8 Invincible Story Arcs in Order

Stepping into ‘Invincible‘, you’re diving headfirst into a raw, unforeseeable superhero tale that doesn’t shy away from conflict. Penned by Robert Kirkman with artists Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, this comic book takes you through the grueling metamorphosis of Mark Grayson, from wide-eyed adolescent dreamer to battle-scarred hero, over a staggering 144 issues, spanning from 2003 to 2018. For fans yearning for the ‘Invincible’ story arcs chronologically, I’ve arranged them neatly so you can follow Mark’s tumultuous journey from the initial blow to the climactic confrontation. It’s a rollercoaster ride that has captivated countless readers and now stands tall as the series on Amazon Prime.

What makes ‘Invincible’ unique is its ability to shatter the traditional superhero narrative. It’s not just about showcasing powers; it delves deep into the struggles of a hero – betrayal, loss, and the darker aspects of heroism. With more than 100 issues, the tale unfurls across at least eight significant storylines, continually escalating the tension. I’ve consistently been amazed by its knack for keeping readers on their toes, so let’s delve into the crucial phases of Mark’s life without wasting any time.

Family Matters

Mark Grayson’s story begins as a high school student with a superhero father named Omni-Man from Viltrum. In the initial four issues, his powers ignite and he’s thrilled to learn under Nolan, adopting the name Invincible. He spends his time battling minor adversaries such as the Mauler Twins, mastering flight and fighting skills while simultaneously juggling schoolwork. This opening is brimming with optimism and enthusiasm as Mark eagerly embraces his heroic destiny.

Here, Nolan is serving as a seasoned guide to Mark, providing steady guidance. It’s like watching a family scene – Debbie, Mark’s mother, is there supporting from the side, unaware of what lies ahead. The artwork exudes a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that mirrors Mark’s fresh enthusiasm, making you eagerly support him as he embarks on his adventure.

This arc serves as the base. It’s primarily about Mark taking charge, acquiring the costume, and experiencing the excitement of it all. However, a dark figure hovers—Nolan harbors secrets, and this peaceful beginning is merely the calm before the impending turmoil. It lures you in with anticipation, only to prepare the stage for the shocking twist that follows.

Eight Is Enough

By addressing problems #5 to #8, Mark advances, becoming part of the Teen Team that consists of Robot, Atom Eve, Rex Splode, and Dupli-Kate. He’s balancing school life with heroic duties, confronting a villainous teacher who transforms children into bombs. It’s an action-packed, entertaining storyline as Mark demonstrates his growth, albeit with some roughness yet to be smoothed out.

Later on, Nolan exhibits an unusual situation – having been stranded in another dimension for extended periods and now returned, visibly shaken. There’s a subtle oddity about him, but Mark is preoccupied with avoiding blows to notice. The Teen Team is quite the bunch – Rex is boisterous and annoying, while Eve has depth, and it seems like Mark is bonding with his group of friends.

As a cinephile, I find myself engrossed in Mark’s transformation into the leading man. The battles escalate, the camaraderie within the team starts to resonate, and you can almost feel him gaining determination. It may not be world-altering just yet, but it’s definitely setting the stage for the turmoil that lies ahead. By the end, I find myself on the edge of my seat, anticipating the impending shift in power.

Perfect Strangers

In the span of issues #9-13, all hell breaks loose. Omni-Man goes berserk, slaughtering the Guardians of the Globe in a gruesome bloodbath that leaves Mark speechless. It’s revealed that Nolan isn’t Earth’s savior, but rather a Viltrumite agent, sent to prepare Earth for invasion instead. In a fierce and brutal confrontation, Mark battles Nolan, but ends up spared and left in despair as Nolan escapes.

The act of betrayal is like a sudden, painful twist of a knife. Mark’s world undergoes a dramatic shift, making him the guardian of Earth whether he feels prepared for it or not. The art is intense and raw, depicting shattered cities and vivid expressions of emotion, driving home just how deeply this affects him. Mark has grown beyond his youthful days; now he must find the strength to stand tall amidst the ruins.

This part of the story is a game-changer. It shatters the heroic father image and plunges Mark into difficult situations. The risks escalate dramatically, leaving you just as bewildered as him. Here is where ‘Invincible’ stops being gentle and starts delivering hard-hitting action.

Head of the Class

In issues #14-19, Mark is navigating his way after Nolan, working alongside newcomers such as Bulletproof, clashing with Titan, a brutal mob enforcer, and Machine Head’s henchmen. Battle Beast delivers a harsh blow to him, serving as a reminder that he has his own limitations. Eve decides to abandon her heroic duties, causing a stir in Mark’s support network.

