Prime-Video - Invincible makes its mark as a game-changer in adult animated superhero television

By Mulder, 31 october 2023

Invincible, the adult animated superhero television series created by Robert Kirkman, has taken the entertainment world by storm since its debut on Amazon Prime Video on March 25, 2021. Earning critical acclaim and amassing a dedicated fan base, Invincible stands as a defining moment in the realm of modern television.

Invincible draws inspiration from the Image Comics series of the same name. It introduces viewers to Mark Grayson, a seemingly ordinary 17-year-old whose life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers that his father, Nolan, is Omni-Man, Earth's most powerful superhero. As Mark begins to develop superhuman abilities, he embarks on a transformative journey guided by his father. The series artfully explores Mark's struggle to balance the demands of his personal life with the responsibilities of being a superhero. The central question: Can he rise to the occasion and prove himself as a hero worthy of his father's legacy?

With a stellar cast, Invincible brings its characters to life with exceptional talent. Steven Yeun voices Mark Grayson, while Sandra Oh and J. K. Simmons portray the Grayson family. The supporting cast delivers memorable performances, adding depth and authenticity to the series.

From its first episode, Invincible garnered widespread critical acclaim. It earned praise for its compelling narrative, remarkable animation, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, brilliant writing, and the emotional depth it brought to the superhero genre. This acclaim prompted Amazon to swiftly renew the series for a second and third season, with the second season premiering on November 3, 2023. In addition to the main series, Amazon released a prequel special titled Invincible: Atom Eve on July 21, 2023, further enriching the Invincible universe.

Invincible expanded beyond animated glory with the announcement of a live-action film adaptation. Universal Pictures revealed plans to develop this R-rated project, directed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, with a commitment to staying true to the comic series. While the live-action film faced uncertainties during the rise of the animated series, it remains in development and promises to bring Invincible to the big screen. The animated series notably influenced the live-action film's development, effectively shaping it into a live-action version of the beloved animated series, as Seth Rogen disclosed in a 2023 interview.

The journey to bring Invincible to animation was not without its challenges. Robert Kirkman signed a deal with Amazon in 2017 to develop various series for Amazon Prime Video through his company, Skybound Entertainment. However, the existence of the live-action film adaptation initially posed a barrier to creating the animated series. In 2018, the landscape changed, as Amazon greenlit the animated series, announcing a first season consisting of eight hour-long episodes. Simon Racioppa became the showrunner, with Kirkman, David Alpert, and Catherine Winder serving as executive producers. The production companies involved included Skybound, as the animated series took flight. Interestingly, executive producers Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, who also provided their voices to the show, simultaneously worked on the live-action film adaptation of the comic, ensuring both projects thrived independently.

Invincible showcased innovative title sequences that captured viewers' attention. With each episode, the title sequence progressively grew bloodier, symbolizing the dark narrative that lay ahead. This creative approach encouraged viewers to engage with every episode and anticipate the unfolding storyline.

The series' animation style borrowed elements from the aesthetics of Saturday morning cartoons from the early 2000s, offering a nostalgic touch to a contemporary superhero saga. Adding another layer of depth to the series was the impactful score composed by John Paesano, creating a musical backdrop that enhanced the emotional resonance of the storytelling.

Invincible represents a new era in superhero storytelling. It defies conventions, challenges accepted norms, and embraces the complexity of character dynamics, making it a standout among contemporary superhero series. The show successfully blends familiar superhero tropes with unexpected gore and character-driven drama, delivering one of the most surprising and engaging superhero experiences of the year.

Invincible quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, with memorable moments like the Think, Mark meme emerging from its eighth episode. The crossover episode featuring Omni-Man from Invincible and Homelander from The Boys in Rooster Teeth's Death Battle! web series underscored the series' significance in the superhero landscape. In a delightful twist, characters from Invincible, including Omni-Man, found themselves as playable characters in the video game Mortal Kombat 1, with J. K. Simmons reprising his role as Omni-Man.

Despite its success, Invincible has faced its share of controversies. Creator Robert Kirkman found himself embroiled in a legal battle with comic book colorist William Crabtree, who raised concerns about rights and profits related to the series. This legal challenge underscores the complex business and legal aspects often accompanying the creation of beloved media franchises.

As Invincible continues to captivate audiences with its bold storytelling, innovative approach to animation, and exceptional character development, it stands as a testament to the evolution of the superhero genre in the 21st century. Whether through its gripping narratives, unforgettable characters, or its impact on pop culture, Invincible has firmly established itself as a beacon of change in the world of adult animated superhero television.

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

Invincible
Created by Robert Kirkman
Based on Invincible by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, Ryan Ottley
Developed by Robert Kirkman
Voices of Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons
Composer : John Paesano
Executive producers : Robert Kirkman, Simon Racioppa, Cory Walker, David Alpert, Margaret M. Dean, Catherine Winder, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg
Producer : Maude Lewis Helen Leigh
Animator : Skybound Animation
Editors : Scott Winlaw, Matthew Sipple
Running time : 42–55 minutes
Production companies : Skybound North, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, Point Grey Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios
Network : Amazon Prime Video
Release March 25, 2021 – present