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It’s the penultimate episode of Season 2 where we have gotten so much in such a short period of time! The last episode left us off with multiple teams in absolute shambles on a multitude of levels! Let’s dive in to see how everything unfolds.
Check Out Episode 6 Break down Here!
***Spoiler Warning for both the show and the comic.***
NOT JUST A SUPERHERO, BUT A DIEHARD FAN!
The episode kicks off with a refreshing departure from the comics, showcasing Amber and Mark’s efforts to mend their relationship. Their visit to a Comic Con adds a delightful touch, with fans cosplaying as characters from Invincible and a creatively reimagined title card. In contrast to the comics where Mark attends a convention with Eve much later in the timeline, here we see Mark and Amber navigating the event together. As they stroll through the convention, Mark’s enthusiasm for his fandoms is evident, but tensions arise when they discuss their relationship. Mark acknowledges their imbalance in activities and suggests they do things Amber enjoys too. Despite the unease, it’s clear they’re committed to making things work, although their path forward remains uncertain amidst their rocky journey.
The episode reaches a standout moment as Amber and Mark queue up to meet Phillip Schaff, resulting in the iconic scene of him signing Mark’s comic book. What’s particularly enjoyable is the clever twist on this scene, reminiscent of a similar scenario in the comics where Mark visits a comic book store for signings. The show cleverly juxtaposes animation shortcuts with comic book techniques, poking fun at both mediums. While the animation subtly avoids showing characters’ lips moving to save on production costs, the comics humorously reuse the same art for multiple panels. This meta-commentary adds a layer of humor and self-awareness, offering a nod to fans of both the show and the original comics. Not to mention Phillip Schaff in the series is modeling after Invincible comic artist Ryan Ottley.
REX GONE ROGUE!
Right after this, Mark receives an urgent call from Eve. She informs him that Rex has slipped out of the GDA hospital and embarked on a solo mission, cutting off all communication. Concerned for Rex’s well-being, Eve implores Mark to intervene. Mark agrees and hastily leaves Comic Con, leaving Amber behind to hold his nerdy con finds.
We transition to a nuclear power plant, where Rex finds himself locked in a heated battle with Octoboss. Battling his own inner demons from his mind-blowing confrontation with the Lizard League, Rex struggles with lingering PTSD. Despite his doubts, he tries to muster the courage to defeat Octoboss, albeit with difficulty. Amidst the chaos, Jason Mantzoukas delivers a barrage of witty and humorous lines, adding levity to the intense situation.
This showdown bears a striking resemblance to an iconic moment from issue 25 of the comics, where Invincible is forced to abruptly depart from a comic shop, leaving his belongings behind due to an emergency. True to form, Octoboss’s linguistic skills remain lacking, providing ample fodder for Rex’s jabs and insults.
Just as in the comics, Invincible swoops in at the perfect moment to knock Octoboss away from Rex, allowing him to seize the opportunity to finish the job. Notably, in the show, Rex wields his hand cannon—a recent addition to his arsenal following the loss of his hand in the aforementioned prior battle. A clever narrative addition that aligns seamlessly with the current timeline. However, in the comics, this battle unfolds much earlier in the storyline, predating the events where Rex nearly meets his demise, thus explaining his lack of the hand cannon at this point in the narrative.
SOLVING MONSTER PROBLEMS
The scene shifts to Amanda and Rudy engaged in virtual training to see if this could be a viable solution for Amanda to leverage instead of transforming into her Monster Girl form. Using advanced drone technology, Amanda controls a towering green monster robot with her mind, guiding their simulated battles. This deviates slightly from the comics, where Rudy who is still in his Robot form, constructs a complete robot for Amanda’s use in combat training.
In the comics, this training session serves as a pivotal moment for Rudy, as he observes Amanda’s fondness for Rex’s appearance, sparking the idea to utilize Rex’s DNA for his clone. This subtle flirtation between Amanda and Rex lays the groundwork for Rudy’s future decisions.
The scene transitions to the balcony of the GDA training room, where Bulletproof and Black Samson engage in a candid conversation about their team’s dysfunctionality. Bulletproof delivers sharp one-liners, poking fun at the team and Black Samson, highlighting their flaws. However, Black Samson counters by emphasizing their bond as a family and their resilience when it truly matters, asserting that they are, in fact, the greatest superhero team in the world.
As tensions escalate, Immortal arrives, visibly distressed and determined to quit the Guardians. Cecil intervenes, granting him only a temporary leave of absence. In a pivotal moment, Cecil reinstates Rudy as the team leader, entrusting him with the responsibility once more. This exchange closely mirrors a similar conversation between Immortal and Cecil in issue 43 of the comics, capturing the essence of their dynamic and the challenges they face as a team.
WRESTLING WITH PTSD’S GRIP
The scene shifts to a haunting dream sequence, where DA Sinclair ominously prepares to operate on Rick. Rick jolts awake, drenched in a cold sweat, his screams echoing through the room. William rushes to his side, offering comfort, but Rick pushes him away, feeling isolated in his anguish. Amidst the turmoil, the specter of PTSD looms large, persisting as a prominent theme throughout the show. Rick’s harrowing experience serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle with inner demons, underscoring the profound impact of trauma on the human psyche.
Following Rick’s distressing encounter, Donald confronts Cecil, expressing his intent to resign due to his lack of trust in him. Donald specifically cites his distrust stemming from Cecil’s involvement in erasing his memories. However, Cecil surprises Donald by revealing that he wasn’t responsible for the memory alteration. In a surprising turn, Cecil grants Donald unrestricted access to his memories, inviting him to delve into the truth.