He’s managing both school and work simultaneously, staying authentic amidst the turmoil. The conflicts intensify – Battle Beast is indeed ferocious, in more ways than one – and Mark is enduring blows but persisting. It’s a challenging period, demonstrating he’s not infallible but incredibly persistent.

Mark is discovering his backbone; he’s becoming increasingly independent, relying on determination rather than advice. The setbacks are painful, but they make him stronger. You can see him transform from a scared child into someone who can handle blows and keep pushing forward.

A Different World

In the storyline, problems numbered 20 to 30 transport character Mark to a distant planet named Thraxa. Here, Nolan resides with his recently established family which includes Mark’s half-brother, Oliver. The returning and somewhat reformed Nolan delivers a warning about Viltrum’s impending fury. Although angered, Mark assists in defending against a Viltrumite scout and encounters another extraterrestrial character named Allen.

At home, Eve’s abilities malfunction occasionally, while Mark is skillfully managing various crises on Earth similar to Doc Seismic. Thraxa is quite unusual with its insectoid aliens, and Nolan’s journey towards redemption has commenced – it’s an odd mix of strange and intense. Mark finds himself caught between his familial obligations and the escalating chaos on Earth, rapidly developing under stress.

This development broadens the storyline. Viltrum poses a threatening presence, Mark has a sibling, and Nolan is no longer just a traitor – he’s become something more complex. It’s an intricate, emotionally charged shift that establishes the high-stakes cosmic context. You can’t help but be drawn in by how skillfully Mark manages it all.

Viltrumite War

Conflicts #71-84 are nothing but brutal wars. The Viltrumites launch an invasion of Earth, spearheaded by Thragg, and Mark, Omni-Man, and Allen take the lead alongside the Coalition of Planets. It’s a bloodbath—heroes fall, cities are engulfed in flames, and Mark stands resilient despite his injuries. The conquest comes close to claiming his life in a battle filled with bloodshed and desperation.

Oliver is rapidly growing older, taking on the role of Kid Omni-Man, while Eve is expecting, adding to the tension. The Coalition’s virus significantly decreases the Viltrumite population, but Thragg remains a constant threat. This period in ‘Invincible’ is marked by grand battles, heartbreaking losses, and Mark showing great leadership.

Or simply:
– Oliver is aging rapidly, becoming Kid Omni-Man, while Eve is pregnant, adding to the drama.
– The Coalition’s virus reduces Viltrumite numbers, but Thragg remains a menace.
– This time in ‘Invincible’ features epic fights, heartbreaking losses, and Mark stepping up significantly.

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you, the core of this tale is pulsating with intensity. The tension has been steadily rising, and boy, does it ever explode in a climactic confrontation! It’s not just that Mark is enduring—he’s orchestrating the battlefield. The action is exhilarating, grandiose, and leaves you breathless from its sheer magnitude and price.

Robot’s Takeover

In the reversal of roles, the once friendly robot takes control of Earth, eliminating heroes and ruling with an unyielding power, convinced it serves the greater good. Meanwhile, Mark finds himself stranded somewhere else, battling to return. It’s a gradual build-up to deceit as the robot’s icy logic clashes with Mark’s compassionate nature.

He appears older from another realm, returning to a distorted home. Eve accompanies him, gathering the remnants to fight back. The art reflects the harshness of Robot’s demeanor, and Mark’s anger is evident as he confronts a former ally turned dictator.

This situation is testing our courage deeply. The unexpected betrayal by the robot has been painful, and it’s pushing Mark to his absolute limits. It’s not just about physical battles anymore; it’s about trust being shattered beyond repair. Every decision we make feels significant as the fate of Earth hangs in the balance.

The End of All Things

Close out issues #133-144. The elders, among Mark’s Viltrumite kin residing on Earth, return. Thragg resurfaces with a horde of half-breeds, leading to the climactic fight which turns into a gruesome bloodbath—Mark slays him, eliminating the danger. Robot also falls, with Mark regaining control over Earth.

He currently has Terra, his child with Eve, and they’ve relocated to Talescria in search of tranquility. Fast-forward scenes depict Mark as ruler of Viltrum in future centuries, a revered figure despite his gruff demeanor. The story concludes with a poignant blend of brutality and hope; all threads are neatly tied up, but the price paid is heavy.

At the end, we reach the culmination point. Mark’s character development reaches its pinnacle – from hero, to father, to leader. The battles are intense, the feelings are palpable, and it delivers a powerful finish. After witnessing this, you can’t help but feel proud of him, yet the journey to reach that point is nothing short of a tough ride.

2025-03-28 14:45