Does Invincible season 4 continue to prove why it’s the best superhero series in the universe? Here’s our review!
In Invincible season 4, Mark Grayson grapples with the immense responsibility of being the most powerful being on Planet Earth, all while the Viltrumite War rages on many lightyears away. It’s another chock-full season full of brutality and just as many savage moments as before. It moves forward at a breakneck pace, all while balancing its bloodbath battles with a rich blend of comedy, strong emotional beats and, and powerful character-driven moments.
Season 4 begins shortly after the battle between Mark and the Viltrumite Conquest. Their battle was one of the most devastating in human history, and the consequences have seen changes in Mark’s psyche. He’s riddled with guilt. But as a superhero, he cannot rest. Instead, his feelings are bottled up, but as he protects his friends and family, his wrath occasionally takes over.
Like the seasons that came before, Invincible season 4 continues to deliver a masterclass in both world-building and character development, pushing the boundaries of the superhero genre. Like season 3, it continues a mighty juggling act, balancing numerous plot lines and jumping between villains. It sometimes feels like playing an open world video game, where the side quests keep building up, but you’ll get to them eventually. Such a massive balancing act often lends itself to messy episodes and inconsistencies, but Invincible cleverly keeps momentum and consistency. Every episode has its own self-contained story, almost like a mini movie, before MCU-style post-credit scenes lead directly into the next plot line. It’s easy to follow, and never feels stale.
It builds on storylines from the comics, and even adds new ones. Each plot line is unique in its own way, challenging Mark by his strength, intellect, and moral compass.
No storyline outstays its welcome, and every character gets their due. I admire how the writers keep the show grounded, not only in human emotions, but also in the scale of battles and fights. Sure, there’s grand and epic outer-space brawls, but so too is there street-level fights. You get the best of both worlds.
One thing I’ve always admired about Invincible is how it’s not just mindless violence. It might seem like that from the outside occasionally. The series is bathed in blood and gore, and keeps throwing punch after punch. But this season especially takes on an even stronger emotional tone. As much as the violence and fights, it is also about family, reconciliation, and self-reflection. With Omni-Man away from Earth, Mark takes on an almost fatherly responsibility towards his rapidly-ageing younger brother Oliver. Himself and Debbie try to nurture Oliver in coming to terms with his powers, and using them in the right way. However, Mark fights his own demons; he’s tired of seeing his enemies return time and time again. And he knows that the only way to stop them is to do away with his morals.
In season 4, we’re seeing a version of Mark Grayson that is more unpredictable and volatile. But unlike his father, Mark understands the consequences of his actions — there’s more introspection and fear of who he might become.
As always, the series remains really funny. It’s self-aware and pokes fun at traditional superhero tropes and cliches. This is a show that can be so brutal and gut-wrenchingly emotional, but it never forgets to blend in comic relief. The quips and jokes never overshadow the emotion. Comedic beats drop at the right time.
Verdict
Invincible takes everything great about superhero storytelling, from Marvel to DC, and blends it with the best elements from space operas, like Star Wars and Star Trek — and delivers a breathtaking adventure.
If you watch just one superhero show, make it Invincible. It’s the best one out there today.
