Prime-Video - Invincible : Our impression of this new animation series

By Mulder, 25 march 2021

By the creator of the cult series The Walking Dead Robert Kirkman, the series is based on the Skybound/Image comic book written by Robert Kirkman Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley. The original voice cast includes Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), Seth Rogen (This is the End), Gillian Jacobs (Community), Andrew Rannells (Black Monday, Girls), Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2), Mark Hamill (Star Wars: The Last Jedi), Walton Goggins (Justified), Jason Mantzoukas (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Mae Whitman (Good Girls), Chris Diamantopoulos (Silicon Valley), Melise (The Flash), Kevin Michael Richardson (The Simpsons), Grey Griffin (Avengers Assemble), Max Burkholder (Blush). Invincible is produced by Skybound and Kirkman, Simon Racioppa, David Alpert (The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead), Catherine Winder (Angry Birds The Movie, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) with directors Justin Allen & Chris Copeland (Avengers Gathering, Ultimate Spider-Man) and casting director Linda Lamontagne.

Invincible is an Image Universe superhero who first appeared in preview in Savage Dragon #102 (August 2002), before getting his own regular series in 2003, as the first title in Image Comics' new superhero line. It ended in February 2018, after 15 years. Invincible was Robert Kirkman's second longest-running comic book. Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun), 17 years old is the son of Omni-Man, an alien superhero of the Viltrumite race. As Invincible he inherited his father's superhuman strength and ability to fly and is sworn to protect the Earth. As a teenager, he struggles to adapt to his new powers and to face the reality of his origins. As time goes on, he discovers that his father is hiding secrets.

We had the chance to discover the first three episodes of the new animated series from Amazon Prime and were completely won over by its animation, which perfectly matches the comics by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, as well as by its scenario, which highlights the numerous action scenes and the development of the main characters. The character of Mark Grayson in the middle of a teenage crisis must not only overcome his personal problems but also gain confidence in order to become like his father a true superhero. In the first few minutes of the first episode, the action begins with a confrontation between two monsters and a team of superheroes (The Guardians of the Globe) of which Mark's father is a member.

While one could expect a new animated series in the vein of those of DC Entertainment and Marvel Studios, Invincible goes in another direction and resembles in many (dark) ways the excellent series The Boys. Some very violent scenes, notably the extermination of the team of guardians of the globe by Omni-Man, show that this animated series is intended for an adult audience and not for children. The undeniable touch of Robert Kirkman that made the comics famous is still present here. This graphic and macabre violence gives Invincible a very special aura. In the same way, while another team of superheroes is about to be born, the series shows by some violent elements that Omni-Man is hiding his game.

After these three episodes, it is difficult to have a real view on what this eight episode animated series will be, but it is similar to a long animated film broken down by several chapters and not a different story for each episode. This model allows not only to propose a story rich in twists and turns but also to give enough thickness to the numerous characters of this series. By moving away from the simple framework of the family animated series of superheroes, Invincible seems to promise to become just like the comics of which it is the cult adaptation and to succeed in creating its own universe in which being a hero implies facing difficult decisions and above all knowing how to face one's greatest fears.

We can only advise you to watch the panel around this new series that will be held on March 27 during the Wondercon online convention. Series creator Robert Kirkman and Invincible cast members Lauren Cohan, Lennie James and Ross Marquand will be on hand to discuss the Invincible series. After collaborating together on The Walking Dead, they will look back on how they came together once again to work on a new project. We'll find out what fans can expect in the coming weeks from the Invincible series.

Synopsis:
After discovering that his father is the most powerful superhero in the world, a teenager also develops powers and decides to follow in the footsteps of his progenitor.

Invincible (2021, 8 episodes)
Created by Robert Kirkman
Based on Invincible by Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, Cory Walker
Voices of Steven Yeun, J. K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Lauren Cohan, Sonequa Martin-Green, Chad L. Coleman, Michael Cudlitz, Lennie James, Ross Marquand, Zachary Quinto, Gillian Jacobs, Jason Mantzoukas, Malese Jow, Grey Griffin, Walton Goggins , Seth Rogen
Composer: John Paesano
Executive producers : Simon Racioppa, Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Catherine Winder
Production company : Skybound
Original network : Prime Video
Original release : 2021
Running time : 45 minutes

Rating : 5/5

Seen on March 25, 2021 (press access)