Hello fellow streamers from around the globe. I’ve selected an Amazon Prime series as my 700th post. I’ve been writing articles based on movies, shows, anime, mini-series and video games for the past five years. I’ll do a brief history on comic book turned animated series. It’s not too long.
In 2003, Image Comics (Spawn, The Walking Dead) published a comic book series called, “Invincible.” Created by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker & Ryan Ottley, the comic is about Mark Grayson/Invincible, a teenaged boy who begins his training as a superhero under the tutelage of his father, Nolan Grayson/Omni-Man. As he learns to master his powers, Mark struggles a double life, gains allies, fights powerful foes and learns a shocking revelation. The comic published a total of 144 issues spanning from 2003-2018. After the comic ended, an animated adaptation starring Steven Yeun & J.K. Simmons introduced new audiences.
Invincible’s first season streamed on Amazon Prime. It received critical acclaim from critics and streamers alike. A second season is currently in development. J.K. Simmons will reprise his role as J. Jonah Jameson in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to see Invincible.
The Entire Season
Positive: Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons & Sandra Oh all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Fun Fact: Steven also participated in an TV adaptation of another Image Comics series known as, “The Walking Dead.”
Other Cast Members such as Gillian Jacobs, Walton Goggins, Zazie Beetz, Mark Hamill, Zachary Quinto & Clancy Brown all did a decent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Seth Rogen served as an executive producer. He also provides the voice of Allen The Alien. He also produced “Preacher” & “The Boys.” Both originated as comics.
Mahershala Ali, Djimon Hounsou, Jon Hamm, Justin Roiland, Mae Whitman, Jonathan Groff & Ezra Miller guest star in selected episodes.
Animation is presented in hand drawn format bringing many elements to life such as character models, lighting, fluid movement and environmental locations.
Humor has some funny as heck moments.
The best way to describe the show is a cross between Superboy & The Boys.
A word of caution. Action Sequences are a bloody mess, so be prepared. If you have a weak stomach, bring a barf bag. Make sure your kids don’t watch.
Robot works on a personal project. If you watched the entire season, you probably know why.
After you finished all episodes, it’s worth a rewatch for subtle clues.
Negative: I couldn’t find anything wrong. I’m giving The Cast & Crew for making a flawless season as possible.
Episode 1 – It’s About Time
Clean: Mark begins his training under the tutelage of his father, Omni-Man.
Pilot episode’s shocking ending officially establishes what you’re about to see, is gonna be one heck of a bloody mess.
The Guardians Of The Globe are based on DC Comics’ “Justice League.” Omni-Man is the equivalent to Superman.
Robert Kirkman wrote the pilot episode.
Messy: Nothing really happened.
Episode 2 – Here Goes Nothing
Healthy: Omni-Man recovers from a previous battle.
A martian army wrecks havoc minus Dakota Fanning screaming in “War Of The Worlds.”
Mark meets a small group of teen superheroes. They’re like “Teen Titans.” The actual titans from the comics, not that god awful “Teen Titans Go.”
Seth Rogen guest stars as Allen The Alien. His scenes are hilarious.
During a fight scene, Omni-Man said, “My turn.” A reference to “V For Vendetta.”
Damien Darkblood, a Hellboy like detective begins his investigation of the bloody fight. He’s voiced by Clancy Brown. He also voiced another red character, Mr. Krabs.
Unhealthy: No flaws discovered.
Episode 3 – Who You Calling Ugly?
Beautiful: Mark fights a crazed supervillain in Mount Rushmore.
Robot organizes tryouts for potential superheroes as members of the Guardians Of The Globes.
Ugly: Non cons found.
Episode 4 – Neil Armstrong, Eat Your Heart Out
High: Omni-Man & Debbie are on vacation.
Mark goes to Mars escorting astronauts on a mission.
Robot has a trick up his sleeve.
Darkblood & Cecil have a “chat.”
Djimon Hounsou guest stars as a Martian leader.
Low: Couldn’t find any flaws.
Episode 5 – That Actually Hurt
Recovered: Mark teams up with a baddie to defeat a crime boss.
Mark has a hard time balancing between his double life.
Mahershala Ali provides the voice of Titan. He will portray Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
A battle was very intense.
Injured: Couldn’t find anything wrong.
Episode 6 – You Look Kinda Dead
Alive: Mark & Amber meet William at a college campus.
Eve moves out to find a new home.
Justin Roiland (Rick And Morty) & Ezra Miller guest star. Justin voices a frat boy & Ezra voices Sinclair.
Dead: No flaws spotted.
Episode 7 – We Need To Talk
Open: Omni-Man battles a variety of opponents getting in his way. He also destroys a satellite that shoots a giant frickin’ laser beam.
A familiar face makes his return.
Robot’s personal goal actually makes sense.
Closed: No issues discovered.
Episode 8 – Where I Really Come From
Atone: Omni-Man reveals the truth about his world.
A bloody battle escalates. More brutal than previous episodes.
Remember that one quote from Omni-Man? “Think Mark!” It became a meme.
Last Scene sets up Season 2.
Robert Kirkman wrote the Season Finale.
Rejected: Couldn’t find anything wrong.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Invincible’s first season is a strong start for a series. The best Image Comics based series since Spawn on HBO. Invincible is officially one of my favorite shows in recent years along with “Squid Game” & “Marvel’s What If.” If you haven’t read the comics or watched the series, I strongly recommend Invincible. I cannot wait for Season 2.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 