by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
In a time when superhero movies and television series continue to dominate, one would think that it would be a challenge to stand apart from the rest. Thankfully, the creative partnership between Skybound Entertainment and Prime Video has allowed for the creation of something that’s both truly unique AND comic accurate, and that is the animated adventures of Invincible! Mark Grayson is back in action this week, and ComicsOnline had the pleasure of viewing the first four episodes in Season 2. MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
I feel pretty safe in saying that fans are always cautiously optimistic when it comes to adapting any book to a new medium. Invincible, the insanely impressive comic series from Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, was expertly translated for the critically acclaimed first season. After viewing these new chapters, it seems like the creative team was just getting started.
Mark Grayson/Invincible (Steven Yeun) and Debbie Grayson (Sandra Oh) are still reeling from the shocking revelations about Nolan/Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons) from the climatic first season. Their world was shaken to the core, but the rest of the planet was impacted as well. When the new season kicks in, a bit of time has passed, with everyone struggling to move forward and adapt to their new situation. Mark tries to make up for the death and destruction caused by his father, and realizes that his best course of action might be to rely on support from Cecil (Walton Goggins). Can Invincible and the Guardians of Globe work together to face off against new threats? Is it possible for Mark to successfully balance college, a girlfriend, and his new “job”? And more importantly…what happened to Omni-Man after the cataclysmic battle?
Invincible Season 2, Part 1 stars returning cast members Steven Yeun, with Sandra Oh, Zazie Beetz, Grey DeLisle, Chris Diamantopoulos, Walton Goggins, Gillian Jacobs, Jason Mantzoukas, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, Zachary Quinto, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Michael Richardson, Seth Rogen, and J.K. Simmons. Season 2 Invincible Season 2, Part 1 also features the vocal talents of Sterling K. Brown, Peter Cullen, Rob Delaney, Calista Flockhart, Phil LaMarr, Luke MacFarlane, Tatiana Maslany, Scott McNairy, Jay Pharoah, Ella Purnell, Tim Robinson, Ben Schwartz, Rhea Seehorn, Lea Thompson, Paul F. Tompkins, and Shantel VanSanten. The executive producers are Kirkman, Catherine Winder, David Alpert, Simon Racioppa, Margaret M. Dean, Rogen, and Evan Goldberg, and the co-executive producers are Helen Leigh and Walker.
Every single actor brought their A-Game for this new release, with the emotional intensity and vocal agility strongly on display. All of the returning cast turned the dial up to 11, while the new cast members enhanced the already engaging performances. Sterling K. Brown’s Angstrom Levy is a force to be reckoned with, and his dynamic range is extremely complimentary to the major new villain. During SDCC, Robert Kirkman and I were talking about the inclusion of Peter Cullen (best known as Optimus Prime from Transformers) for Invincible Season 2, Part 1. I won’t spoil who he is voicing, but damn is it PERFECT casting. Well played team!
If you’ve read Invincible (something I highly recommend), you will be shocked by how much of the comics has been meticulously included in these first few episodes. The long-form installments (40ish minutes) definitely allow for the main plot to progress, but the time also adds beats to flesh out smaller character moments and impressive world-building elements. I loved binging these chapters, but there were so many moments that were worth going back to experience again on a second pass. The creative use of music was absolutely a highlight for these first four, as the track selection enhanced the montages and added a grounded undertone to the situations at hand.
If you haven’t read the series, you might be surprised that we are going with a multiversal threat for this new story arc. Like everything else in Invincible, the creative team successfully did something original with the various comic tropes and concepts, and the multiverse aspect is no exception. This next arc of Invincible is wild, and the outside of the box approach to the superhero genre continues to make this show stand above the rest.
ComicsOnline gives Invincible: Season 2, Part 1 – 5 out of 5 expectations smashing television experiences!
Suit up and head out on adventures with ComicsOnline for more comics, more reviews, and everything geek pop culture!
Please take a moment to FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to our updated ComicsOnline social channels.
We appreciate your support!
INSTAGRAM – COMICSONLINE
BSKY – COMICSONLINE
YOUTUBE – COMICSONLINE
FACEBOOK – COMICSONLINE
TWITTER / X – COMICSONLINE
