‘Invincible’ review: ‘The Walking Dead’s’ Robert Kirkman takes yet another leap into the dark side of superheroes

Last updated Mar 24, 2021

The series originates from “The Walking Dead’s” Robert Kirkman, based upon his comic with Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley. In the excellent timing department, “Dead” alum Steven Yeun — a freshly minted Oscar candidate for “Minari” — supplies the voice of 17-year-old Mark Grayson, whose dad is the odd visitor from another world Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons), and whose powers have actually simply started to manifest themselves.

Like “The Boys,” “Invincible” owes an obvious financial obligation to DC’s Justice League, with a group of superheroes called the Guardians of the World, and later on a more vibrant group of teenager, um, titans, who — thanks to a rather stunning advancement — are required to mature quick.

The best begins rather gradually, however it constructs towards a huge and ruthless minute, one that establishes a serialized secret at the program’s core. Yet that’s simply one part of a principle that likewise plays with the coming-of-age elements of Mark’s story, from selecting an outfit to picking a name that mirrors the title; to more ordinary issues, like dealing with high school, teenage hormonal agents and his worried mama (Sandra Oh).

Animation stays a perfect medium for comic-book adjustments, as evidenced by Warner Bros.’s harder-edged parade of DC titles, a few of which bring R scores. The action here is crisp and sometimes incredibly gory, in a manner that makes really clear — or must — that this isn’t meant for kids.

In Spite Of its long-running comic-book status, “Invincible” strikes screens after a variety of revisionist take a look at superheroes, checking out concerns about the possibly corrupting nature of such extravagant power. Undoubtedly, streaming is awash in such fare, consisting of Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy” and DC’s “Doom Patrol.”

That sense of familiarity does not always weaken “Invincible” on its benefits, however it does make the workout unavoidably feel a bit existed, seen that. Take it as an indication of the times, at a minute when costumed heroes — excellent, bad or otherwise — appear to come more affordable by the lots.

“Invincible” premieres March 26 on Amazon.

Jobber Wiki author Frank Long contributed to this report.

'Invincible' review: 'The Walking Dead's' Robert Kirkman takes yet another leap into the dark side of superheroes - CNN entertainment