Invincible Review Part 1 (S1E1-3) [No Spoilers]

GameStop, Inc.

Invincible Review Part 1 ( Season 1, Episodes 1-3) [No Spoilers] – An incredible series about the work it takes to be a hero even for a natural

The time has finally come! We’ve been hyped about this series since it was announced back in June 2018, and got even more excited when the trailer dropped and Amazon Studios announced the release date. Now we’re a week away from the series premiere (3/26/2021) and I can share my love and maybe get some more of you hyped with my Invincible review.

If you don’t want to read my fondness of the ground-up approach or admiration of the hard work required even for the naturally gifted, the gist of my Invincible review is going to be of very high praise. In a progressively saturated genre, Invincible carves out its own place feeling unique and different while fully embracing its similarities and staples of the genre.

Based on the comic book of the same name, from creators Ryan Ottley, Cory Walker, and Robert Kirkman, Invincible is a series about an aspiring new teenage hero named Mark Grayson, whose father is the most powerful superhero on the planet. Essentially the son of Superman, but in this world, it’s Omni Man. While he may have the power, the speed, and be “invincible” like his father, he also feels an enormous amount of pressure to live up to his father’s reputation. Mark learns very fast that even with all the power in the world and being invincible, being a hero requires a lot of work and causes a lot of pain.

Invincible takes a ground-up approach to the superhero genre and feels like a positive mirror to the negative perspective of Amazon’s other superhero-oriented program The Boys. This world of superheroes is a dark and dirty business filled with corruption, violence, and hidden agendas. However, in contrast to the generally corrupted and morally depraved baseline the superheroes in The Boys tend to have, Invincible’s heroes largely really want to be heroes and sacrifice a lot to do so. They also have flaws but tend to be more human flaws like being a cheating boyfriend not using their superpowers to create a religious cult. I’m

What helps ground Invincible’s world really well is how vulnerable the heroes are. I mean this mostly in the physical sense, as the heroes here get hurt. It shows how easily a slight misstep could lead to fatalities and how much work it takes to be a hero. The physical vulnerability gives more gravitas to the emotional and human vulnerability of all the characters. Mark Grayson’s emotional vulnerability is a big contrast to his physical invulnerability. He’s a teenager who is going through a lot of firsts, dealing with his otherworldly powers, and discovering what it truly takes and means to be a hero while dealing with his teenage emotions and learning to live with and up to the reputation of the world’s greatest superhero; who happens to also be his father and mentor. This is not taking into account the external problems of the world. To sum it up, the drama of the series is relatable, engaging, and extremely entertaining.

On-top of the gripping story, the series boasts an incredibly gifted cast that is perfectly cast. Mark Grayson is performed by Steven Yuen, who brings a perfect blend of unsurety, cockiness, earnestness, naivety, and dorkiness. J.K. Simmons as Omni Man/Nolan Grayson has an innate commanding presence that just emanates wisdom, gravitas, and power. Sandra Oh as Debbie Grayson provides a warm and knows-better mother who keeps her high-flying family on the ground. The list is almost endless, Zazie Beats as Amber, Andrew Rannells as Will, Seth Rogen as Allen, etc. Each voice very distinguishable but also perfect to embody the characters. With only three episodes, the cast list goes well into the double digits and even the smallest bits are perfectly executed. Three other voices who have larger roles that you get to bask in are Gillian Jacobs as Atom Eve, Jason Mantzoukas as Rex Splode, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Mauler One & Two. Jacobs’s role is a truly inspiring dramatic performance, where Mantzoukas and Richardson’s voices are so perfectly matched to their character designs that it provides a menacing comedy that gets you to laugh at things you might normally feel bad about.

