Sell me on (or off) Invincible

[Melbourne Mew Mew]

Okay, I'm an on-and-off comics fan currently finding myself growing more and more disenchanted with Marvel and DC. I generally prefer light-hearted optimistic stories (although there are exceptions), and dislike most "big events". I've heard good things about Invincible - do people here think I would like it?

[Karl J Barnes]

You might want to check out this thread:http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=6836&highlight=Invincible

To answer your question: yes, Invincible is a throw back hero with a mixture of real emotions, not sure hero,scifi,time dimensional rifts and a bit of superhero soap opera thrown in. It is quirky and fun,yet tells a pretty straight forward story. I've gotten from the begining and really haven't any critics against it though it has hit a bit of a snag story-wise i.e. slowed a bit. Still, it is definitely one of Kirkman's best series.

[SKETCHSANCHEZ]

I generally prefer light-hearted optimistic stories (although there are exceptions), and dislike most "big events".
Sounds like Invincible is right up your alley then.

Tho,be warned, it can get bloody at time, but its not an everymonth thing. When it does happen, however, IT HAPPENS.

[GRANT!]

Okay, I'm an on-and-off comics fan currently finding myself growing more and more disenchanted with Marvel and DC. I generally prefer light-hearted optimistic stories (although there are exceptions), and dislike most "big events". I've heard good things about Invincible - do people here think I would like it?

While it's not Idenity Crisis, Invincible does have it's share of dark moments. Tonally it's closer to old school Spider-man. There's some light moments and some dark ones as well. It's more of a fun superhero book. The main hero isn't angsty (though he has reason to be). I'm hesitant to say optimistic because the current storyline is clearly pointing in another direction.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I've been getting it in Hardcover, and it's a total joy.
It reads like Ultimate Spiderman should have.
It may have developed a few too many subplots later on, but the first year of stories was enough to hook me for life.

[Reptisaurus!]

I've read bits of the first two trades. Thought it was un-readably boring.

Which probably puts it in.. oh... about the bottom 1% of all mainstream comics on my personal scale.

It might get better. And other people liked it. And I can't really review it critically, 'cause that would mean reading the damn thing again, which I ain't gonna do unless a significant amount of money* is involved.

"Significant amount" in my terms. Approximately 12 bucks American.

[The Scribe]

Sell me on (or off) Invincible


Why?

Invincible sells itself. Buy the book. ;)

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I've read bits of the first two trades. Thought it was un-readably boring.

Which probably puts it in.. oh... about the bottom 1% of all mainstream comics on my personal scale.

It might get better. And other people liked it. And I can't really review it critically, 'cause that would mean reading the damn thing again, which I ain't gonna do unless a significant amount of money* is involved.

"Significant amount" in my terms. Approximately 12 bucks American.

I find that bizarre.

It's actually got a lot of what you seem to want from comics.

Try reading all of the trades this time, it really is a good book.

[Dorsai]

I found Invincible to be very refreshing in this age of Civil Crisis of Infinite Wars and I consider it the best superhero book I'm currently reading. This book is far more consistent than many other titles that are on the shelf these days. Yeah, it might not shine as brightly as this week's [fill_in_the_blank] or last months [fill_in_the_blank] but issue after issue consistently delivers.

The description about the character being not so much optimistic as less "angsty" is very apt. Many comparisons of the characters can be made but at the end of the day, all of them -- even the "homage" characters -- are unique. The writing generates a lot of WTF!!?? moments. Kirkman seems to like to always leave the issue with a good hook for the next month. There are also numerous storylines that are going on even if they are not the focus.

I happen to like the style of art as well. The clean style (that's how I think of it) fits very well with the book. The art has been consistent for the entire run to this point even if there have been a few changes in the artist.

If I had to recommend a single comic to someone not reading comics or just tired of the big two publishers, Invincible would be it.

There are a number of other books that are taking place in the Invincible universe and they are turning out to be pretty darn good. You might give the Britt one-shots a try if you want to get an idea of the feel of what Invincible might be like. Also, the Amazing Wolf-Man is not yet on issue 3 and looks like it will also be pretty strong.

It will be an investment but I would really recommend you get the first Invincible hardcover. Try to sit down and read it all in a sitting. If you aren't impressed at that point, this might not be the right title for you.

[heavysoul]

I stopped reading after Walker stopped drawing it. But, while I was reading it, I felt it took the best elements of Spider-man/Superman/The Avengers/Justice League and created a unique yet familiar modern mythology of them.

As someone else pointed out, though, this book sells itself.

[Sean Walsh]

I'm something of a madman in that I collect the INVINCIBLE trades; somehow I'm able to function without it on my monthly schedule. (Same with WALKING DEAD)

But I do that for a few reasons:
- I just read so much other stuff that I don't want it getting lost in the shuffle and forgetting what happens issue to issue
- I love reading all these issues in a row like this, and I think it does read better when put together in this format
- Kirkman gave me a free copy of the first hardcover collection and belongs on my bookshelf, rather than hidden away in the longboxes

And like you, I'm quite disenchanted by Marvel (not so much DC) so even as a replacement replacement for their.......stuff, INVINCIBLE is a excellent alternative.

But I highly recommend it regardless - monthly or trades, whichever floats your boat. You shan't regret the decision to listen to sound logical minds like mine on this matter. :D

[Alex A Sanchez]

Sounds like Invincible is right up your alley then.

I agree. Kirkman has built himself quite the little Universe; there's plenty of depth to it, and a rich 'history' that leaves you feeling like these stories are a part of a greater something. Besides, the big two, Invincible and Savage Dragon are the only other books I know of that have Handbooks to their universe. That should tell you something.

[annihilator]

I've read bits of the first two trades. Thought it was un-readably boring.

