more seasons get developed, the boundaries keep getting pushed and limits are always being tested. Invincible is clear evidence that superhero stories cant still shock audiences in the best way possible. For fans of the superhero genre who look for something different, Invincible is a must-watch for those fans.
