After a long wait that tested the patience of every fan, Invincible Season 2 Part 2 is just about ready to grace the now commercial airs of Prime Video, bringing an exhilarating continuation to a story that has captivated audiences worldwide. This segment of the season manages to elevate the already high stakes, diving deeper into the lore of the Viltrumites and further complicating Mark Grayson’s life with a slew of responsibilities and moral dilemmas. However, the decision to split the season remains a sore point, diluting the overall impact of what could have been a monumental viewing experience. Plus, starting the first half without commercials and now having to watch with commercials is really affecting the overall experience.
The Graysons are Flying
Invincible Season 2 Part 2 wastes no time in expanding the narrative landscape of Invincible. The exploration of the Viltrumites’ culture, history, and imperialistic ambitions adds layers of complexity to the storyline, providing a richer backdrop against which Mark’s journey unfolds. The intricate detailing of Viltrumite society and their code of honor offers a compelling contrast to Earth’s ideals of heroism and justice, setting the stage for an ideological showdown that is as thought-provoking as it is visceral.
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Learning of the Viltrumites begins a redemption arc for Omni-Man/Nolan that seemed impossible after the first season. We learn Nolan has lived a long and adventurous life, one with many lessons and secrets that Mark is just beginning to learn and understand. One that does not absolve him of his heinous acts, but makes it understandable. Which is a true testament to the writing and rich storytelling that the franchise offers.
Incredible Assembly of Heroes and Villains
Steven Yeun’s portrayal of Mark Grayson continues to be a standout, brilliantly capturing the essence of a young hero caught between two worlds. This half of the season sees Mark grappling with the weight of his heritage and the expectations placed upon him, both as a Viltrumite and as the son of Nolan (voiced with unparalleled depth by J.K. Simmons). His struggles with identity, responsibility, and the path of righteousness are depicted with heartfelt sincerity, making his character’s journey a compelling anchor for the series.
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The rest of the Invincible cast shines brighter than ever, with each character bringing vital energy and nuance to the table. Sandra Oh’s Debbie, Zazie Beetz’s Amber, and Gillian Jacobs’s Atom Eve continue to be integral to the narrative, offering perspectives that challenge and enrich Mark’s understanding of heroism. The addition of new characters and the return of familiar faces keep the interactions dynamic and engaging, ensuring that the series remains grounded in its emotional core amidst the cosmic battles.
Two standouts to me personally are Jason Mantzoukas as Rex Plode and Sterling K. Brown. Rex Plode goes through an incredible ordeal that plays off the manic rage Mantzoukas is iconic for, but utilizes it to an emotional degree that heightens the comedy to reach a level of drama that leaves a resounding impact. And Brown as Angrstom Levy is a surprise that keeps on giving. Despite seeming so much lower on the power scale compared to several other characters and problems, Levy is a true game changer that unravels major threads of the story and the heartstrings.
Technical Triumphs and Tribulations
Invincible’s animation quality remains impeccable from the heightened quality of Season 1, with action sequences that dazzle and horrify in equal measure, staying true to the series’ reputation for not shying away from the brutal realities of superhuman conflicts. The sound design and score complement the visual spectacle, enhancing the emotional resonance of each scene.
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It is a shining example of animation being a medium of storytelling that is not bound to age. It is art, through and through. The limitless bounds and fluidity of animation offer may obviously not look as real as life, but the impact, emotions, and resonance is as real as anything shot on camera.
The Prime Issue
Yet, despite what I can only classify as perfection in storytelling, the decision to split Invincible Season 2 into two parts casts a shadow over these achievements. A shadow that is made larger and apparent by the wildly unpopular, and potentially law-breaking, decision to force commercials into Prime Video programming. While each episode of Invincible is packed with significant developments and character arcs, the segmented release seems to prime viewers to rewatch the first half. An act that is annoying now because of the forced commercials. I probably would have been fine with the season split, had it not been for Prime Video’s stupid new commercials.
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I have to note, that I am fortunate enough to not have to watch the commercials in my screening of Invincible Season 2 Part 2. However, my subjective ranking of a 10 is highly dependent on rewatchability. And Prime Video’s commercials have greatly reduced the amount I watch programs on Prime Video, and prevent me from doing a full rewatch of Invincible Season 2 Part 1. I know it sounds like a spoiled child complaining, but in a grand scope, these barriers to consumption often make the difference in reaching a big enough audience that could determine if a series is a hit to a cultural phenomenon or even a season renewal.
Season 3 in 2025?
Invincible Season 2 Part 2 solidifies the series’ standing as a titan of adult animation, masterfully blending superhero action with deep emotional storytelling. The expansion of the series’ universe and the exploration of Mark’s dilemmas are executed with precision and care, making for a captivating watch that fully captures the comic book’s epic tale, but also masterfully retells it without being a carbon copy. However, the split-season approach coupled with commercials mars an otherwise stellar production.
Despite this, Invincible remains an essential watch for fans old and new, promising a journey that is as rich in emotion as it is in spectacle. Here’s hoping that future seasons will deliver their stories whole, allowing the series to reach the heights it so clearly aspires to. And that lawsuit in the works forces Prime Video to get rid of these MF-in commercials without us having to pay for them.
For its breathtaking expansion and depth, marred only by the frustration of its release strategy that became an actual pain point because of Prime Video’s obvious cash grab of commercials, I give Invincible a
9/10
Invincible Season 2 Part 2 will be streaming exclusively on Prime Video on Pi Day, March 14, 2024.
(More than likely the evening of March 13, but officially it says March 14)
About Invincible
Release Date: March 14, 2024
Network: Prime Video
Based On The Comic Books By: Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, Ryan Ottley
Executive Producers: Robert Kirkman, Catherine Winder, David Alpert, Simon Racioppa, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg,
Supervising Director: Jeff Allen
Composer: John Paesano
Cast: Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Gillian Jacobs, Zazie Beetz, Zachary Quinto, Jason Mantzoukas, Grey Griffin, Walton Goggins, Sonequa Martin-Green, Ross Marquan, Seth Rogen, Jonathan Groff, Kevin Micahel Richardson, Khary Payton, Lauren Coan, Lennie James, Mahershala Ali, Mark Hamill, Melisa, Micahel Cudlitz, Michael Kelly, Nicole Byer, Andrew Rannells, Chad L. Coleman, Chris Diamantopoulos, Clancy Brown, Djimon Hounsou, Jeffrey Donovan, Jon Hamm, Robert Kirkman
Synopsis:
Based on the groundbreaking comic book by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, the story revolves around 18-year-old Mark Grayson, who’s just like every other guy his age—except his father is (or was) the most powerful superhero on the planet. Still reeling from Nolan’s betrayal in Season One, Mark struggles to rebuild his life as he faces a host of new threats, all while battling his greatest fear – that he might become his father without even knowing it.
Are you ready for the thrilling continuation of Mark Grayson’s journey in Invincible Season Two Part Two? How do you think the series will evolve in these new episodes? What are your predictions for Mark’s character development as he grapples with his father’s legacy? Let us know what you hope to see when the series returns on Discord!
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