He Really is: Invincible Review 

A hero is defined by their unwavering moralities that inspire us to look into ourselves for similar traits of courage. The animated series ‘Invincible’, based on Robert Kirkman's graphic novel dive’s deeper into this dilemma using a unique approach compared to industry norms. 

The first season of Invincible follows Mark Grayson. We watch as Mark learns about the superhero world of Invincible. Growing not only into a better hero, but into a better person. However, life becomes challenging as Mark’s superhero life as Invincible starts conflicting with his everyday life. While balancing his identity as Mark Grayson, we follow his heroic journey big or small that leads up to Invincibles' toughest battle at the end. 

The plot development of Invincible has a domino effect where every episode leads up to a greater conflict at the end of the series. The viewer is not only introduced to the expanding world of Invincible but is reeled in as the stakes increase the following episode.  

Another noticeable element of Invincible is the vibrant cast of characters that are introduced and developed throughout the show.  

In the pilot we see a group of superheroes known as the guardians of the globe. They share similar abilities and designs to DC’s Justice league superheroes. Invincible has multiple reference characters meant to symbolize popular superheroes in pop culture. 

In addition, Invincible has a cast of other superheroes that can manipulate atoms on a molecular level. Other characters who can explode anything they touch and a robot who can fire beams from his hands. The creativity with the superpowers of the heroes in invincible is part of their memorable characteristics. 

Furthermore, the voice acting in Invincible creates a genuine interaction between characters. We hear Steven Yeung voice acting as Mark Grayson as this confused kid learning to navigate the crazy superhero world. How his interactions with Sandra Oh, the voice actor for Mark’s mom Debbie, reflect that of a mother assuring their kid that everything will be okay.  

It’s one thing to have cool characters that do cool things but it’s another level to have those same characters feel human.  

Nonetheless, a superhero story isn’t complete without fight sequences which invincible doesn't fail to deliver. The fight choreography between the heroes and the villains is fast paced and destructive. Moreover, each fight scene includes a healthy amount of violence that shocks the viewer but also scales the villain's power. We see how easily landscapes get destroyed, how buildings crumble when a villain shoots a beam cannon from their hand. As well as our hero, Mark Grayson, and how he’s severely injured in every fight he’s in.

Consequently, the animation sets a much different tone as it’s bright color is seen on the costumes of Mark and his father Omni-man. The vibrant but simplistic movements that remind viewers of a classic superhero origin story.  

However, when it comes time for a fight sequence the animation picks up in speed. We see outlines of characters faster than our eyes can track. That a singular punch from Omni-man can go through someone. As well as the aftermath of that punch like building windows shattering, gust of winds emanating from the force of that punch. It all tries to give you the illusion of a normal family friendly superhero tale when it is actually a dark and serious narrative. 

One recurring theme in the story is the superhero's responsibility to protect the world at all costs. This means that they must abandon their responsibilities towards their family and loved ones to achieve such a demand.  

Over the span of eight episodes, we see Mark’s relationship with his girlfriend Amber gradually fall apart. Mark’s attempts to spend as much time with Amber is interrupted because of his hero responsibilities. This dynamic is also played in parallel with Mark’s parents. Although Mark’s mom Debbie knows of Omni-man's identity as a superhero, he’s often seen more with Mark than his wife.  

Mark’s attempts of strength unfold, always resulting in him getting severely injured. Mark is empathetic, he looks for the good in people and won’t resort to violence if he can avoid it. 

Compared to Omni-man’s destructive capabilities where in the same episode about the portal invading aliens. It's obvious that Omni-man’s presence in the battle was eminent as a sequence commences beginning with Omni-Man grabbing one of the aliens by their head. Afterwards, he follows the aliens as they retreat into their portals where once inside, he goes all out. In seconds, the advanced alien planet is destroyed as Omni-man burst through their infrastructure leaving only rubble and destruction in his path.  

 Overall, the plot of Invincible, as well as the remarkable cast of characters, fight scenes, animation, and themes portrayed within the series. It serves as an amazing experience into the superhero world of Invincible allowing for immersion into the life of Mark Grayson and walking away with a new perspective on how to tell a superhero story. I recommend Invincible to anyone as it doesn’t take too much knowledge beforehand to enjoy the show and experience all its wonders it has got to offer.