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While he had previous writing credits to his name before this title, it was
Invincible that displayed Robert Kirkman’s talents. This was the
type of superhero book that had not seen in a long time; free of the irony
and angst that make so many "mainstream" superhero comics unreadable.
However, in the wake of a recent status quo shake-up, the title has lost its
direction and uniqueness.
Mark Grayson is a high school senior who happens to be the son of one of the
world’s greatest heroes. He’s inherited the powers, put on a costume, and
learned how to be a superhero while trying to live an ordinary life. Now,
that life has been shattered and he is struggling to put things back
together. However, his is not the only life that has been affected by this
tragedy, as we check in with the multitude of characters that have been
built up over the last year in the series.
Credit goes to Kirkman for his efforts to keep the title accessible to new
readers without using the “Previously in” first page that is used in other
comics. However, the drawback is that the book starts feeling
exposition-heavy, re-stating the same situation over and over again. What
makes it even more frustrating is that it is word for word nearly the exact
same dissertation no matter which character is saying it. Kirkman also tries
very hard to start moving the title towards a new status quo, and he throws
in an impressive number of sub-plots, character developments, and a few good
bits of humor to do it. His dialogue remains fresh and distinct for all the
characters in the book. However, the glut of characters and sub-plots
included in the book at this point slow down the narrative pace, and while
some of these vignettes are interesting (Mark’s mother dealing with the
loss of her husband), some seem tangential (the Guardians of the Globe
sub-plot) or unnecessary (Damien Darkblood’s continuing “investigation”).
This scattershot approach to plotting does not help to give any indication
where the series is heading.
Ryan Ottley does an excellent job maintaining the style and tone set by
original illustrator (and series co-creator) Cory Walker. His depiction of
mass battle scenes, like the alien invasions, manages to keep from feeling
crowded. His linework is simple but not simplistic, and conveys a
surprising amount of emotion and drama.
Invincible remains one of the best superhero comics on the market
with clear storytelling and solid art. However, aimlessness has infected
the title as of late, and it remains to be seen when (or if) a sense of
direction will return to the series. Grade: 3/5
-- Michael Paciocco
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Invincible #14-16