jcschildbach's review
4.0
Really enjoyed this. I like the way they are dealing with the aftermath of the, uh, falling out with Invincible's dad. I also like the development of Invincible's relationship issues, which didn't go where I expected. The building up of a stable of heroes and villains and characters who are more ambiguous is also fun to see.
jessjarbinks's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hulttio's review
4.0
Another great volume, in which we see the aftermath of the immense events from the end of the first volume. Since the TV series ended at Volume 1, I was also curious to see what happens next—though it seems the show went out of order, as some of Volume 2’s events were also mixed into the show earlier than in the comics. Our characters are reeling, trying to move on from what has happened, and all the while, more subplots and movements are underway. In some ways, this was an innocent volume, as we see Mark begin college and make progress with his girlfriend, all the while juggling being Invincible. Yet, at the same time, you can tell he is maturing a bit, watching the adults in his life struggle in their own reactions to the events of the last volume and having to step into some fairly big shoes.
Where does Invincible find his support and will to persevere when the going gets tough? Is he actually invincible? He partially discovers that in this volume; we explore the question of who has his back, and who he can rely on when things get tough. The narrative also takes the chance to develop some side characters, such as Mark’s girlfriend, Amber, and his best friend, William. We see hints of the backgrounds of the other characters, including Atom Eve and Robot; my edition contained the special edition ‘origins’ comics, which were a really enjoyable read. There was also a special piece of Allen the Alien, who is a gem of a character.
This volume has made me even more excited for the second season to come out—and I know we have no definitive date yet, and that animation is hard, intense work, but I do wish they would give us more than a teaser trailer already. In the meantime, hopefully my hold for Volume 3 will be processed soon! Luckily, the waiting time seems to be shorter as you go up in volumes.
Where does Invincible find his support and will to persevere when the going gets tough? Is he actually invincible? He partially discovers that in this volume; we explore the question of who has his back, and who he can rely on when things get tough. The narrative also takes the chance to develop some side characters, such as Mark’s girlfriend, Amber, and his best friend, William. We see hints of the backgrounds of the other characters, including Atom Eve and Robot; my edition contained the special edition ‘origins’ comics, which were a really enjoyable read. There was also a special piece of Allen the Alien, who is a gem of a character.
This volume has made me even more excited for the second season to come out—and I know we have no definitive date yet, and that animation is hard, intense work, but I do wish they would give us more than a teaser trailer already. In the meantime, hopefully my hold for Volume 3 will be processed soon! Luckily, the waiting time seems to be shorter as you go up in volumes.
jimmypat's review
3.0
This second volume continues the fun-to-read adventures of Invincible. Unfortunately, it also continues the trend of having exhaustingly huge monologues by characters about the most mundane things that do not further the plot in any way. Check out the conversation between Mark and his mother about her wanting to get a job. Or, the two issues where Amber recaps her relationship with Mark or where he tells his story to her are completely craptastic filler. And don't get me started on the Allen the Alien issue where it only gets interesting in the last 5 pages, but you have to wade through walls of text about absolutely nothing.
Despite all that, I'm moving forward with the next volume - after a break.
Despite all that, I'm moving forward with the next volume - after a break.
jujumo's review
3.0
Definitely should not have ended on such an open cliffhanger and unfortunately doesn't feel as complete as the first collection - but this is much needed improvement upon the first ultimate collection, where Kirkman trims down the filler and allows these moments to actually breathe life into the characters.
My major complaint with the first few issues is that so many moments just felt pointless for the sake of a joke, most of the time the humor not landing with me. It took too long to get to plot crucial moments and it came at the expense of much needed characterization. But ever since volume one where the status quo has officially been shaken up, the elements of grief and coming of age actually do come into full fruition.
Not much happens in this collection and as stated before, it feels more like build up (since the major stuff was supposed to happen in the next issue not included). But it uses this down time in-between big battles to just explore the aftermath, making it feel like a denouement that logically follows. Sure it's not action packed, but it instead is more somber without getting too serious - maintaining a light hearted tone throughout. It's as if Kirkman actually listened to the feedback and took this as an opportunity to develop the characters that really needed more depth added to them like Amber, who evolved from a flat character into someone that actually has some vulnerability and depth.
My only complaint is that the major subplot involving a dimension-traveling man feels a bit disjointed and separated from the main narrative we're used to following, which doesn't really build up to anything relating to the characters until the end - and only briefly. It is neither alluded to in dialogue or seen in the background, it becomes suddenly involved without much payoff.
Even though this felt like an interquel between major moments in the story - it was also much appreciated for the story to slow down and make room for these moments of solace.
My major complaint with the first few issues is that so many moments just felt pointless for the sake of a joke, most of the time the humor not landing with me. It took too long to get to plot crucial moments and it came at the expense of much needed characterization. But ever since volume one where the status quo has officially been shaken up, the elements of grief and coming of age actually do come into full fruition.
Not much happens in this collection and as stated before, it feels more like build up (since the major stuff was supposed to happen in the next issue not included). But it uses this down time in-between big battles to just explore the aftermath, making it feel like a denouement that logically follows. Sure it's not action packed, but it instead is more somber without getting too serious - maintaining a light hearted tone throughout. It's as if Kirkman actually listened to the feedback and took this as an opportunity to develop the characters that really needed more depth added to them like Amber, who evolved from a flat character into someone that actually has some vulnerability and depth.
