Released: 25th March 2021
Number of Episode: 8
Certificate: 18
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
Created By: Robert Kirkman
Starring: Steven Yeun, J.K Simmons, Sandra Oh, Gillian Jacobs, Andrew Rannells, Walton Goggins, Zachary Quinto, Jason Mantzoukas, Zazie Beetz and Kevin Michael Richardson
Adaptations of comic-book heroes have become big business over the last two decades. While many audiences flock to the latest productions from DC and Marvel, the smaller-scale efforts can go by overlooked. In a market filled to the brim with superhero stories, Invincible, based on the comic by Robert Kirkman, is one of the most superbly handled projects in years.
On a planet Earth greatly enhanced by superheroes and their technology, the populous deals with regular threats from off-world. As the son of the legendary hero Omni-Man (J.K Simmons), Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) begins to get to grips with his emerging powers, branding himself Invincible in the process. Like many superhumans before him, Mark balances his duties with having a regular life; school, family life, relationships, the works. But as the threats pile up and the truth is revealed, a horrifying realisation awaits for all of humanity. What makes Invincible so fantastic is how its story plays with the common tropes of its genre. The pilot episode appears idealistic and noble at first, but its conclusion is a shocking swerve, perfectly establishing a mystery to solve.
From here, we branch off into multiple stories and each of these is given ample attention and depth. There’s a near seamless blend between superhero antics and everyday problems. One moment we’re watching Mark and his colleagues launch into battle and the next we’re seeing more villainous characters conduct their own underhanded schemes. All of it is paced so smoothly that you’ll be thoroughly invested across all eight episodes; there’s not a single throwaway entry to be found. Many productions often struggle to balance a massive ensemble, but Invincible shows that each and every thread can be tied into the central narrative without becoming convoluted.
Rising to meet the occasion, the characterisation of Invincible is equally excellent. Mark Grayson himself is incredibly likeable with Steven Yeun creating a charming yet relatable persona. This is contrasted with the authoritative, booming voice of Omni-Man who commands every scene he appears in. Each member of the voice cast creates a memorable persona for their characters and they each have their own style of charismatic flair. More to the point, every performer does a stellar job of binding the characters together; without giving anything away, there are some incredibly emotional moments throughout the series that draw the greatest sympathies from the audience. There’s also a great use of morally grey attitudes, personified by Cecil Steadman (Walton Goggins). As the head of the Global Defence Agency, he aids the heroes in their efforts, but also employs questionable methods if he feels they will give the shadowy organisation an edge. The complex web of interactions, rivalries and bonds between the characters is just as strong as the main plot.
Every moment of Invincible is visually spectacular; the animation studio T.A.P deserves heaps of praise for its excellent work. The series is endlessly vibrant and colourful with an invigorating energy that permeates each of its many action scenes. When the superheroes leap into action, a combination of dynamic camera angles, destructive environmental effects and grisly gore makes the combat both engaging and visceral. Omni-Man’s annihilation of an alien force attacking Earth is a particular highlight, with a dazzling use of reds and orange to create a stunning image. What I was most impressed with is how the show’s senseless violence, especially in the final episode, blends in with the story flawlessly. The carnage on display is never there for the sake of it and goes hand-in-hand with the events Mark and his friends go through. You’ve also got a great soundtrack that matches up with the constantly changing tone and brings out the more heartfelt moments. All told, it’s some of the best use of modern animation techniques you’ll see.
Masterfully produced and brilliantly acted, Invincible stands head and shoulders above its contemporaries, leading the way for the genre’s wider progression. It’s astounding how it manages to balance so many characters, storylines and themes without losing sight of the relatable individuals at its centre. If it wasn’t clear enough already, the series is an absolute must-watch.
Rating: 5/5 Stars (Exceptional)
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