It’s seems that Disney and Warner Bros has competition when it comes to TV shows adapted from comic book properties. Sure the titans have all the big names but Amazon Prime has managed to twist DC and Marvel’s brand recognition to its advantage.
Taking their well-known tropes and time-tested heroes and turning them on their heads. They’ve done it to great effect with their adaptation of Garth Ennis’ “The Boys”. A wicked, bloody parody on the DC Universe with a homicidal, egotistical Superman of their own. And now, they’re doing it again, only this time it’s animated!
Enter Amazon’s “Invincible”. An adaptation of an iconic graphic novel series that follows the adventures of a teenage human-alien hybrid who lives in the shadow of his superhero father, Omni-Man. He was once your average teenager but one day when his powers finally arrived he becomes Invincible. Here’s why you should be absolutely pumped for it!
1. It’s Created By The Same Guy Who Made The Walking Dead
Those who have been following AMC’s “The Walking Dead” will no doubt know the legendary Robert Kirkman. The creative behind both the graphic novels and the hit TV series. The man has phenomenal writing skills and is a master at world building. This is the man responsible for some of the best stories ever written in comic history. As fans of the “Invincible” graphic novels ourselves, we can vouch for the quality of his work. We can’t wait to see his vision of Mark Grayson’s journey come to stunning life.
2. Glenn From The Walking Dead Will Be Playing Invincible
That’s right! Actor Steven Yuen, best known for his role as Glenn in “The Walking Dead” show, will be voice behind Mark Grayson. It is no hyperbole when we say that we cannot be happier with the casting choice. Based on the voice work we’ve seen in the trailer, he fits the young Grayson perfectly. As the years go on, he’ll have more time further develop Grayson’s personality from amateur hero to Earth’s greatest defender.
3. An Epic Coming-of-Age Superhero Story
What sets “Invincible” apart from all the other comic book series and films really is the character of Mark Grayson. For all of its superhero antics and world-ending threats, it’s ultimately a story about a young man trying to find his place in the world. Trying to live up to his father’s reputation as Earth’s mightiest hero. Those who have read the graphic novels know that Grayson has long way to go till he reaches his prime. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it’s going to be a roller coaster of amazing triumphs and heartbreaking betrayals. With Kirkman’s writing, we expect nothing but greatness here.
4. It Puts The “Graphic” In Graphic Novel Adaptations
In spite of its high-school protagonist and brightly coloured costumes, make no mistake. This is not a kid’s show! Much like Kirkman’s “Walking Dead” or “Outcast”, “Invincible” is a pretty graphic and violent affair. Some of the battles seen in the graphic novels are no joke. We’re talking limbs torn off, bodies incinerated and heads exploding. We’re glad to see that Amazon didn’t pull any punches when it comes fully realizing Kirkman’s world. All of it is meant to connote a more grounded tone to the comic book universe of capes and cowls. Get ready for some badass fight scenes!
5. “Invincible” is a Twisted Satire of the Superman Story
Oh Amazon…what is it with you and messing with our childhood? Stop us if you’ve heard this one. An alien sent from a dying world to planet Earth. Blends in with the population, starts a family and goes on to become its shinning beacon of hope and justice. Well, the truth is far more complicated than that. There’s a dark and hilarious reason behind why Mark’s father being sent to Earth. One that completely ruins the saviour from another world story forever. First Homelander, and now this! Amazon sure has a strange fetish for damaged heroes, huh?
6. It’s a got a Star-Studded Cast
The number of talented actors in the cast for “Invincible” is utterly insane! We have Academy award-winning J.K. Simmons playing the role of Omni-Man. We have heavy-hitters like Mark Hamill from the Star Wars franchise and Zazie Beetz from “Deadpool 2” starring in the series. Comedic actors Seth Rogen and Gillian Jacobs from “Community” will also be joining in the fun. Hell, even the actors from “The Walking Dead” series are making appearance. Actor Laura Cohen and Lennie James who play Glenn’s wife, Maggie and Morgan Jones just to name a few.
Overall, a damn good cast if we do say.
7. A Hilarious Parody of the Justice League
Some things never change. In this case, the world of “Invincible” just so happens to also have a team of superheroes, the Guardians of the Globe. A not-so-subtle jab at DC’s Justice League. The team consists of characters made to directly mock their original counterpart. There’s the Darkwing for Batman, Warwoman for Wonder Woman, Red Rush for the Flash and Aquaras for (you guessed it) Aquaman. They’ve been confirmed to make an appearance in the series and we’ll be voiced by cast members of “The Walking Dead”. Seriously, they just seem to follow Kirkman wherever he goes.
8. It’s coming out real soon
Unlike everything else that’s getting delayed to oblivion, we actually have an official release date in which “Invincible” will be hitting Amazon Prime Video streaming services.
The first season will be consisting of 8 episodes, each an hour long. The best part is that we’ll get the first three episodes of “Invincible” released on March 26th. It’s going to be an epic 3-hour long binge watch of super-powered blood and mayhem. What an amazing way to kick off the series!
If you were ever looking for an excuse to start an Amazon Prime Video account or have a trial, now is the time. With shows like “The Boys” and “Invincible”, we’re excited to see what Prime has in store for us.
So, what do you guys think? Are you excited to check out “Invincible” this coming March? Or do you think this is just another generic superhero affair? Be sure to let us know in the comments down below.