Lastly, I want to talk about the art of the series. Invincible’s art and design are akin to that of the DC Animated programs, which I would say has Young Justice base with Justice League Unlimited detailingIt provides an overall heir of light and positivity that beautifully contrasts with the darker components of the show. The contrast in the visuals really heightens the emotional and dramatic impact of the darker elements of the series. The vibrance of the show is very similar to other animated hero programs that are billed for children, but the depth and veracity of the content are on par with The Boys.  So, definitely, not a kids’ show.  Though I’m sure they will be drawn by the heroic figures and vibrant colors, they may be mortified by the inevitable gore that comes from super-powered beings clashing.

Invincible has all the elements to be Amazon’s next hit series. It has an incredibly impactful human story in a ridiculously non-human world, which seems to be a specialty of Kirkman’s series. It has a perfect award-laden cast for every role that simultaneously gets viewers to recognize their voice and not recognize them as the character. And gorgeous art that beautifully highlights and amplifies the contrasting forces of the story. Invincible has all the best ingredients and still comes out greater than the sum of its parts. Invincible effortless distinguishes itself as a unique property in the long-list of super-hero-based programming. To put it simply, the show is good and enjoyable every episode. I say good and enjoyable because the last big superhero show was objectively really good. But the first two episodes were not enjoyable. It was enjoyable as a 3-episode bunch and as a season/series, but as a two-episode introduction, I know I was not the only person who did not enjoy where it left the audience. For its great story, masterful performances, and sheer enjoyability, my Invincible review a 5/5.

 

Invincible ReviewInvincible

Season 1 Release Date: March 26, 2021 (on Amazon Prime Video)

Based On The Comic Books By: Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, Ryan Ottley

Executive Producers: Robert Kirkman, Catherine Winder, David Alpert, Simon Racioppa, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg,

Supervising Director: Jeff Allen

Cast: Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Seth Rogen, Gillian Jacobs, Andrew Rannells, Zazie Beetz, Mark Hamill, Walton Goggins, Jason Mantzoukas, Zachary Quinto, Mahershala Ali, Melise, Kevin Michael Richardson, Grey Griffin, Khary Payton and more

Invincible Review Part 1 (Episodes 1-3)
5

TLDR

Invincible has all the elements to be Amazon’s next hit series. It has an incredibly impactful human story in a ridiculously non-human world, which seems to be a specialty of Kirkman’s series. It has a perfect award-laden cast in every role that simultaneously gets viewers to recognize their voice and not recognize them as the character. And gorgeous art that beautifully highlights and amplifies the contrasting forces of the story. Invincible has all the best ingredients and still comes out greater than the sum of its parts. Invincible effortless distinguishes itself as a unique property in the long-list of super-hero-based programming. To put it simply, the show is good and enjoyable every episode.

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Anytime Costumes

One Response

  1. Marvel Historian March 25, 2021 Reply

Leave a Reply

FanboyNation
Animation/Anime Interviews Animation/Anime News Animation/Anime Reviews Film/TV Interviews Film/TV News Film/TV Review
We Test Our EQ By Revisiting the ‘New Zoo Revue’ with Doug and Emily Momary – Interview

We revisit the classic 1970s series, ‘The New Zoo Revue‘ with...

Kari Wahlgren Talks Voicing Aunt May in ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’

Legendary voice actress, Kari Wahlgren returns to the Spider-Man multiverse as...

Melissa Roxburgh & Patrick Sabongui Talk About NBC’s ‘The Hunting Party’ – Interview

Melissa Roxburgh and Patrick Sabongui talk about their new NBC Procedural...

Event News Event Reviews
‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ is Wonderous at The Phantom Projects – Review

Off-Broadway comes to North Orange County with ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes‘ at...

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ Is Oh So Right at La Mirada Theatre – Review

‘The Play That Goes Wrong‘ Leaves Audiences Roaring with Side-Splitting Laughter...

Metal Hall of Fame Rocks Out During NAMM Weekend in Anaheim

The Metal Hall of Fame Rocks Anaheim, CA during NAMM Weekend...

