Superhero fatigue is real and while comic book movies still draw at the box office, there is a real section of people that is over this genre.
It doesn’t help that output has been inconsistent, particularly from the Big Two (DC and Marvel). That is where the small screen steps in.
Superhero shows have thrived in streaming thanks to a variety of reasons. One of these, I believe, is the general lack of connectivity to other properties, meaning showrunners can tell the story without worrying about the larger franchise.
Sure, shows like Loki or Peacemaker still fit within the larger cinematic universe, but the genre has found plenty of success elsewhere on TV.
That is where Invincible enters in.
Invincible is an animated series on Prime Video based on Robert Kirkman’s series for Image Comics. This series tells the story of Mark Grayson, a young hero with the wit of Spider-Man mixed with the powers of Superman, and how he copes with becoming a superhero.
What makes this show stand out is its unique explorations of the genre. Invincible tackles complicated relationships, balancing superhero and regular life, familial issues, the consequences of being a superhero, betrayal, and abuse.
Invincible isn’t the only one thriving. The Boys is also having a moment on Prime Video as is The Umbrella Academy on Netflix. You can also look to anime for success thanks to My Hero Academia and One-Punch Man, among others.
It is the alternative approach to the genre that helps these shows find success. Invincible, in particular, has been fascinating thanks to the dynamic between Mark, his father Nolan/Omni-Man, and his mother Debera.
It is this humanity that really ground Invincible in and, despite its animated nature, feel more real and human. That and its fantastic voice cast of many big-name actors.
Invincible returns for the latter half of its second season on March 14 on Prime Video. You can catch weekly reviews of the episodes here the day after each episode airs.
You can also read up on what happened in the first season as well as reviews of the first, second, third, and fourth episodes of the second season.
Have you watched Invincible? What are your thoughts on the show? What superhero TV show is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: Prime Video (via Collider)
The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast About Video Games
The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of The Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig, Stephanie Klimov, LeRon Dawkins, and Pat Klein come together with their friends, colleagues, and fellow creators to talk about their week in video games, discuss industry topics, conduct interviews, answer listener questions, and more. New episodes every Monday. Get each episode one week early and more perks over on the Boss Rush Network Patreon page.
This feed also includes Boss Rush Spotlight podcasts and Boss Rush Video Game Book Club. Get both shows early on Patreon.
Email the Show: podcast.bossrush@gmail.com
Listen to The Boss Rush Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Anchor | YouTube
Follow and Connect:
X (Formerly Twitter | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn
Join Our Community:
Discord | Facebook | LinkedIn
Leave a Reply