INVINCIBLE #70

INVINCIBLE #70

Written by: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Ryan Ottley

Colorist: FCO Plascencia

Warning: Contains Spoilers

After the back-to-back action of the InvincibleWar and Conquest arcs; Kirkman wisely took a breather to do some character development both for Mark Grayson (a.k.a. Invincible) and his father, Nolan (a.k.a. Omni-Man). In this interim between the ending of the two aforementioned arcs and the beginning of the Viltrumite War arc (starting next month), two issues were set in space focusing on Nolan; and the most recent several issues have been set on Earth – focusing on the aftermath of all the brutal conflict Mark was involved in and how Mark has been coping. It turns out that Mark is having a hard time suppressing the temperament that is part and parcel of his Viltrumite heritage – including the predisposition to conquer by force any who oppose him. Never has that been more evident than in this issue where Mark loses control in the heat of battle and crosses several lines he had previously set for himself. It turns out that this character development is really the most interesting thing about #70. Otherwise, it’s really just a solid story about some superheroes pitting themselves against an invading alien hive mind. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the story and the action is pretty good – it’s just not a “knock your socks off” issue of Invincible.

Ottley’s art is amazing. I was mesmerized by many of the panels. His style is unique and instantly recognizable – really standing out from the crowd as something special. He’s a large part of the success of this book and I hope he sticks around for the duration. I can’t wait to see what he’ll render for the Viltrumite War arc. Plascencia’s colors are magnificent as usual – really adding that extra dimension of comic book reading pleasure to every issue.

I did find it a bit annoying that we’re learning so little about Eve’s pregnancy. It didn’t even come up in this issue; and I found that disappointing particularly in light of the action shifting to space for the remainder of the year in the upcoming Viltrumite War arc which – incidentally – features a grudge re-match between Invincible and Conquest. I can’t wait!

Seriously cosmic fans – if you’re not reading this book, you’re not only missing one of the best superhero books on the stands – you’re also about to miss the making of comic book history with what is expected to be one of the best space war epics ever (beginning next month in issue #71). This would be a great time to jump aboard for a wild ride through the cosmos. Don’t worry about coming aboard in the middle of the run of a series – it really is easy to pick up the story. Call your local comics shop and have them add Invincible to your pull list. You can thank me later.

Article by: Bill Meneese

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