"Witness Invincible's transition from new hero just starting out to an established superhero! This volume collects Invincible's violent battle with the villainous Reanimen, the invasion attempt by the Sequids from Mars, and the introduction of the Viltrumite agent, Anissa."
The joy of Invincible is how vast the universe feels. The action moves from the Ocean floor to the furthest reaches of Space, and it's as diverse a world as any in comics. From Atom Eve in Africa to Mark's life on campus at university each character has a distinct identity and presence in the book which sets it apart from other Image titles, even those in the same shared universe.
Kirkman distils the very essence of cape comics into a single epic story. By this point many of the threats and adversaries that Mark faces have been established - the Mauler Twins, Lizard League, Sequids and Viltrumites all show up. From the start of the series Invincible felt like a comic with a wider reach, with pre-existing villains and a very different status quo.
By this point the set up from previous arcs has begun to pay-off and storylines like Allen seeking out Omniman, or Oliver's burgeoning powers become big moments. In a book where every issue feels like an event, where there are consequences and repercussions for every action, this is a final calm before the storm of the next 30-40 issues.
If you've never read Invincible this isn't a great place to start - the downside of the grand scale worldbuilding is that it presupposes that you know who's who. It won't be incomprehensible to new readers, but you're better off starting at the beginning. It's a journey that's worth it, and it'll make the heroics, the sacrifices and the pay-offs all the sweeter.
Also Try:
Brian Michale Bendis, Ultimate Spider-Man
Robert Kirkman, Tech Jacket
Brian K. Vaughan, Runaways
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