Viltrumites are powerful characters, ranging from full-blooded warriors to those like Oliver and Mark Grayson who have mixed DNA. It’s no surprise that the conflict between the evil Invincible variants and later, the Viltrumite warrior Conquest, was devastating. These events were well-received in the comics, but as the destruction they caused became more frequent, its impact began to diminish over time. This isn’t unusual, of course.
In the second installment of Invincible, the viewers witnessed Omni-Man obliterating an entire planet inhabited by a race called Flaxans. The climax of the first season saw him clashing with Mark, leading to massive destruction. Interestingly, the intention behind intensifying this destruction in Season 3 was to prevent these events from becoming repetitive. However, this escalation could just as easily desensitize viewers to the violence as it might make it more chilling and dramatic. This is a dilemma that isn’t unique to Invincible, but given Robert Kirkman’s future plans for the storyline, it appears that this issue will only intensify.
Invincible Builds on the Comics’ Deconstructionist Take on Superheroes
Robert Kirkman Is Able to Examine the Genre Without Being Cynical About It
Robert Kirkman, a renowned comic book creator, finds great satisfaction in seeing the narrative he wove in his comics unfold. This occurs at a moment when viewers are saturated with superhero tales, making Kirkman’s deconstructionist approach to the broader myth both necessary and appreciated. In essence, “Invincible” employs the familiar structure of a superhero realm to scrutinize the concept of superheroes themselves. The character Mark symbolizes every child who immersed themselves in comics, yearning to be the most potent hero amidst a universe brimming with them. However, “Invincible” challenges this ideal.
This marks his journey from his youth into maturity, with the character of Powerplex shedding light on certain questionable actions of Mark’s earlier life, thereby prompting him to reconsider his current standing.
In a nutshell, “Invincible” presents an ironic twist on typical superhero narratives. Instead of idealistic characters like those found in Marvel or DC, it portrays heroes who are far from perfect, yet they strive to help people, save lives, and make righteous choices, despite their unique approaches to serving humanity.
In the series, the extent of damage caused during the main character’s fights, particularly Superman’s fight with Zod, is relatively minor compared to the catastrophic devastation inflicted on Earth by Conquest and the different versions of Mark Grayson. Moreover, while Superman learns lessons about mercy and restraint, Mark takes a different path. He believes that his adversaries who wreak havoc on innocents and destroy cities deserve death. Interestingly, it’s not the villains who indiscriminately harm others that trouble Mark, but those who specifically pose a threat to the people he holds dearest.
Superheroes Are Inherently Dangerous, Which Is Why They’re a ‘Power Fantasy’
Godlike Beings Earnestly Trying to Serve Humanity Is Important to the Superhero Myth
In my perspective, the Viltrumites bear a striking resemblance to Kryptonians, explaining their immense power and potential for devastation. However, it’s essential to understand that their unwavering moral compass is not a mere interpretation but a fundamental aspect of who they are. The idea that someone endowed with such god-like powers would elect to serve instead of rule isn’t a fantasy; it’s a testament to their character.
The climactic battle in the first film, “Man of Steel,” is indeed destructive, but the focus of Zack Snyder’s second film in his trilogy is on the aftermath of that cataclysmic event. I, too, have learned this lesson three times over.
In a mostly true-to-life portrayal, the storyline doesn’t emphasize the destruction caused; instead, it focuses on Mark’s transformation throughout the season. As his vow against taking lives is tested, he finds himself compelled to kill his own versions in self-defense or during confrontations with Conquest. Despite the story suggesting that these battles should take place away from populated areas for safety reasons, Mark chooses not to do so, intensifying the conflict. Although I can see why this choice was made for dramatic effect, it lessens the emotional impact of Mark’s internal struggle. If he had attempted to move the fights and failed, his feelings of guilt and rage would seem more authentic and profound.
In real-world conflicts involving global powers such as the one I experienced in Iraq with the U.S. Army, the mission was regrettably unnecessary and resulted in more damage than benefits. However, among my fellow soldiers, the effectiveness of a mission was often assessed by minimizing collateral damage. Other forces in this conflict, on the other hand, aimed to inflict maximum destruction. For those who witnessed it directly, every casualty was deeply personal and terrifying. Those who didn’t seem to grow increasingly indifferent towards the extent of human suffering as the number of casualties increased.
