Welcome to a special edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast.
For this entry, we are checking out the long awaited return of a beloved animated series based off a legendary comic series from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment.
Since debuting in comic book from back in 2003, Invincible by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley made a huge impression with comic readers. The story of Mark Grayson’s coming of age journey into the world of superheroes was an instant smash. Running from 2003 to 2018, the series has left a lasting impression on how modern superhero comics are told.
In March of 2021, the comic transitioned into an animated show on Prime Video. Capturing the essence of the comic with a stellar voice cast led by Steven Yeun in the role of Mark Grayson, the eight episode season has been a huge success with fans, new and old alike.
Season 2 is set to finally premiere on November 3rd on Prime Video. The ODPHpod was granted early screening privileges to Invincible SEASON TWO - PART ONE so here is our SPOILER FREE review!
INVINCIBLE SEASON 2 promo art - season begins Nov. 3rd, 2023 - Credit: Amazon Studios
Season One focused on 18 year old Mark Grayson (Voiced by Steven Yeun) dealing with his developing super powers. Having his father Nolan aka Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons) guide him on his superhero path should have been a easy road to becoming a hero, right? That is until Omni-Man’s true intentions start coming into to light. With how season one ends, there is much still out of sync heading into the new season.
Keeping things SPOILER-FREE, part 1 delves into the growth of Mark and the supporting cast around him. The feeling of transition plays heavy through the episodes. Mark is heavily impacted by the near death experience at the hands of his dad in season one. His behavior harkens back to the classic comic trope: “With Great Power comes Great responsibility”. Seeing how power corrupted him (in his opinion), Mark is left with finding his own path to walk and is it the right path in the end?
Even with his strong moments, the true breakout character of these four episodes is Debbie Grayson (voiced by Sandra Oh). The estranged wife of Nolan is dealt picking up the pieces of her life while dealing with a son transitioning into adulthood. Without question, Debbie’s story steals the spotlight away from the super heroics every time she is on screen. Oh captures the pain and disbelief in her character’s voice flawlessly. It is fantastic acting that deserves a great deal of praise when the episodes hit.
Other familiar faces will have noteworthy moments in this initial start. Atom Eve (voiced by Gillian Jacobs) and Robot (Zachary Quinto) both have developing tales that will grab viewer’s attention. This provides a solid balance to the superhero action and bloody fighting which is a trademark for the comic. Trust me, there are plenty of those moments mixed in. Pacing helps to get the story moving in that direction with a superb parting conclusion. Get ready for a fun ride leading Mark and company into new territory.
FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10
The return of Mark Grayson doesn’t miss a beat returning to Prime Video with an excellent start to Season Two. Strong writing mixed with phenomenal voice acting from Yeun, Oh and Jacobs leading an all-star cast makes this season a thrill-ride of emotions that’s just getting started!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts after you catch the return of Invincible Season Two Part One on November 3rd.
Thank you again to Amazon Studios and Prime Video for early screener access and thank you for reading!
