After over two years since the jaw-dropping events of season one, Invincible has finally returned with the second half of its sophomore season, and it is fantastic. Just like the comic the show is adapted from, the Prime Video animated show continues to subvert expectations and push the boundaries of what a superhero story can be.
With Invincible Season 2 Part 2, the show doubles down on its strengths, bringing to the screen rich character arcs, thought-provoking themes, and a willingness to go to dark and brutal places, even if they can, at times, make the viewer uncomfortable. What we end up with is a masterful blend of storytelling and character depth that cements the series as one of the best superhero shows on television, even if it is over all too soon.
At its core, Invincible is and has always been a personal and emotional journey for its protagonist, Mark Grayson/Invincible (Steven Yeun). Still reeling from the devastating revelation about his father Nolan/Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons), and their cataclysmic battle, Mark struggles with his identity and the weight of his newfound responsibilities, and with this second part, the show presents the many challenges in a human and understandable way.
Starting from the exact point Invincible Season 2 Part 1 left off, the Invincible wastes no time getting back to our characters as they continue to work through the troubles they encountered in Part 1. Invincible Season 2, as a whole, explores Mark’s inner turmoil, his fears of becoming like his father, and his desire to forge his own heroic path. The show takes the time to give us a sense of who Mark is and what he is struggling with each day, masterfully weaving the emotional weight his life and powers play on his day-to-day life.
While the first part of the season was focused on the direct aftermath of season one and what a world recovering from the destruction Omni-Man caused, this second part goes beyond, showing us how Mark is changing as a complex character. Yeun’s nuanced voice performance perfectly captures Mark’s vulnerability and growth, making his arc all the more compelling and relatable. Looking past the powers, his struggles, and his needs feel relatable, and it is something we can all picture ourselves going through.
This emotional depth extends to the supporting characters as well. Debbie Grayson’s (Sandra Oh) grief over losing her husband and her journey to find purpose again is heartbreakingly portrayed. Some scenes in this second part are truly heartbreaking, with her strength shown in defiance to the powers around her while still trying to find a place for herself in a world that is slowly being torn apart around her.
Atom Eve’s (Gillian Jacobs) struggles to balance her superhero duties with her personal life added another layer of complexity to the narrative. While the Invincible Season 2 Part 1 gave more time to Eve as she learned how to control her powers and be a hero in her own right, this second part gives a glimpse of the struggles she was still dealing with, even as the answers didn’t necessarily lead her where she hoped. It all plays well in helping force a world slowly to come to terms with the new, darker reality that Omni-Man’s betrayal leads to.
While the character work is exceptional, Invincible doesn’t skimp on the action and high stakes either. Season 2 Part 2 raises the ante with the introduction of new threats like the multiversal villain Angstrom Levy (Sterling K. Brown) and the looming Viltrumite invasion. Beyond these earth-shattering new challenges, this second season also tackles head-on the introduction of Mark’s half-brother and how this new person in both his and his mom’s life will change how they take on risks and move forward with their lives.
“While the character work is exceptional, Invincible doesn’t skimp on the action and high stakes either.”
The show’s willingness to embrace its source material’s cosmic and multiversal aspects while never losing the human aspects pays off in spades. The exploration of alternate realities and the storylines tackled in this season not only expands the show’s universe but also adds a sense of unpredictability and danger that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Combine this with the human troubles that lay just beyond each fight scene, which gives every action weight and consequence; something often lost in media that tackles superheroes.
This is not to say Invincible avoids violence or action, but you still have plenty of that, all working as a counterbalance to the human drama unfolding throughout the season. The action sequences are a visual treat, with the animation team delivering some of the most dynamic and brutal fights in the series so far. The battle between Invincible and Angstrom Levy is a standout, showcasing the show’s ability to blend jaw-dropping visuals with emotional weight, one with a payoff that is as brilliantly conceived as it is utterly traumatizing to its characters.
I touched on it when I looked at Invincible Season 2 Part 1, but it is just as true here—Invincible‘s voice cast continues to be one of its strongest assets. In addition to the standout performances from Yeun, Simmons, Oh, and Jacobs, newcomers like Brown bring gravitas and depth to their roles. With characters like Seth Rogen doing well with the time they are given, showing a show can be funny and devastating at the same time.
Invincible’s exploration of themes like legacy, responsibility, and the moral ambiguity of heroism is also noteworthy. The show doesn’t avoid asking tough questions about the nature of power and the consequences of violence, even when committed in the name of justice.
The Viltrumite Empire’s conquest and subjugation of planets, for instance, is portrayed as a morally complex issue, with characters like Allen the Alien (Seth Rogen) and Nolan Grayson (J.K. Simmons) representing different perspectives on what is best for a people. This nuanced approach to storytelling elevates Invincible above typical superhero fare and makes it a more thought-provoking and resonant experience. You can understand the choices these characters make, even if, at times, they feel utterly irredeemable.
“Invincible’s exploration of themes like legacy, responsibility, and the moral ambiguity of heroism is also noteworthy.”
Beyond all the praise I have listed in this review, the most impressive aspect of Invincible Season 2 Part 2 is how it adapts and condenses the sprawling source material into a cohesive and engaging narrative. While some storylines and characters from the comics are inevitably left out or altered, the show’s creative team does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the original work while making it their own.
Even with all the praise I am laying at the feat of Invincible Season 2 Part 2, No TV season is perfect. With so much going on after the events of Season 1 and only eight episodes to do it all in, some storylines inevitably felt rushed or sidelined for the sake of brevity. This is a common challenge when adapting a work rich in lore and story, especially coming from comics. As a result, some aspects and story are not explored in as much detail as they could be. The season is solid, don’t get me wrong, but it leaves some threads frustratingly unfinished, which may infuriate fans dreading the wait for Season 3.
With its masterful blend of character depth, high-stakes action, and thought-provoking themes, Invincible Season 2 Part 2 is a triumph for the superhero genre. It’s a rare show that manages to be both emotionally resonant and visually stunning while also pushing the boundaries of what a comic book adaptation can be.
With season 2, Invincible has cemented its place as one of the best superhero shows on television. With its rich storytelling, stellar voice acting, and willingness to tackle complex moral issues, the series has raised the bar for what a superhero narrative can achieve. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the comics or a newcomer to the Invincible universe, this season is a must-watch. Invincible Season 2 Part 2 has shown what is possible in this universe, and I can’t wait to see how Invincible tackles what’s next in Mark Grayson’s journey.
