GamesRadar+ Verdict
GamesRadar+ Verdict
Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
Ifthe first part of Invincible season 2was about Mark responding to the loss of his father, then the second part – once again consisting of four episodes – is how he moves on with his life.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go too well. In Part 2, Mark returns from Thraxa and has to juggle a new family arrival and issues with girlfriend Amber – and that’s on top of skipping out on college and saving the world as Invincible.
Admittedly, the early going is tough. Chances are, you aren’t watching Invincible solely for Mark and Amber, yet the series persists with the pair’s on-again/off-again relationship and follows that particular plot to its inevitable conclusion despite signposting it well in advance.
That renewed focus is where the show clearly becomes a victim of the season’s decision to release the show in two halves. Some slightly below average episodes or slower pacing can be hidden as part of a larger whole, but when one of the few episodes is a slight slog – as is the case here – then it just means everything gets off to a less than stellar start.
Thankfully, one event – which, thanks to various spoiler restrictions, I can’t mention here – later arrives like a bolt from the blue, violently shaking Invincible (the character and the show) back to its senses.
Shades of Grayson
(Image credit: Prime Video)
Another outer space trip, too, resembles the best parts of Justice League Unlimited, the DC Animated Universe’s golden era ‘villain of the week’ show, meshed with the ultra-gory overtones of Invincible. One moment even feels like a pointed callback to Superman’s iconic ‘World made of cardboard’ line to Darkseid and all the catharsis that comes with it. Like I say, Mark has to juggle alot.
It’s not just Mark going through it, though. These four episodes are densely-packed affairs, as Donald, Rex, The Immortal, Eve, and Mark’s mother Debbie (among others) have to deal with changing circumstances – with the latter once again giving Sandra Oh a chance to showcase her incredible talents for voice acting in what could have been a thankless role on the sidelines away from the action.
Even so, there’s a gnawing feeling throughout that something is missing. It’s something I mentioned in my review of the first part, but the second seasonreallyneeds more Omni-Man.
After doing much of the heavy lifting of the first season, it’s been a shame to see JK Simmons relegated to his character having very little – literally or figuratively – to bounce off. Mark and Amber’s relationship woes and Debbie’s new family dynamic are clearly the emotional core of the season, but it would have been a far more balanced story with some more of the moral complexity Nolan affords the show. Without him, Invincible isn’t quite as untouchable as it once was.
(Image credit: Prime Video)
Worse still, given Invincible’s slower release schedule, we’re probably only getting one episode in four years examining the fallout from the season 1 finale with Mark and his father’s messed-up relationship. Traditionalists may argue it wants to closely follow Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley’s comic book, but the Prime Video series has shown enough confidence here and elsewhere to remix story beats. One more wouldn’t have hurt.
Despite its kinetic blast of a finale, Invincible season 2, part 2 doesn’t quite soar to the heights of the first half. For every Lizard League smackdown and surprise arrival, there are characters frustratingly heading around in circles or failing to follow up on plot threads left dangling from last year, while some villains are underutilized.
As a whole, however, Invincible season 2 still proves it’s close to best-in-class in the superhero genre. It’s occasionally touching, always funny, and a blast to be around. If it can iron out some of its narrative creases – it’s certainly jettisoned some of the baggage after these four episodes – then the third season could have the makings of an all-timer.
Invincible season 2, part 2 is streaming on Prime Video from March 14. For more, check out thebest shows on Prime Videoand thebest movies on Prime Video.
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More about invincibleRobert Kirkman returns with Invincible Universe: Battle Beast, a new ongoing comic set in the timeline of the original seriesInvincible season 3 trailer teases darkness to come thanks to Mark’s blue suitLatest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
More about invincibleRobert Kirkman returns with Invincible Universe: Battle Beast, a new ongoing comic set in the timeline of the original seriesInvincible season 3 trailer teases darkness to come thanks to Mark’s blue suitLatest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
More about invincibleRobert Kirkman returns with Invincible Universe: Battle Beast, a new ongoing comic set in the timeline of the original seriesInvincible season 3 trailer teases darkness to come thanks to Mark’s blue suit
More about invincible
Robert Kirkman returns with Invincible Universe: Battle Beast, a new ongoing comic set in the timeline of the original seriesInvincible season 3 trailer teases darkness to come thanks to Mark’s blue suit
Robert Kirkman returns with Invincible Universe: Battle Beast, a new ongoing comic set in the timeline of the original series
Robert Kirkman returns with Invincible Universe: Battle Beast, a new ongoing comic set in the timeline of the original series
Invincible season 3 trailer teases darkness to come thanks to Mark’s blue suit
Invincible season 3 trailer teases darkness to come thanks to Mark’s blue suit
Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
Latest
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
See more latest►
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up”
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”
Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became”
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”