Outside of the obvious competitors, Prime Video is rapidly dominating the superhero streaming landscape with an illustrious array of success. Standout shows like Fallout and The Boys have provided Prime Video subscribers with tons of quality storytelling to escape into. Invincible Season 3, now absent of the thoroughly disliked mid-season break, greatly adds to this well-decorated streaming library. Comic book adaptations are rarely as fruitful as the original source material, yet Robert Kirkman’s magnum opus is describable as nothing less than comic panels brought to life. Invincible continues to be a series that is often so painstakingly accurate to the comics that even casual readers would notice minuscule changes like a miscolored cloud.
Prime Video’s superhero programming usually boasts a no-holds-barred mentality, using volatile and shocking turns to deliver the kind of mature adaptations that can’t be produced anywhere else. Prior seasons of Robert Kirkman’s Invincible have leaned heavily on such narrative tools without becoming overly cumbersome. Those unfamiliar with the original Invincible comics will struggle to forget the show’s premiere episode, in which adored superhero Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons) unexpectedly slaughters Earth’s beloved team of protectors, The Guardians of the Globe, without breaking so much as a sweat. Since then, a string of varying events that have included multiversal villains, a potential Viltramite invasion, and a talking dog have graced the world of Mark Grayson/Invincible (Steven Yeun).
This Prime Video original series is lauded for its natural ability to catch audiences off guard, landing gut-wrenching punches a split second before anticipated. Invincible Season 2 teased entire universes under Viltramite rule, where Mark Grayson, our titular hero in yellow and blue spandex, succumbed to his father’s invasive mission and became an ally of the galaxy’s fascist threat. Big bad Angstrom Levy (Sterling K. Brown) was fuelled by murderous rage and insanity, targeting Invincible and seeking what he believed to be retribution. Following a multiversal battle featuring a Spider-Man parody, Fortnite, and talking dinosaurs, Invincible killed the relentless villain.
Lost in a desolate future wasteland and soaked in blood, Invincible muttered the soon-to-be theme of the third season: “I thought you were stronger.” Taking place mere months later, Invincible Season 3 catches up with Mark battling his guilty conscience after crossing a line he defines as what separates the good guys from the bad — or Invincible from Omni-Man. Season 3 doesn’t tiptoe around this, depicting Mark in a more brooding and angrier manner than previously seen, but also aware of the consequences of his past mistakes. Former ally Cecil Stedman (Walton Goggins) recognizes the extreme expansion of Invincible’s powers and dramatically dishonors their relationship in a 3-episode long, heart-in-your-mouth opening event, upturning the established dynamic of the series.
Each supporting character then finds themselves increasingly distanced from one another and, upon the reveal of dark secrets, upheaves the respect Cecil had previously earned. This is how Invincible Season 3 continues the show’s trend of being unafraid to pull any superpowered punches. Infused into every single line and fight sequence is a passionate respect for the original comic run, bordering emotional realism and thrills in an undeniably entertaining concoction. In an era where studio interference is rife, especially with comic book adaptations, showrunner Simon Racioppa has been granted the keys to creative freedom. A trust that successfully proves that one can find room to both honor the comics and craft innovative storytelling that fits a different creative medium.
The first three episodes of Invincible Season 3 deliver a thrill ride matched only by the first season’s heights. Mark’s position is far more vulnerable, with a necessary diligence required for his heroism that he hasn’t quite mastered yet. Mark must also juggle a mentor role for his half-alien, half-Viltramite brother Oliver (Christian Convery), who calls himself “Kid Omni-Man.” He attempts to instill a recognizable message akin to “with great power, comes great responsibility,” albeit without infringing copyright. This makes for a much-welcomed step back into grounded territory following the second season’s impatiently paced adventures. It only encourages character dynamics to mature or even fester when needed, ultimately providing a fast-footed but never cluttered emotional rollercoaster of a season.
In some episodes, Invincible actually takes a backseat, allowing Mark Grayson to shine in moments of world-building that invite room for future character growth. Steven Yeun’s performance as the titular hero, accompanied by that of series regulars Sandra Oh (Debbie Grayson), Gillian Jacobs (Atom Eve), and newcomer Aaron Paul (Powerplex), is the root of such breathtaking success. No matter the emotion conveyed, the raw energy in which dialogue is delivered will shatter fan expectations. Moments of anguish and regret highlight the sheer ability of the star-studded cast, cementing Invincible as one of the best comic book TV shows, especially on the animated side. This is all coupled with newfangled title cards that unexpectedly tease something sinister lurking in the background.
For all the praise one can sing, a few minor gripes from the second season remain. While this new season juggles its many episodic narratives well, the lack of a consistent overarching threat (akin to Viltramite invasion) is felt, instead replaced by a subtle underlying mystery. This leaves endings to certain episodes feeling slightly underwhelming — as if the show itself is afraid to tread on the toes of future seasons in an attempt to avoid a lackluster series finale, clearly saving the best for last. Allen the Alien’s (Seth Rogen) prison break-style arc with Omni-Man takes a much-needed change of pace but stumbles at these same hurdles.
However, when packaged together, Invincible Season 3 is a unique viewing experience, although an additional episode wouldn’t hurt. It ticks all the right boxes and then some. Ranging from emotionally intimate to explosively gripping, there’s a little of something new for everyone, without forgetting what makes the animated series a superhero epic. Returning characters, as well as the new recruits, each offer a tantalizingly refreshing slice of the world, allowing the show to explore new angles and simultaneously reminisce upon the spectacular achievements of the first season from haunting perspectives.
Just as the titular Invincible grows stronger, so does the quality of Prime Video’s hit animated show. Invincible Season 3 harnesses the greatness of its source material and molds it into another medium. In superhero television, third seasons often display creative stagnation, but Invincible shows absolutely no signs of letting up as a stratospheric success and promises much more to come.
The first three episodes of Invincible Season 3 premiere on February 6 on Prime Video!
Created by Robert Kirkman.
Based on Invincible by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, & Ryan Ottley.
Developed by Robert Kirkman & Simon Racioppa.
Showrunner: Simon Racioppa.
Executive Producers: Robert Kirkman, Simon Racioppa, Cory Walker, David Alpert, Catherine Winder, Margaret M. Dean, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, & Helen Leigh.
Main Voice Cast: Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons, Christian Convery, Gillian Jacobs, Walton Goggins, Seth Rogen, Jason Mantzoukas, Zachary Quinto, Malese Jow, Grey Griffin, Khary Payton, Jay Pharoah, Ross Marquand, Ben Schwartz, Chris Diamantopoulos, Kevin Michael Richardson, Calista Flockhart, Zazie Beetz, Andrew Rannells, Mark Hamill, Eric Bauza, Mahershala Ali, Fred Tatasciore, Michael Dorn, Peter Cullen, Sterling K. Brown, Phil LaMarr, Tatiana Maslany, Shantel VanSanten, Clancy Brown, John DiMaggio, Simu Liu, Tzi Ma, Aaron Paul, Jonathan Banks, Doug Bradley, Kate Mara, & Xolo Maridueña.
Production Companies: Skybound North, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, Skybound Animation, Point Grey Pictures, & Amazon MGM Studios.
Composer: John Paesano.
Episode Count: 8 (Season 3).
