Spoiler-Free

After almost two years since the season one finale released, showing viewers what this show is capable of, season 2 continues its vision adapting its source material in a way that strengthens its story and ideas into the animated medium. Though it is unclear how many episodes will be released on November 4th, as well as how many episodes are in this season, this critic was provided four episodes and, by golly, this critic is going to review those four episodes best he can without giving much away, only discussing what can be seen in the trailers.

 

First thing I want to get out of the way: The current trend of multiverse movies and now Invincible containing a multiverse story this season is purely coincidental. After the events of season one, a multiverse arc is next up in the source material, originally released back in 2006. And, having read the comics shortly before the show was announced, I can assure you that this multiverse story still feels more fresh and engaging than most of the more recent attempts at a multiverse setting. Considering that I think the only outlier of that statement is Everything Everywhere All at Once, I’d say that’s a fairly decent praise.

 

Now, as for these episodes I watched, they still remain just as engaging as season one, even when taking a bit of a risk to include more comic book-like narrative devices, such as an omnipotent voice over narrator for half of episode three. Depending on what you want out of Invincible, be it the mature stories, graphic animated action sequences, or just more of the story, these episodes certainly deliver as long as you remain patient. After all, good things come to those who wait!

 

For me, personally, the main element I want out of this season of Invincible is the further exploration of its themes on empathy. If you remember the first season, (spoilers for season one, will mark when spoilers end) our hero Mark Grayson discovers his dad, Omniman, is a member of an alien race known as Viltrumites, whose culture prioritizes strength and conquering every planet possible. Many civilians are killed by his hands as Mark tries to reason with him, but Omniman claims to view people merely insects, even referring to his wife as a pet. However, as he has Mark on the ground, beating him bloody, there is a moment where Omniman flashes back to his time with his wife and raising Mark, learning to care, and its this internal emotional conflict that pushes him to leave Earth with tears in his eyes. (End Of Season One Spoilers)

 

Season two of Invincible continues to show that caring for others isn’t a sign of weakness, no matter what the strongest enemies Mark fights against believes. The story explores Debby’s, our hero’s mother, aftermath of the betrayal of her husband in a that may feel all too real for viewers who’ve been in relationships shattered by secrets. Mark continues to get beaten to a pulp despite his strength, the pressure constantly on him to become stronger, but his spirit, which is the truly invincible aspect of him, continues to prevail in these episodes.

 

In short, Invincible continues to show us what simple-concept superhero stories are capable of in the hands of creators that know how to execute ideas to its strongest form, and I can’t wait until I can watch more.