Unbeatable: Reviewing 'Invincible' Season 2 Part 1 – Steven Yeun's Superhero Series Continues to Soar

The Big Picture

The first season of Invincible ends on a devastating note as Mark learns his father, Omni-Man, was part of an authoritarian group planning to destroy his life.

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In Season 2, the characters are confronted with the aftermath of the shocking revelations, both physically and mentally scarred by the actions of Omni-Man. As Mark comes to terms with his father's deeds, he also confronts the trials of maturation, managing relationships, and finding his true identity as a superhero. This season intensifies the struggle for Mark's moral compass and guarantees further unsettling twists.

The first season of Invincible, the animated Prime Video series adapted from Robert Kirkman's comics, concluded with Mark Grayson's world being shattered by his father, Nolan, also known as Omni-Man. Despite nearly killing his son, Nolan spared him due to a small connection he still felt. Mark, lying bloodied and broken, uttered the tragic line, "You, dad, I'd still have you," when questioned about his continued fight. In response, the abusive yet cowardly superhero fled the planet, leaving his family to deal with the aftermath of his destruction.

This climactic ending allowed the first season to conclude on a high note, despite the characters reaching their lowest point. For Mark, who is no stranger to physical beatings as a superhero, it was the emotional impact of his father almost taking his life that left the deepest scars. While his physical wounds will heal, the mental anguish of discovering his idol's involvement in a group of authoritarian superheroes plotting to destroy everything he holds dear may prove to be too much to bear. How does one move forward from such a devastating revelation? The show explores this with a hesitant approach, recognizing the inherent tension in everyday struggles while grappling with the shaken foundations of life itself.

Image via Prime Video Invincible

Invincible is a captivating adult animated superhero series that centers around Mark Grayson, a typical 17-year-old trying to navigate through life, with one major difference – his father happens to be Omni-Man, the world's most formidable superhero. However, as Mark begins to uncover his own extraordinary abilities, he uncovers a startling truth about his father's supposedly illustrious legacy.

Release Date November 30, 2018Cast Steven Yeun, J.K. SimmonsMain Genre SuperheroGenres Science FictionSeasons 2

What Is 'Invincible' Season 2 About?

Featuring Prime Video's iconic image, Season 2 of Invincible takes a fresh direction amidst the wreckage of the previous season's shocking revelations. With unyielding violence, the series' true strength lies in its intricately crafted characters. The scars left by Omni-Man's devastating blows, both physical and emotional, are poised to resurface. Nevertheless, life for these characters must persist, as they grapple with the task of moving forward despite the immense burden they carry.

The struggles faced by Mark and the kind of person he will become have a classic superhero vibe, which is intensified when we witness the gruesome consequences of following in his father's footsteps. Despite some diversionary storylines, similar to the first season, Yeun's performance and Mark's journey make this return to his world engaging as we anticipate what's to come. The exact moment that delivers these unsettling developments is better experienced in the show itself.

Meanwhile, Mark is graduating from high school and preparing for college. Being a superhero doesn't exempt him from the challenges of growing up and maintaining relationships with friends, family, and romance. His relationship with Amber is going well, and they share a heartfelt yet humorous scene during a surprise date. These moments humanize Mark's experience, reminiscent of Sam Raimi's classic Spider-Man, which set the foundation for modern superhero storytelling.

This sense of care dedicated to creating mostly well-written characters sets Invincible apart from other hit-or-miss attempts at gritty superhero storytelling. The series effectively utilizes its form, combining bloody violence with bizarre new worlds, allowing it to soar alongside the year's finest beautifully animated sci-fi epics. Despite maintaining a healthy dose of silliness, there is one standout episode that shifts focus to another familiar character, delivering fantastic humor in both presentation and tone. However, there is a growing sense that something even more sinister than the events of the previous season may soon unfold. The question is not if, but rather what role Mark will play in it.

'Invincible' Season 2 Is Setting up a Battle for Mark’s Soul

Image via Prime Video

In addition to introducing Angstrom Levy as a formidable new antagonist, brilliantly portrayed by Sterling K. Brown, Invincible truly shines in exploring the internal conflicts faced by Mark. Although Season 2 may lack some of the jaw-dropping action sequences, with the exception of an epic brawl towards the end that stands as one of the show's highlights thus far, it compensates with intricately woven emotional moments. These moments offer a deeper contemplation, leaving both the central characters physically battered and emotionally drained, constantly repeating their past mistakes. The central question the series must address is whether Mark can break free from this vicious cycle of violence as he strives to uphold justice, only to discover that it is not as easily achievable as he believed. However, irrespective of the outcome, the series truly comes into its own by striking a balance between soaring triumphs and delving into the darkest corners of depravity.

Despite the superhero's name suggesting invulnerability, he is not truly as impervious as one might imagine. However, the series itself comes close to achieving that level of resilience. Regardless of the number of times Mark is defeated, Invincible consistently discovers innovative methods to rise once more.

Rating: B+

The initial episode of Season 2 of Invincible can now be streamed on Prime Video in the U.S. starting from November 3. The remaining three episodes will be released on a weekly basis. Part 2 of the series is scheduled for release in 2024.

Editor's P/S

Invincible Season 2 Part 1 Review: Steven Yeun's Superhero Series Continues to Soar

The second season of Invincible continues to captivate audiences with its engaging storyline and compelling characters. Despite the absence of Omni-Man, the show manages to maintain its momentum and deliver a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride.

The first season of Invincible ended on a devastating note, with Mark Grayson discovering the shocking truth about his father, Omni-Man. This revelation left Mark physically and emotionally scarred, and the second season explores the aftermath of these events. Mark struggles to come to terms with his father's actions and must navigate the challenges of growing up, maintaining relationships, and finding his true identity as a superhero.

The second season also introduces new characters and storylines that add depth and complexity to the show. The voice acting is top-notch, with Steven Yeun delivering a standout performance as Mark. The animation is also impressive, with fluid and dynamic action sequences. Overall, Invincible Season 2 Part 1 is a must-watch for fans of the show and superhero genre.