REVIEW: Invincible Soars
Subverting the superhero genre with a bloody bang.
Did you grow up watching superhero movies or even animated TV shows revolving around those heroes you loved so much? If so, then I would like to believe that you’d still feel nostalgic to kick back and re-watch those flicks, and maybe even appreciate them more as an adolescent or an adult. Nowadays, superhero-related content is still appealing to small children, but can also be more enjoyable for adults.
That’s where Invincible, streaming now on Amazon Prime Video (rated TV-MA), breaks the mold in many, many ways.
Invincible has been one of the best recent superhero shows to date because of its animation, writing, action, and outstanding performances.
Invincible is an adult animated superhero TV series based on the comic series by Robert Kirkman that premiered in March 2021. It has been one of the best recent superhero shows to date because of its animation, writing, action, and outstanding performances.
Not the Same Old Superhero Story
When you watch the first episode of this show, you might look at the characters and such and say, “This looks like a discount Justice League and your typical ‘coming of age with powers plot.” But it becomes a lot more than that by the end of the first episode.
The story is about a high schooler named Mark Grayson who lives with his mother Debbie and dad, Nolan, who is the one of the world’s strongest heroes, Omni-Man. Mark eventually develops powers from his dad’s genes, but things get weirdly tense after Nolan hears about it.
Still a high school teenager, Mark, now known as Invincible, quickly learns how dangerous and difficult the job actually is.
The main plot of the first season revolves around the brutal murder of the Guardians of the Globe, the strongest group of heroes in the show’s universe. Meanwhile, our main character attempts to figure out how to be a superhero with training from his father.
Still a high school teenager, Mark, now known as Invincible, quickly learns how dangerous and difficult the job actually is. The show makes this danger really clear through graphic and scary action scenes, and it’s thrilling. In an episode in which Mark fails to fulfill his superhero duties, he watches helplessly at the fear and bloodshed being struck on the city’s citizens, and he’s frozen with no idea what to do. It’s very real and incredible story telling, from the visuals to the voice acting.
Stunning Animation, Engaging Characters
There is a lot to like in this show. The art is very unique and colorful in a way that’s like other superhero shows, yet something feels special about it — and it can be very detailed when it comes to the bloody parts.
The animation can also be very fun and highly impressive to look at. I’ve had many moments where my mouth was wide open when looking at the stunning animation.
J.K. Simmons as Omni-Man was a genius move because I can’t think of anyone else more perfect to voice the character.
The performances are out of the park. Casting J.K. Simmons to play Omni-Man/Nolan was a genius move because I can’t think of anyone else more perfect to voice the character. Steven Yeun had an awesome voice to give for Mark, the perfect naïve teen boy, which fits the character so well.
The writing also made the dialogue and story building engaging and fun to watch. There were many funny moments, and very emotional scenes that often made me laugh and also made my heart twinge.
Last thing is the music choice and design: it’s amazing. Some sounds just manage to give you that chilled vibration feeling up your spine, and the music gives the show a sort of personality. Personally, the indie rock songs are songs I always enjoy listening to, so if you like that kind of music as well, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Some Flaws, but an Overall Must-Watch
The show isn’t perfect. A side plot between Mark and his girlfriend Amber, for instance, wasn’t as well developed as the rest of the show. It seemed the producers added an unnecessary conflict between them to force the plot they wanted forward. It develops into an unsatisfying story arc.
This is just a personal dislike for me, though. The rest of the show is great and fun to watch, but this type of show isn’t for everyone, considering the adult themes and violence. Even so, if you like superheroes and animation, and also happen to be subscribed to Amazon Prime Video, Invincible is a must watch.
Peyton Delay is a member of the Class of 2023. She loves animated shows and the amount of creativity it takes to produce them.
