Image Comics is a publication that a lot of people don’t actually know all that much about, simply because it’s outside of Marvel and DC. However, everyone knows their works such as Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, even if you didn’t know that they were comics before the shows and movies. One that has gained lots of popularity over the last few years is Invincible. Even though the actual comic series ended in 2018, its rebirth came from the Amazon Prime TV show of the same name. The show became immensely popular and is now on its way to the fourth season, with the end looking very far down the road. From the show, lots of people found the comics, which expanded the fandom even more, and even dawned many entirely new comic readers.

The show, starring Steven Yeun and J.K. Simmons, released in 2021 and with each new season it has garnered more viewers. Part of this is due to its both comedic and intense factors. There are many literal jaw-dropping moments throughout the entire show (and comic alike, due to the fact that the show is nearly–with some moments missing and some added–a direct replica of the comic books) that have you never knowing what comes next. I recall multiple times when reading the comics that I had to set the book down and walk around for a little while to process what just happened. Yet even aside from the action-packed fights and climactic and shocking moments, the story is still funny, charming, and even feel-goody at times. The characters are likable, and if you find yourself disliking them, it’s purposeful, so as to make a good villain or annoyance character.

There are many aspects of the comic that are meant to be parodies to common tropes or characters from other popular comics. One example is the superhero team, The Guardians of the Globe, with characters such as War Woman, Darkwing (and Nightboy), Martian Man, Aquaris, Red Rush, etc. Batman and Spider-Man even directly make small appearances in the comic (and copyright-free alternatives appear in the show’s equivalent scenes). The whole idea is that the comic is very meta and self-aware, while still having many unique factors. As the plot expands, and the universe with it, the amount of parody-comedy decreases as the characters and environments develop into more complicated and extensive stories. The idea of using that style of comedy within the plot was overshadowed by the fact that the characters became more intricate and familiar.

All around, the mix of comedy and action in Invincible makes it entertaining on every side, and the shock value of certain parts makes it impossible to put down. After 15 years and 144 issues (plus specials), Invincible refuses to stop bringing people entertainment as it continues as a TV show, and even internet memes involving various voice lines from the characters. In addition, a Mortal Kombat / Street Fighter style multiplayer fighting game called Invincible VS is in the works, set to come out at some time in 2026. As the show continues and developments such as the game come out, Invincible fans have much to look forward to. Because, let’s be honest: 144 issues (AKA 3 3-inch thick compendiums) lead to painful re-read value for the comics. Still, that first read-through is unforgettable and absolutely worth it.