(Photo Manipulation by Catherine Goodman)
Content Warning: This article contains references to domestic violence.
This article contains spoilers.
Since the release of its first season on March 25, 2021, “Invincible” has turned heads for its subversive take on the superhero genre. The show centers around a teenage superhero, Mark ‘Invincible’ Grayson (Steven Yeun), as he gains the superhuman powers of his father, Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons), but slowly comes to realize his father’s intentions are not as heroic as they seem. The series’s first season received a favorable response from critics for its disruption of the classic tropes of the superhero genre, like the tragic backstory trope, and its engaging storytelling. The success of the show led Amazon Prime Video to renew it for two more seasons, with the second season wrapping up on April 4, 2024. While the COVID-19 pandemic created a two-year gap between the seasons, the effort in the animation, writing and vocal performances of the newest season made it well worth the wait.
Season two picks up directly where the first season left off with Mark picking up the pieces of his life after his near death at the hands of his father. The conflict arose after Omni-Man, who was the main antagonist of the first season, attempted to persuade Mark to take over the earth with him. Mark refused, and his father beat him to a pulp. After their brawl, Mark struggles to cope with the resulting emotional damage. Throughout the season, Mark aims to live a normal life and reaffirm his positive image by distancing himself from his father.
Alongside Mark, the show features his mother Debbie Grayson (Sandra Oh), his girlfriend Amber Bennett (Zazie Beetz), fellow superhero Atom Eve (Gillian Jacobs) and several other memorable friends and foes. While “Invincible” has a large cast of characters, it is able to showcase each of them in a way that doesn’t feel overcrowded or superficial. What also makes the new season unique is its focus on the trauma and emotional complexities of each character. In the preceding season, “Invincible” reserved multi-faceted character development for only a few main roles.
Unlike last season, there is no overarching plot which results in a final battle; instead, the season focuses on expanding cast of characters. Many villains are introduced throughout the season including the Sequids, a species of mind-controlling aliens; the Viltrumites, who are super-human individuals determined to enslave all other civilizations and Angstrom Levy (Sterling K. Brown), a well-meaning scientist turned psychotic supervillain. Each villain or group of villains are threatening during their appearances in the season, but they only appear in two episodes at most before the focus shifts to a different villain. None assume the overarching villain role Omni-Man held in the first season.
The second season of “Invincible” in particular designates special attention to healing trauma. This is not only seen in Mark and Debbie trying to cope with Omni-Man’s betrayal, but also in other storylines such as Atom Eve, who experiences domestic abuse by her father. Although many of the characters are superheroes, their conflicts are incredibly grounded, making the character arcs both engaging and satisfying. All of the characters work through their traumas while finding support in each other to heal and grow and ultimately discover resilience and strength in their shared experiences.
The voice acting in this season also demonstrates growth from the previous season. While performances from Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons and Steven Yeun continue to be spectacular, the broadened focus of this season’s plot allows other actors more opportunities to showcase their talents.
One great example is Jason Mantzoukas’s performance as the hero Rex Splode, who grows from an obnoxious jerk to a mature and caring ally to Mark and the other heroes. Rex’s character arc is one of my favorites, as it is one of the only in the show that consistently maintains a positive outlook.In the first season and the beginning of this season, he was womanizing, immature, and treated as a comedic relief character, delivering quippy lines. His maturation is portrayed through Jason Mantazoukas’s gentle and encouraging tone as Rex gives heartfelt advice to Eve and Mark in the latter half of the season. Rex maintains this positivity after surviving a shot to the head, determined to be a better person for both himself and those around him. However, the best part of his vocal performance is his ability to maintain Rex’s humorous side even as he develops.
Along with the poignant character writing and voice acting, the animation is fluid and meticulously detailed in every aspect. From the gorgeous landscape views of Mark’s hometown of Baltimore to the realistic gore, the show excels in its visual aspects. The show’s commitment to its violent gory scenes is also sonically expressed through the lifelike sound effects, adding a disturbing layer to already unsettling scenes.
The soundtrack for this season also combines several genres and musical tones, from yearning indie to bombastic rock to upbeat pop. The animation, done by Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, combined with a soundtrack composed by John Paesano, elevates the emotionally captivating show.
While season two is not as active or mysterious as the first, the devotion to instilling greater depth into its characters is executed so well. It is just as remarkable, if not better, than season one. While this season is not as action-driven, the villains it establishes for the next season are intimidating and entertaining to watch. Season two is a high point for “Invincible,” combining fast-paced action with emotional character development for a subversive superhero show.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or domestic violence, you can reach Emory’s Counseling and Psychological Services at (404) 727-7450 or https://counseling.emory.edu/ and intimate partner violence resources at https://womenscenter.emory.edu/resources/violence.html. You can call the Emory Police Department at (404) 727-6111. You can reach Georgia’s domestic violence statewide hotline 24/7 at (800) 334-2836.
Paige Hogan (she/her, 27C) is from Dallas, Texas, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Classics. Outside of the Wheel, Paige is a member of the Emory Dance Company, Emory Synergy, Outdoor Emory and Emory PAWsitive Outreach. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, hiking in Lullwater Preserve, listening to rock music and watching the latest movies and TV shows.