Which probably puts it in.. oh... about the bottom 1% of all mainstream comics on my personal scale.

It might get better. And other people liked it. And I can't really review it critically, 'cause that would mean reading the damn thing again, which I ain't gonna do unless a significant amount of money* is involved.

"Significant amount" in my terms. Approximately 12 bucks American.

I think you need to read at least the first few trades before the story starts changing from "sorta fun" to "complete awsomeness"

[GRANT!]

I almost dropped the book before the events in issues 9-13. That was a real turning point in the series.

[KirkWarren]

Ya, if you can make it through the first 13 issues and still not like Invincible, then there is nothing we can do or say to make you enjoy it. The payoff to his first arc at the end of 12 and 13 have set the tone and pace for this series and were the true defining moments of the book that solidified it as one of my favourites.

Grab the first couple trades on ebay or something. Probably set you back $20-30 depending on if you get a hardcover.

[DeeSnider]

Invincible really does have to sell itself. I say this because what I consider to be Invincible's biggest strength is how it's tone can change from issue to issue from light hearted teen superhero book to serious super-hero epic, while still feeling perfectly consistent. You can't really talk specifics about that strength without spoilers, so what more is there to (safely) say?

I highly recommend (like others) picking up the first HC. The art is just gorgeous in that format, and this series does read better in trade (though I'm far to addicted to wait that long for issues.) If you've finished the first 13 issues and aren't sold, I can't see the next 30 doing so. I consider the $25 or so I spent on that first HC the best investment in my collection. If you don't agree, you can certainly sell it on e-bay and probably only be out $10 or so.

[Fatguy]

So...I've been meaning to pick this up since, well, it came out lol

What is the issue number of the last released issue and is it in the middle of a story arc? If so, what issue does the story arc start in?

[GRANT!]

So...I've been meaning to pick this up since, well, it came out lol

What is the issue number of the last released issue and is it in the middle of a story arc? If so, what issue does the story arc start in?

The last issue was 45. It will be collected in a trade called "Out of this World" with issue 42 being the first issue (also advertised as a good jumping on issue with a comprehensive write up of the series so far.).

[Fatguy]

Awesome, thanks :)

[Euchre0]

I've read bits of the first two trades. Thought it was un-readably boring.
Me too. By the time I hit the third trade, however, it turned into one of the best books that's regularly published right now. I want to get other peopel to read it, but I know the the first trade or two will bore them and they won't power through to the awesomeness.

I'd almost recommend just starting with the third trade...maybe the second.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

. You can't really talk specifics about that strength without spoilers, so what more is there to (safely) say?


I'd heard of the 'twist'* before going in, it doesn't ruin it to know - heck I almost had myself convinced I'd mis-remembered what I'd read before it happened - by I imagine it must have been brilliant to read it unawares.


*although it's less a twist and more the stattus quo being revealed..

[Jinxer]

I dunno about lighthearted... he almost got beaten to death by his dad... who had just betrayed and murdered that universe's analogue of the Justice League...

There's a lot of blood and gore and guts during some of the battle sequences.

Outside of the combat though, it really is lighthearted.

I still wish he and Atom Eve would just have sex and get it over with

[kane]

I have bought and read the 3 ultimate collcetion HC and it was fun. Invincible is really a good book with interessting characters and plots.

Now i have to wait several months for the fourth ultimate collection HC :( .

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I dunno about lighthearted... he almost got beaten to death by his dad... who had just betrayed and murdered that universe's analogue of the Justice League...

There's a lot of blood and gore and guts during some of the battle sequences.

Outside of the combat though, it really is lighthearted.

I still wish he and Atom Eve would just have sex and get it over with

I really liked the way you did that - the whole ignore that this is a thread for a new reader, whack in some serious spoilers from about a year into it, and then use spoiler warnings for something that's been going on since the second issue.

That's a really commendable posting style you've got.

[SKETCHSANCHEZ]

Yeah thats pretty funny.

in a bad way

[Mike Bullock]

It has action, adventure, humor, drama and intrigue all brought on by cleverly created, original characters. The writing is top notch with art to match. I'd have to say it's the most underrated superhero book out there.

[kidvictory]

This is one of my favorite books. Why?

Action - check
Humor - check
Drama - check

This books mixes some old school Peter Parker with a bit of Shield intrigue. You've also got fights that are earthly as well as space spanning epics.

And it's not just about Invincible. You will care about Allen the ALien and Battlebeast, etc . . .

Invincible's mom has a whole subplot that's not filler - it's good stuff.

I would reccommend not judging any single issue on its own. because there's a lot going on and a lot of seeds planted. You really need to try a few issues to appreciate the full flavor of this book.

So - yes . .. the trades are the way to go. Some say start with the third and while it's not a bad idea, I don't think you should miss the great stuff that started it all. But the series did continually improve, so if you start with the first strade expect it to get even better as time rolls on.


Anyway - if you like super hero action - if you like coming of age tales and if you like a large cast of characters that don't take away from the main character but instead enhance the title - then try Invincible.


If you don't like that stuff . . .well that would be weird, right? :)

BTW - it goes without saying, since you can see this yourself online - the art is excellent and perfect fit for the type of story being told.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I have bought and read the 3 ultimate collcetion HC and it was fun. Invincible is really a good book with interessting characters and plots.

Now i have to wait several months for the fourth ultimate collection HC :( .

Months?

I think it's closer to a year between them!

[K.O.V.G]

This comic book is what got me back into superheroes, Invincible is just awesome, it has a twist to it and is very realistic in terms of real life issues and the like.


Unlike other superhero comic books you don't get that feeling like this has been done before, it's fresh something new for us all and the good thing is you never know whats going to happen in the next issue.