Fans of Amazon Prime Video’s Invincible will be proud to know that they’re part of history. This animated juggernaut has not only equaled the success of its predecessor; it has catapulted itself into a league of its own.
According to a tweet from Invincible’s official Twitter account, viewership for the opening weekend of Season 2 tripled compared to its first season. Now, that’s what we call a superhero landing!
Invincible, based on the Image Comics series, follows the journey of Mark Grayson, a teenager coming to terms with his newfound powers, inherited from his superhero father, Omni-Man. The show, which premiered its much-anticipated second season on November 5, has been a game-changer in the vast realm of animated superhero stories. That being said, what makes Invincible stand out in a sea filled with similar shows?
For starters, Invincible offers a fresh perspective on the superhero genre. Unlike The Boys, which focuses on non-superheroes trying to stop the supers (or Supes, as they’re called in the show), Invincible dives deep into the lives and struggles of the superheroes themselves.
This shift in focus allows for a more authentic parody of the superhero world. The animation format of the show also plays a crucial role, offering limitless possibilities in storytelling, from jaw-dropping scenes (that train scene in Season 1 was pure horror) to intergalactic travels.
The character of Omni-Man is a near-perfect parody of Superman, mirroring the DC hero in almost every aspect except for his sinister intentions. This clever twist adds a layer of complexity and fascination to the show. Meanwhile, Mark Grayson remains a beacon of hope, retaining his sense of heroism and humanity amidst the chaos and corruption.
Still, this doesn’t explain why Invincible Season 2 is resonating so strongly with audiences. Well, the show’s high critical reception is a significant factor, but there’s more to it. Over the past two years, Invincible has been steadily building its presence in popular culture.
From memes to a web series and even Omni-Man’s addition to the recently released Mortal Kombat 1, the show has been making waves beyond its core comic book fanbase. This growing buzz, coupled with effective marketing strategies, has played a pivotal role in drawing in a larger audience for its second season.
It’s also worth noting that Invincible has managed to carve out its own unique space despite not originating from a comic book giant like Marvel or DC. Comics such as The Umbrella Academy from Dark Horse Comics have also found success on the small screen, proving that audiences place more stock in captivating stories.
New episodes of Invincible Season 2 continue to air on Fridays, with the last episode of the first half of the season premiering on November 24. The second half of the season is scheduled to debut in early 2024.