By Michael McKee
Correspondent
Since its debut, “Invincible,” the television adaptation of Robert Kirkman’s beloved comic series, has been one of the most foremost superhero franchises of the 2020s and a legitimate contender against the big two of Marvel and DC. With the recent completion of its fourth season, the series has reached a new height in its ascent through the television landscape.
The newest entry of “Invincible” has seen its characters taken to interesting new places. After his high-stakes, life-or-death confrontations with the multidimensional mastermind Angstrom Levy and the sadistic Viltrumite alien warrior known as Conquest, the titular superhero Invincible made the decision to no longer go easy on opponents who can threaten Earth and the people he loves.
During the season, he comes into conflict with villains such as superhuman crime bosses Mr. Liu and Titan, alien invaders like the Flaxans and Sequids, the maniacal Dinosaurus and the new overlord of Hell Volcanikka.
Also present in this new status quo is Invincible's girlfriend Eve who he is maintaining a stable relationship with while she has to deal with her powers mysteriously malfunctioning, his younger brother Oliver who has aged into his teen years, his mother Debbie who has settled in with her new boyfriend Paul, and the superhero team the Guardians of the Globe which is having to adjust with dealing with the gruff, militaristic Brit as their new leader.
Meanwhile in the cosmos, Invincible’s dad Omni-Man and his new friend Allen the Alien are looking for weaknesses to help the Coalition of Planets and its leader Thaedus fight the powerful Viltrumite Empire, among them its imposing leader Grand Regent Thragg and the returning menace Conquest.
“Invincible” Season 4 has received much attention through its compelling character arcs, intriguing worldbuilding and exciting story developments. However, it has received criticism for its occasionally choppy or stilted animation.
While there are still amazing, beautiful and well-animated moments, much attention has been drawn to the show’s shortcomings. Many have suggested that the “Invincible” animation team don’t have the budget or the employees to make the animation as good as it can be. With new seasons coming out every year, such as the upcoming Season 5 which is releasing in early 2027, it seems they don’t have the time either.
While the animation is not bad, as some have hyperbolically claimed, it does feel that the animation is not reaching its full potential. If more time and money was given to the animation team, then it could truly do Invincible’s story justice. While the show's quick seasonal releases are a large part of its appeal, waiting until mid to late 2027 instead of early 2027 can be an acceptable trade-off for an improved final product.
Another point of critique was centered on the season’s fourth episode, “Hurm.” The episode focuses on the returning side character, Damian Darkblood the Demon Detective, summoning Invincible to Hell in order to overthrow its reigning tyrant Volcanikka.
Based on a comic storyline Kirkman never got to make, “Hurm” was criticized for being a distraction from the more interesting plots and individual characters as well as dragging in various areas. The main issue with “Hurm” is its lack of side plots which expand the world and allow the viewer to check in on the developing stories of interesting characters.
On a more positive note, the voice acting has overall been phenomenal. Sandra Oh delivers an outstanding vocal performance as Invincible’s mom Debbie in one of the best scenes while J.K. Simmons does an amazing job capturing Omni-Man’s regret and desire for redemption. Steven Yeun remains excellent as the titular leading superhero, Seth Rogen is hilarious as Allen the Alien, Peter Cullen as Thaedus is simply wonderful on the ears and all the other old voice actors put in some great work.
In terms of new additions to the cast, Bruce Campbell has a very fun role in one episode, while the new voice actor for Invincible’s friend William leaves much to be desired. The most provocative new addition, however, was Lee Pace as Thragg. While many fans claimed that Thragg’s voice wasn’t as deep or commanding as they thought it should be, Pace gives Thragg a sort of quiet authority that speaks to his rational decision making and how unstoppably powerful he is while also having its intimidating, rage-fuelled moments.
Though Season 4 is over, there is still much for “Invincible” fans to look forward to. With its early 2027 release, fans will not have to wait long for the next season. An upcoming fighting game called “Invincible VS” is set to be released with 18 playable characters and a storyline that involves Omni-Man staying loyal to the empire and invading Earth, as well as an original character called Ella-Mental. The Battle Beast comic series, a spinoff of the original Invincible comic, has been made into an ongoing series with future issues to come out each month.
While the season does have notable flaws to critique, it has a very high quality overall, especially when it comes to its voice acting, characters and plot. With another great season under its belt, “Invincible” has a very exciting future in television, and we can't wait to see where it goes next.