The Collateral Destruction Caused by Superheroes Continues to Pointlessly Escalate
Invincible Has Already Overplayed the Massive Destruction Beings Like Him Cause
In the 1996 film, scenes involving the Empire State Building and other locations left audiences stunned. However, after the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedies, the annihilation of a single building or even a city street appeared subdued in comparison. This is similar to how Superman and Zod’s destruction of Metropolis, the Avengers and Ultron’s decimation of Sokovia, or the depictions of destruction in Invincible seem tame. In simpler terms, the fights and destruction in these stories are so commonplace that they no longer have the same impact as they once did. The first season finale of Invincible left me shocked because the fight between Mark and Nolan was personal, and the scale of destruction Omni-Man caused to hurt his son was immense. Season 3’s devastation was even worse, but instead of feeling stronger emotions, I felt a sense of uncomfortable numbness.
- Early 2000s superhero films usually staged the final battle in a secluded area or confined the destruction to a city street or two.
- After The Avengers, the third-act fight destruction escalated, most prominently in Man of Steel, released a year later.
To be fair, the storytellers aimed to make the audience emotionally invested, and it seemed effective for some viewers. However, I found myself scrutinizing the series, which led me to focus on the overtly dramatic progressions and eye-catching visuals. The Powerplex arc, while not original in its comic counterpart, had potential. Mark’s self-reflection on lives he couldn’t save, despite no fault of his own, was well executed. I had hoped Conquest wouldn’t appear until Season 4, or Mark would take the fight to the Moon. Instead, it seemed Mark welcomed more destruction.
For many viewers, the show might have been thrilling, but it didn’t strike a chord with me. In both storylines, I saw Mark as every child who dreamed of becoming a comic book hero. If he didn’t seem to care about the lives lost or destruction caused in his fight with Conquest, then neither could I. The season 1 scene where Nolan and Mark destroyed the subway car tugged at my heartstrings, but the equivalent scene between Mark and Conquest on the beach fell flat for me – it lacked any of the emotional impact that scene originally had. Instead of evoking a sense of helplessness as intended, it felt like unnecessary repetition to me.
Invincible Has Limitless Potential, but Bigger Destruction Has Diminishing Returns
Even With the Freedom of Animation, Invincible Can’t Go Much Bigger
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that “Invincible” stands out among other superhero series such as “The Boys,” “Powers,” and “Jupiter’s Legacy.” What truly sets it apart is how Robert Kirkman and his team masterfully portray the imperfections of their heroes without resorting to cynicism. Characters like Mark, the Guardians of the Globe, and even Cecil, in his own unique way, strive to safeguard innocent lives. The narrative richness lies in their failures, creating a compelling drama that keeps viewers hooked.
In animation, there are no boundaries, and this could be why the final episodes of Season 3 in “Invincible” felt like excessive escalation for its own sake rather than serving a deeper narrative purpose.
| Invincible Comic Arcs Adapted for Season 3 | |
|---|---|
| Arc Name | Issue Numbers |
| Out of This World | #46-#47 |
| Who’s the Boss? | #48-53 |
| Happy Days | #54-#59 |
| Still Standing | #60-#65 |
As a cinema enthusiast and a child nurtured on a diet of sci-fi, superheroes, and comics by my geeky mother (who introduced me to the realms of Star Trek, Star Wars, Silver Surfer, and Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane before I even started school), I can’t help but acknowledge the brilliance in this show, despite its flaws. It’s a testament to the creative prowess of the writers, animators, and performers that they continue to deliver such an extraordinary narrative. The series, in my opinion, is a casualty of its own triumph – it’s challenging to scale up the grandeur without compromising on the human emotions that drive the devastation. My affection for superheroes runs deeper than just a hobby; it’s like a genetic trait I inherited from my mother.
In a twist of irony, the long-standing presence of DC Comics characters contrasted with Marvel’s relatively newer ones might lead one to believe that I am experiencing “superhero fatigue.” However, this extended existence seems to dissipate when fresh, character-centric narratives are presented. Unfortunately, Invincible Season 3 veered away from this approach by focusing on widespread destruction of city skylines. This escalating mayhem was intended to deepen viewers’ emotional turmoil. Instead, it evoked a sense of numbness bordering on indifference, leaving one with feelings of horror, sadness, and shock replaced by a lack of engagement.
Seasons 1-3 of Invincible are streaming on Prime Video, and Season 4 is currently in production.
Read More
- DEEP PREDICTION. DEEP cryptocurrency
- Ludus promo codes (April 2025)
- Best Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered sex mods for 2025
- CXT PREDICTION. CXT cryptocurrency
- CRK Boss Rush guide – Best cookies for each stage of the event
- Mini Heroes Magic Throne tier list
- Maiden Academy tier list
- Outerplane tier list and reroll guide
- KAITO PREDICTION. KAITO cryptocurrency
- Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance tier list – Every hero and tower ranked
2025-05-11 04:23