My only complaint is that the major subplot involving a dimension-traveling man feels a bit disjointed and separated from the main narrative we're used to following, which doesn't really build up to anything relating to the characters until the end - and only briefly. It is neither alluded to in dialogue or seen in the background, it becomes suddenly involved without much payoff.
Even though this felt like an interquel between major moments in the story - it was also much appreciated for the story to slow down and make room for these moments of solace.
crookedtreehouse's review
5.0
I read this collection in trade paperback form, but am reviewing them as the hardcovers to condense the amount of books on my "read" shelf
Where do you go after the first fourteen issues of Invincible, where you've given an origin, twisted it, revealed a surprise villain, killed most of a superhero team, introduced a new one, and given the character a girlfriend? Well, you involve the government, clones, multiple dimensions, new villains, and you change the status quo. "Head Of The Class" is Mark Grayson's senior year of high school, so one of the two major themes of this volume is the change we go through as we finish our years as beautiful caterpillars and break out of our academic cocoons, and discover that we're the same ugly moths our parents are. There's also a lens of grief, after the events of the last issue, that add a surprising amount of depth to the major characters. I don't feel like these are spoilers, as the cover includes a crying mom and graduation caps.
I recommend this for fans of the best long-form superhero comic of the 21st century, people whose parents left to pick up cigarettes and never came back, high school students forced to graduate on time because alien invasions never happen at the right times, and fans of satire that also involves strong narrative beats.
***
"The Facts Of Life" is the weaker of the two books, but it's still pretty great. It's the Save By The Bell The College Years transition if there had been better writers involved. There's secret identity drama, space travel, romantic intrigue, a Batman gone wrong, and Atom Eve proving she's the best and smartest hero in the series. The only drawback is an entire issue of mark rehashing the first twenty-one issues to his girlfriend, giving the reader absolutely no new information, and not presenting the stale information with mind-blowing art. Instead it's almost presented like a movie with much of the page including the flashback scenes, while above and below it are small panels of Mark and his girlfriend, Amber,'s heads providing the narration, and reacting to the story. It's hokey. But then it's over, and there's two more issues of new story that allow you to forget that the issue ever happened.
I recommend it to fans of superhero comics, clip show enthusiasts, people who really can't tell the difference between Clark Kent and Superman, readers who know that a decline into murderous villainry is inevitable in the Batman mythos, and multiverse fans.
Where do you go after the first fourteen issues of Invincible, where you've given an origin, twisted it, revealed a surprise villain, killed most of a superhero team, introduced a new one, and given the character a girlfriend? Well, you involve the government, clones, multiple dimensions, new villains, and you change the status quo. "Head Of The Class" is Mark Grayson's senior year of high school, so one of the two major themes of this volume is the change we go through as we finish our years as beautiful caterpillars and break out of our academic cocoons, and discover that we're the same ugly moths our parents are. There's also a lens of grief, after the events of the last issue, that add a surprising amount of depth to the major characters. I don't feel like these are spoilers, as the cover includes a crying mom and graduation caps.
I recommend this for fans of the best long-form superhero comic of the 21st century, people whose parents left to pick up cigarettes and never came back, high school students forced to graduate on time because alien invasions never happen at the right times, and fans of satire that also involves strong narrative beats.
***
"The Facts Of Life" is the weaker of the two books, but it's still pretty great. It's the Save By The Bell The College Years transition if there had been better writers involved. There's secret identity drama, space travel, romantic intrigue, a Batman gone wrong, and Atom Eve proving she's the best and smartest hero in the series. The only drawback is an entire issue of mark rehashing the first twenty-one issues to his girlfriend, giving the reader absolutely no new information, and not presenting the stale information with mind-blowing art. Instead it's almost presented like a movie with much of the page including the flashback scenes, while above and below it are small panels of Mark and his girlfriend, Amber,'s heads providing the narration, and reacting to the story. It's hokey. But then it's over, and there's two more issues of new story that allow you to forget that the issue ever happened.
I recommend it to fans of superhero comics, clip show enthusiasts, people who really can't tell the difference between Clark Kent and Superman, readers who know that a decline into murderous villainry is inevitable in the Batman mythos, and multiverse fans.
mjfmjfmjf's review
3.0
A bit of a different take on a young superhero. But it's no Astro City. And the "that's so gay" comment when Mark carries someone flying irritates every time. And I don't buy his relationship with Amber - I liked it better when she was going to break up with him because he was selling drugs. The book just seems like it is trying a little bit too hard. 3.5 of 5.
paziinyaa's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
dozmuttz's review
2.0
OKAY SO WHEN IS THIS SERIES SUPPOSE TO WOW ME?????!!!!!! Because the first book was alright. I had problems with Kirkman's pacing and unnecessary dialogue, but the book ended pretty solid. This time around, we have the same bullshit only its getting worse as we go on. The plot is all over the place and the book does not move smoothly. Again and again Kirkman is just messy with his pacing and crams so much in, at times it doesn't make sense. The world and characters he creates are interesting and he clearly has something going there, but the execution is terrible. I don't know if part of it was me being spoiled by the new show; as that to me was excellent! We got more build up to big events and reveals. No side story bullshit that takes up too much from the story. Everything shown felt important. In the book there's just scenes and convos that just feel like bad filler. The scenes of action and thrill are good but when they try to do something deeper or try to expand on one piece to help the overall story, it feels boring and at times frustrating to read CAUSE ITS ALL JUST RANDOM!! Ottley’s artwork is really the only consistent part of this read so far. But maybe its just me, this series is so loved by so many people and like I mentioned before-the show is GREAT! But this is not hitting for me so far.