Superhero Fatigue

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In the upcoming third season of Amazon’s Prime Video series, “Invincible,” on February 6th, the superhero genre appears to be in an unusual situation. Once a powerhouse in cinemas, it has dwindled, with disappointing recent releases from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and DC Extended Universe (DCEU), now under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran. However, shows such as “The Boys” and “Invincible” have managed to surpass the supposed “superhero fatigue” that has affected movie theaters, as audiences grow weary of inadequately developed superhero narratives.

In a recent chat with Variety, I – the movie reviewer – found myself listening intently to Robert Kirkman, the creative mind behind the hit series Invincible (not to be confused with The Walking Dead), share his thoughts on the topic of “superhero fatigue.” He posits that this phenomenon isn’t as straightforward as audiences growing tired of superpowers and spandex. Instead, it could be a matter of over-saturation and formulaic storytelling in the genre.

I’m not convinced that ‘superhero burnout’ is a legitimate phenomenon. However, I do believe that the superhero narrative has been used so frequently that it no longer feels innovative or exciting.

For the last 15 years, Marvel Studios has produced 33 films and numerous series for Disney+. On the other hand, the DC Extended Universe consists of 15 movies. This prolonged exposure has familiarized audiences with the norms and elements typical of this genre. Kirkman went on to say:

It seems like it’s no longer enough for a superhero show to lack unique elements nowadays, as I believe the excitement or freshness that it once brought may have faded.

Kirkman posits that with the widespread acceptance of the superhero genre, there’s an opportunity for storytellers to experiment and challenge conventional themes within it, much like how filmmakers transformed the western genre by creating neo-westerns such as “No Country for Old Men” and post-modern westerns like “Unforgiven.” In essence, Kirkman suggests that creators are now breathing fresh life into the superhero narrative.

That’s truly thrilling for me, as this implies that the widespread knowledge of superheroes allows us to venture into unique and intriguing territories.

Why ‘Invincible’ is Such a Fan Favorite

As a diehard film enthusiast, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by the groundbreaking superhero series, “Invincible,” which graced our screens in 2021. Despite some controversy surrounding its second season’s release strategy, this show has been hailed as the pinnacle of superhero storytelling since its debut. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast featuring stars like Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Gillian Jacobs, and many more, it’s hard not to be drawn in by their stellar performances. What truly sets “Invincible” apart, however, is its deep, character-driven storytelling, crafted by the talented trio of Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley.

It’s often said that a great show should prioritize its characters, but regrettably, several superhero series have overlooked this in recent times. As Jay Pharoah, the voice actor for Zandale Randolph (a.k.a Bulletproof) in Invincible, put it, “The appeal of superheroes has grown so rapidly because people can identify with the characters.” He went on to say, “In the world of superheroes, it’s simple to neglect character development. After all, who worries about when he’s going to explode?

On February 6th, Invincible will be back on Prime Video, debuting the initial three episodes of the new season all at once. After that, fresh episodes will be available each week.

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2025-02-05 23:01