Superhero Fatigue? Not so Fast…
Invincible S2 - Part 1 continues to impress with its evolving style, nuanced characters, and captivating storytelling…
Courtesy of Prime Video
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆
Still reeling from Nolan’s betrayal in Season One, Mark struggles to rebuild his life as he faces a host of new threats, all while battling his greatest fear - that he might become his father without even knowing it.
— Official Synopsis
Auteur filmmakers have long criticized the dullness of “mass-market,” superhero fare for trading authenticity in storytelling for a cheap laugh. Certainly, the recent exhibition trends for DC and Marvel Studios have given an inch or two of credibility to their arguments. Though, that interpretation seems to be widely overblown for the genre as a whole; namely, because of the wide embrace of comic properties among the television medium. While not a recent trend, television has increasingly become a more palatable—and frankly, entertaining—central hub for comic book fans. Prime Video consistently reminds audiences us why these shows, and the heroes within, are uniquely enchanting.
Between all the multiverses, ruthless [to say the least] villains, and a fair share of lovable anti-heroes, they’ve enriched their comic benchmarks with thematic integrity in a growing library of soulless adaptations. With an impressive catalogue of super-shows like The Boys, Invincible, and now Gen V, Amazon has selectively carved out a piece of the puzzle that other studios haven’t quite mastered: the art of long-form, meaningful storytelling in an authentically genre-focused playground. But the best part? Showrunners and creative teams behind these episodic narratives know how to take damning risks and have a blast doing it.
Courtesy of Prime Video
Based on the groundbreaking comic book by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, Season 1 of Invincible was nothing short of exceptional. The question at the front of everyone’s minds was, “How exactly do they follow THAT?” The heights of the finale, being at once emotionally devastating and physically exuberate, were shockingly exceptional. The entire season culminated with a dazzling shock and awe realization that you may never truly know anybody—not even your parents. For the main character, Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun), this leads to a sea of vast insecurities surrounding his own naivety and place in the world. And like most young adults when tragedy strikes, the core identity of Mark’s character is left in ruin—in this instance, bubbling with an ever-present rageful haze that his girlfriend, Amber (Zazie Beetz), can only keep shuttered for so long.
Meanwhile, his mother, Debbie (Sandra Oh), grieves for her former life constructed from everything but a foundation of truth. Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons) has vanished from Earth, leaving an extensive trail of bodies—and a splintered family—in his absence. The dynamics between Mark and Debbie’s journey highlight the thematic richness of the world Invincible fabricates. The other subsidiary stories assist in manufacturing the larger conflict, but the humanity of the central characters enter center stage. Part 1 of Season 2 posses several interesting questions. How do you rebuild an entire community when the basis of trust is fractured? Who should be held accountable to mend the world-wide devastation? Is forgiveness required? Perhaps, the most important question for this season: when does ferocity become admissible? These are the principle themes guiding the series.
Courtesy of Prime Video
Atom Eve (Gillian Jacobs), meanwhile, has dedicated herself to aiding in recovery efforts individually and the Guardians are dealing with the same old villains and criminal patterns that make life as a superhero rather repetitive. The Mauler Twins (Kevin Michael Richardson) return from a stint in prison with the help of multi-dimensional traveler Angstrom Levy (Sterling K. Brown). Levy’s presence confirms very early on that Mark and the rest of the heroes face a potential for even graver danger than Omni-Man. Comic-book audiences are all-too familiar with the concept of the multiverse at this point, yet Levy’s calculated determination makes him especially menacing and practically untouchable. Mark is a pivotal target for Levy, but the unfolding motivations of the character are unexpected—a refreshing application of the tired trope.
He and the fellow Guardians of the Globe must recover what little decency remains among the planet and prepare for the presumed return of Omni-Man and the Viltrumites who wish to seize the planet for their empire. After all the death and destruction in Chicago, the public trust in supes has gravely diminished. Civilians recognize their need for protection, and are rightfully hesitant with the fear that they will become victims to those who proport to defend them. Fortunately, between Mark, Eve, the Guardians, and, of course, Allen the Alien (Seth Rogen), all hope isn’t lost. Still, under that thinly veiled surface of protection, Levy and Omni-Man’s shadow linger over Earth.
And it’s only going to get worse by the look of things…
Courtesy of Prime Video
If you were a fan of Season 1, the latest addition in the Mark’s story is sure to quench your thirst for more. While not entirely distinct, Season 2 is a more refined version of the show; both in the animation and thematic content. Still, Invincible remains a great palate cleanser for those who are weary of the latest string of superhero films that have graced the big screen. Between the rebuilding of the Guardians’ team, Debbie’s journey through great sorrow and mourning, and Mark’s tightrope walk between unmitigated anger and compassion, there’s no shortage of captivating stories. Don’t worry, though: the blue-tinged comedy pierces through the chaos, yet.
The first half of Invincible Season 2 releases on Prime Video starting on November 3rd, with new episodes airing weekly. The second half of Invincible Season 2 will release in 2024.