Automotives Football MMA, Kick Boxing & Boxing Professional Wrestling
Goldie Collins uses her ‘Animal Instinct’ in the WOW Tag Team Division – Interview

Goldie Collins and her Animal Instinct tag team partner, Katarina Jinx...

Top Tier Talk About the Season Premiere of WOW – Women Of Wrestling – Interview

Top Tier Talk About the WOW Season Premiere and being named...

WOW and Pluto TV Tag Team with a New Channel – SDCC News

WOW – Women Of Wrestling has a new tag team partner...

Adult Continuity Comics on the Can Cultural Junk Drawer Future Comic Rock Stars Is That Racist? Revisiting the Reviled THAT'S NOT ROTTEN! The B-Reel The Cantina Scene This Week in Crowdfunding What the HELL Did I just...?
Fantoy Comics Presents – Valentine’s day special 2025 pt 1

Ok you got me, I don't surf.

Fantoy Comics Presents – A REPRINT!

Oop!

Fantoy Comics Presents – THINGS TO COME 2025 pt 4

J-Hope's Animal Mystery Squad

Music Interviews Music News Music Reviews
John Dawson Talks His Cody Rhodes Inspired Song ‘Under All the Lights’ – Interview

Canadian Singer/Songwriter John Dawson Talks About His Cody and Brandi Rhodes...

Composer Youssef Guezoum Nominated for Two HMMA Awards – Interview

Moroccan born composer, Youssef Guezoum takes his adopted country by storm...

Isabella Summers Talks Composing for the Animated Feature ‘Hitpig!’ – Interview

‘Hitpig!‘ Composer, Isabella Summers Talks About Composing for the Indie Animated...

Enabled Gaming Gaming News Gaming Reviews
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Gameplay Trailer

The first Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League gameplay trailer was revealed during...

Wonder Woman Game
Wonder Woman Game Announced By DC and WB Games

Wonder Woman game will feature the iconic hero in a 3rd...

MultiVersus
MultiVersus brings Batman, Arya Stark, Bugs Bunny, and More

MultiVersus is bringing Shaggy, Harley Quinn, Jake, Batman, Arya Stark, Bugs Bunny,...

Comic Creator Interviews Comic/Graphic Novel News Comic/Graphic Novel Reviews Manga News Manga Reviews Novel/Novella Author Interviews Novel/Novella News Novel/Novella Reviews
Michael Hirsh Made Gen X Citizens Via his ‘Animation Nation’ – Interview

Legendary Animator, Michael Hirsh goes from Immigrant to Emperor in his...

Billy Eddy Talks His new Book ‘Our New World of Adult Bullies’ – Interview

Lawyer, Mediator and Personality Expert Bill Eddy Provides a Six-Step Strategy...

Gary Morgenstein Talks ‘A Dugout to Peace’ the Final Installment of his Trilogy

Gary Morgenstein Talks About ‘A Dugout to Peace‘ the final installment...

Apparel/Personal Maintenance News Apparel/Personal Maintenance Reviews Entertainment Product News Entertainment Product Reviews Food/Beverage Reviews Hardware News Hardware Reviews Mystery Box News Mystery Box Reviews
The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan Unveils Halo Collar 4 – Interview

Cesar Millan Unveils Halo Collar 4: A Game-Changer for the Safety...

Artista Cigars Unveils Name Change For Two Cigar Lines – News

Artista Cigars Unveils Packaging Redesign and Name Change for Puro Ambar...

Artista Cigars Announces David Ortiz Hall of Fame Cigars – News

Artista Cigars Announces Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz Hall of...

Gaming Uncensored Toon-In-Talk
Episode 38: Hamid Rahmanian

Join Whitney Grace as she speaks with artist Hamid Rahmanian, who...

No Preview
Toon-In Talk Episode 37: Niki Smith

Whitney Grace interviews graphic novel writer and artist Niki Smith about...

Toon-In Talk Episode 36: Rob Paulsen

Rob Paulsen takes some time from his busy voice acting schedule...