The Boys vs. Invincible: A Showdown of Superhero Series

The Source Material

Amazon Prime Video's The Boys and Invincible are two of the best superhero shows available, each with its own unique take on the genre. The Boys, based on Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comic-book series, parodies pop culture's intense superhero worship, while Invincible, an adult-animated superhero series, is based on Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley's Image Comics series. Both shows have drawn from their source material to create compelling on-screen narratives.

Invincible Fire Fight 1

Invincible is being adapted for the screen by one of its co-creators, Robert Kirkman, ensuring a faithful adaptation of the original comics. The first two seasons of Invincible remain true to the source material, with some tweaks and hints at future changes. On the other hand, The Boys has made smart changes to the comics, setting itself apart from the original material. The show's alterations leverage the new medium's strengths, making it fresh, inventive, and current, even for long-time fans of the comics.

Mark flying in his Invincible costume in Invincible.

Character Dynamics

In Invincible, the protagonist, Mark Grayson, is a tried-and-true hero, navigating his newfound superpowers with a strong sense of justice and compassion. The show delves into the dynamics of Mark's relationships with his family and fellow heroes, portraying them as grounded and relatable characters. On the other hand, The Boys presents a more ensemble series, with a roster of Supes and human characters. It focuses on an array of characters, from core to supporting cast, creating a diverse and unpredictable narrative.

Invincible vs Robot 5

The Boys also explores the complexities of its characters, making it hard to root for anyone. The show's morally gray areas and the constant struggle for survival add depth to the characters, challenging traditional superhero archetypes. In contrast, Invincible focuses on a few significant characters, allowing for a deeper exploration of their dynamics and relationships. This approach strengthens the narrative and adds emotional depth to the story.

invincible and omni-man working together against aliens

Approach to Violence

Invincible's approach to violence is notable, as it trades shock value for a more grounded and emotionally impactful portrayal. The show tonal down the violence, making it more deeply felt when characters are affected. This departure from the source material has sparked discussions among viewers, with some finding it a refreshing change and others feeling let down by the alleged tampered violence. On the other hand, The Boys is known for its over-the-top violence, which serves a key purpose in the series. The show's portrayal of shocking and brutal violence underscores its parody of superhero culture, adding a layer of satire to the narrative.

Invincible Blue Suit Mark Grayson

The contrast between Invincible's grounded approach and The Boys' shock value highlights the distinct ways in which the two series handle violence. While Invincible opts for a more emotionally resonant depiction, The Boys revels in its over-the-top brutality, challenging traditional superhero narratives and pushing boundaries.

Anthony Starr in The Boys as Homelander with a slightly bloody nose