Invincible

Invincible has been everything I expected and more. I never read the comics so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but from reading up on it and watching the trailer I knew it's the type of show I usually like so I thought I'd give it a chance. I'm glad I did bc so far it's pretty really good. It currently has a perfect 100% in Rotten Tomatoes. The voice over cast has to be one of, if not the best, of any animated series ever. It almost has the star power of an animated movie. Just some of the star power it has is Steven Yeun, Walton Goggins, J. K. Simmons, Zazie Beetz, Seth Rogen, Jon Hamm, Sterling K. Brown, Sandra Oh, Gillian Jacobs, Ben Schwartz, Mahersala Ali, Simu Liu, Chloe Bennet, Djimon Hounsou, Jeffery Dean Morgan, Aaron Paul, Lauren Cohan, Jonathan Groff, etc, etc. There are so many more, too many to name. If that many stars are attached there's a reason and that's because it's a great show. I'm not saying it's the best animated show I've ever seen but it's close. You don't even have to be a fan of animated shows to enjoy this either, it has something for everyone.

"Invincible" is everything modern superhero franchises wishes they were. It is a great subversion of what the audience has come to expect from the genre, while at the same time relishing in the tropes that people know from the world. If you are going to give the audience something different from what they expect, that different thing needs to be good or even better than what they were wanting in the first place. The first episode is a great example of this. They set up a world very familiar to other superhero shows. But then, after the credits start rolling, the show swerves to a new direction that is even better.

Summary The Hog Rider is the second Dark Elixir Troop unlocked in the Dark Barracks, once it has been upgraded to level 2.

The Hog Rider is a fast ground troop with medium hitpoints, low damage, and the ability to jump over enemy Walls.

The Hog Rider (person) is a bare-chested, dark brown man holding a hammer. He has a mohawk, a beard, a golden earirng, wears a brown leather loincloth, a red belt, and a pair of leather sandals, as well as two large golden wristbands and a gold earring.

His ride is a large hog, about half his height. It has a brown leather bridle looped around its tusks, which in turn is held by the Hog Rider.

Hog Riders prioritize defensive structures above all other targets, and will bypass all other types of enemy buildings and troops while any defenses remain on the battlefield. This is true even if they are under attack by enemy Clan Castle troops, heroes or Skeleton Trap skeletons. Note that like all troops that prioritize defenses, Hog Riders do not consider the Clan Castle to be a defense regardless of whether or not it contains enemy troops, but do consider the activated Town Hall weapon (if any) to be defensive buildings.

Once all defenses are destroyed, Hog Riders become like any other troop with no preferred target; they will attack the nearest building to them regardless of type, and will turn and attack enemy units if they become aware of any nearby and can fight back against them. However, they will not switch targets to enemy units until their previous target was destroyed.

Robert Kirkman's Invincible animated series, based on his comic book of the same name, is a gritty, subversive, and emotionally intelligent take on the superhero genre. Premiering in 2021 on Amazon Prime Video, Invincible shocked audiences with its visceral storytelling, unapologetic violence, and surprisingly heartfelt character development. Over the course of its first 3 seasons, the show has consistently proven itself to be more than just another superhero story - it's a layered, mature narrative that challenges the genre's norms and leaves viewers questioning the very concept of heroism.

Here's why Invincible earns a strong 9/10 rating.

1. Subversion of Superhero Tropes

At first glance, Invincible looks like a traditional coming-of-age superhero story. Teenager Mark Grayson is the son of the world's most powerful hero, Omni-Man. He begins to develop his own powers and embarks on the classic journey of learning how to be a hero. But within the first episode, the series takes a shocking turn that signals it's not playing by the usual rules. The brutal twist at the end of episode one - where Omni-Man slaughters the Guardians of the Globe - instantly sets Invincible apart.

This kind of subversion continues throughout the series. It challenges the black-and-white morality often seen in superhero media. Characters aren't defined as simply good or evil - they are flawed, conflicted, and forced to make morally ambiguous decisions. This level of complexity is rare and refreshing in the genre.

Deep and Relatable Characters

The show thrives on its character development. Mark Grayson (voiced by Steven Yeun) isn't just a teenage superhero - he's also a student, a boyfriend, and a son struggling to find his identity. His arc is compelling because it balances the superhuman and the deeply human. His struggles with balancing his dual life, dealing with betrayal, and making impossible choices resonate with viewers on a personal level.

Omni-Man (voiced by J. K. Simmons) is another standout character. He isn't just a Superman clone - he's an alien soldier with a chilling agenda, yet the show never turns him into a one-dimensional villain. His complex motivations, his genuine (though twisted) love for his family, and his inner conflict make him one of the most nuanced antagonists in modern animation.

Even the side characters - like Atom Eve, Debbie Grayson, Cecil, and Robot - are given meaningful arcs. They aren't just background players; they each have their own personal battles, agency, and growth. This attention to character elevates the entire series.

Emotional Weight and Consequences

What makes Invincible especially gripping is that actions have real, lasting consequences. When battles happen, they're not sanitized. Cities are destroyed, civilians die, and the trauma is felt deeply. This is not a world where heroes walk away unscathed after a fight. Mark gets beaten, physically and emotionally. The cost of heroism is shown in all its brutal detail.

The series also tackles themes like parental pressure, moral compromise, identity, betrayal, and loss - all within the framework of a superhero story. The emotional core of the series is surprisingly raw and effective. The scene between Mark and Omni-Man at the end of season one is among the most powerful in recent animated history. The heartbreaking line "What will you have after 500 years?" followed by Mark's bloodied whisper - "I'd still have you" - encapsulates the emotional weight the show is capable of carrying.

Quality Animation and Voice Acting

The animation style may not be revolutionary, but it is crisp, expressive, and capable of shifting from calm moments to intense action seamlessly. The fight scenes are brutal and choreographed with a clear sense of impact. They aren't just there for spectacle - they serve the story and the characters' development.

Voice acting is another major strength. Steven Yeun brings depth and vulnerability to Mark. J. K. Simmons delivers a commanding and chilling performance as Omni-Man, while Sandra Oh's portrayal of Debbie gives the show its emotional grounding. The rest of the cast - including Walton Goggins, Gillian Jacobs, and Zachary Quinto - round out a stellar ensemble.

Worldbuilding and Long-Term Storytelling

Invincible builds a rich, expansive world. From the intergalactic politics of the Viltrumites to the internal dynamics of Earth's defenders, the show lays down threads for a much larger story. Unlike many superhero shows that wrap up their plots neatly, Invincible is unafraid to play the long game. This makes the experience more rewarding, as early episodes plant seeds that grow over time.

Final Verdict: 9/10

Invincible is not perfect - some pacing issues and minor animation inconsistencies occasionally pop up - but these are dwarfed by its strengths. Its emotionally grounded storytelling, subversive take on the superhero genre, strong character development, and powerful performances make it one of the best animated series of the last decade.

It earns a 9/10 not just for what it is, but for what it has the potential to become. It's a brutal, heartfelt, and intelligent series that treats its audience with respect and delivers unforgettable moments. If you're looking for superhero media that challenges the status quo, Invincible is essential viewing.

Invincible really increases the standards in animated tv or web series by showing good character development, emotion, great ton of action and pg-18 violence which is kinda cool. Best thing is, every episode is 40 minutes instead of 20 😬