Decoding the Anime Status of Invincible: Fact or Fiction?

The highly popular animated series of 2023, Invincible, premiered its second season on Amazon Prime Video on November 3. Inspired by Robert Kirkman's Image Comics series, the show follows the story of 17-year-old Mark Grayson, who inherits superpowers from his father, Omni-Man, the most formidable superhero in the world.

Featuring a star-studded voice cast including J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, and Steven Yeun, along with stunning animation, gripping action, compelling drama, and black humor, Invincible is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Invincible is not an anime but pays respect to the genre with its original style

It appears that Invincible borrows elements from both Western and Eastern animation genres and styles, leading to speculation among critics and viewers about whether it can be considered an anime.

Invincible is not technically considered an anime, despite being heavily influenced by the genre. While it may share visual and stylistic similarities, the fact that it was not produced by a Japanese studio means it does not meet the strict definition of anime.

Anime, a term derived from the word "animation," refers to animated works with a unique aesthetic, culture, and history originating from Japan. In contrast, the American television series, based on an American comic book, is created by Skybound Entertainment and Point Grey Pictures.

Characters from Invincible (Image via Skybound Animation Amazon Studio)

This doesn't mean that the show doesn't have any anime elements or influences. In fact, Kirkman has acknowledged his love for anime and aimed to create a show that would appeal to audiences in both the East and the West.

Invincible became popular because of its blend of Eastern and Western media. The show incorporates popular anime elements such as comedy, horror, science fiction, and fantasy. It also explores themes commonly found in anime, including destiny, morality, family, and identity.

The story of Invincible features a diverse cast of characters, both human and non-human, each with their own distinct motivations, backgrounds, and personalities. For example, characters like Robot, who bears a resemblance to a mecha, and Monster Girl, who possesses the ability to undergo a beastly transformation, draw parallels to iconic anime characters.

A variety of common anime character types are featured in the show, such as the antagonist, the romantic interest, the competitor, the hesitant protagonist, the guiding figure, and the source of humor.

The series employs a combination of 2D and 3D animation, incorporating anime-specific elements such as expressive facial expressions, fluid movements, and dynamic camera angles. It also features certain anime cliches for dramatic or humorous effect, including exaggerated reactions, chibi forms, and blood splatters. As a result, it appeals to both anime enthusiasts and those new to the genre, offering a unique and captivating narrative.

The series' first two seasons can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Currently, the show consists of 17 episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 50 minutes. The highly-anticipated third season is set to debut in 2024. Filled with numerous unexpected developments, the series is guaranteed to keep viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the anime status of Invincible. On the one hand, I understand that it is not technically an anime since it was not produced by a Japanese studio. On the other hand, I can see why some people might consider it to be an anime due to its visual and stylistic similarities to the genre.

Overall, I think Invincible is a great show that has a lot to offer fans of both anime and Western animation. It's a well-written and well-animated series with a compelling story and likable characters. I'm excited to see what the future holds for Invincible and I hope that it continues to push the boundaries of what is considered to be anime.