Invincible Featuring Robert Kirkman

In this week’s episode, Dan, Jake, and Ashley dive into the superhero world of Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker's Invincible. The first story we covered for GateCrashers was another one of Kirkman's co-creations called The Walking Dead but this story is a little different. This coming-of-age superhero tale follows teenager Mark Grayson as he navigates high school, love interests, and a burgeoning set of super powers. Luckily Mark, aka Invincible, has someone he can look up to. Mark’s dad is Omni-Man, the most powerful being on the planet. Between his super hero dad and his loving mom, Mark’s life seems pretty easy. But nothing is ever that simple. 

Kirkman and Walker's Invincible shines with storylines and characters hell bent on delivering the realities of a humanity infused with super-beings. It never shies away from the grotesque and gore, all while retaining humor and grounded characters. Invincible, set in the Image Comics Universe, began publication on January 22, 2003. Over 15 years, it concluded its run with 144 issues in early 2018. 

In 2021, Invincible got a second life and new set of super fans when Amazon Prime adapted the comic series for its streaming service. Invincible, now an animated series, has met with critical and fan acclaim due to its stellar voice cast and improved adjustments to the source material. Starring the vocal talents of Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, and J.K. Simmons to name just a few, the world of Invincible is fleshed out by some of the most recognizable voices in the business.

In this episode, the Robert Kirkman himself joins Dan for an interview to discuss his favorite sandwich and what it’s like to adapt your own work for a different medium. The gang also discusses the difference between early characterizations in both interpretations, how the show gets it right, and how Invincible’s superhero story is groundbreaking in the wider lexicon of other cape content.

Join us for our thoughts on Invincible the super hero, but stay for our off-the-rails dissection of Omni-Man. This is one you don’t want to miss!