As Cecil departs, Donald immerses himself in the depths of his own memories, confronting his past deaths. Each file he encounters unveils a grim tableau of his demise, each one more brutal than the last. The revelation dawns upon Donald: he has met death countless times before. Donald’s backstory unfolds with depth and detail, diverging from the comics where such revelations were presented in a fleeting panel, allowing for a more expansive narrative development.
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES HEAD-ON
The scene shifts to Mark and Amber, patiently awaiting Mark’s meeting with the Dean outside his office. While this encounter unfolds differently from in the comics, where we already know the Dean’s identity as Mr. Winslow from their high school. The underlying themes of the conversation remain consistent, serving to propel the story forward in their respective mediums.
In the show, the conversation between Mark and the Dean is more elaborate, with the Dean granting Mark a month to turn his academic performance around. He urges Mark to commit to either schooling or another pursuit, a moment that resonates particularly as the camera pans to Amber. This notion of “something else” carries a nuanced meaning, hinting at the possibility of Mark embracing a full-time superhero role, rather than attempting to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Following the discussion with the Dean in the comics, Mark takes to the skies, his expression displaying the weight of his burdens, a sentiment echoed in his verbal admission. This moment serves as a pivotal juncture, akin to a turning or breaking point, mirroring the emotional depth and significance found in its portrayal in the show.
We transition back to Donald who has finished watching the videos and admits to Cecil that he initially requested his memories erased. Cecil thought it would improve Donald’s performance. Cecil leaves the decision to Donald, who agrees to have his memories erased again. This scene is another diversion from the comics but maintains the series’ tension and complexity.
The scene shifts to Debbie and Paul returning home from a real estate sale. Paul invites Debbie out to dinner and she accepts. Signaling her gradual healing and willingness to move forward.
Upon entering her house, Debbie converses with Oliver’s nanny, discussing Oliver’s rapid development. Debbie quickly inquires about any signs of Oliver’s powers manifesting, but April assures her that there haven’t been any indications yet. April adds that while there’s no guarantee, Oliver’s powers may emerge earlier than they did with Mark, given the accelerated pace of everything with Oliver.
JOURNEY THROUGH RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES
Mark enters the house and shares a heartfelt hug with his Mom as April departs. Debbie senses something amiss and asks about school and Amber. Mark’s expression reveals his inner turmoil. Later, under the night sky on the patio, Mark and Debbie engage in a genuine heart-to-heart.
Debbie reassures Mark that being honest with Amber was the right decision, sharing insights into her own past experiences with Nolan, recounting their dating days and the joys they shared. Mark learns of Debbie’s role in teaching Nolan about Earth’s customs and ways, gaining a deeper understanding of his parents’ relationship.
This portrayal of Debbie as a supportive and nurturing parental figure showcases the show’s unique approach to character development, emphasizing her pivotal role in guiding Mark through the challenges of balancing life as a superhero and a regular teenager.
The scene cuts back to William on the dorm building’s roof, where Donald arrives in a hurry. Concerned for Rick’s safety, William called Donald for assistance, finding Rick perched on the edge of the roof, drinking beer.
Donald engages in a heartfelt conversation with Rick, who candidly expresses his struggles. In a pivotal moment reminiscent of the comics, Donald reveals his true nature with an open chest shot of his robotic body. Rick is taken aback, realizing the depth of their similarities.
As they converse, Donald shares his own experiences, disclosing that he has faced death at least 39 times and is predominantly machine, with only 2% remaining human. The conversation delves into the hardships of being part-machine, navigating PTSD, and finding purpose in their existence. Rick begins to understand the value of their shared experiences, realizing that they are both contributing to making the world a better place.
This deeply introspective exchange adds layers to Donald’s character, offering fans a deeper appreciation for his journey. The evolution of Donald’s character arc promises to be a compelling aspect of the series, leaving us eager to witness his continued development.
The scene cuts back over to Mark and Amber where Mark removes his earpiece, signaling his commitment to uninterrupted time with Amber. He shares that he negotiated two nights off a week from Cecil to prioritize their relationship. Amber seems reserved, but Mark reassures her of his choice.
Mark takes Amber on a breathtaking flight, accompanied by incredible music that enhances the cinematic experience. They soar around, stopping at a rooftop to admire the scenery and flying closely along the river, where Amber runs her hand through the water. A scene bursting with joy as they grab food and glide closely past buildings, their happiness reflected in the surroundings.
The entire scene evokes Aladdin’s “A Whole New World” magic carpet ride, full of a sense of wonder and adventure. This sequence, unique to the show and perfectly aligned with Amber’s character development, amplifies the positive emotions, signaling a hopeful turn for Mark and Amber’s relationship.
Amber and Mark find themselves at a restaurant discussing spring break plans, dreaming of flying to Hawaii. As they chat about college aspirations and Mark’s academic struggles, their moment is shattered when Anissa suddenly appears. Anissa threatens to kill Amber unless Mark complies with her demands.
ANISSA!
In a harrowing twist from the comics, where Anissa threatens Mark’s mother, the show intensifies the stakes as Anissa places a hand on Amber’s throat, ready to crush her windpipe. Mark, desperate to protect Amber, agrees to Anissa’s demands, promising to meet her in the sky to talk, as long as Amber remains unharmed.
Mark swiftly dons his costume and earpiece, contacting Cecil as he confronts Anissa in the sky. With Cecil and Donald monitoring the situation, they delve into the Viltrumites’ rationale for their intervention on Earth. The Viltrumites believe they can save more lives by imposing their rule and sharing their advanced technology and guidance.
Meanwhile, Cecil analyzes the discussion on a large screen, calculating Mark’s slim chances of survival in a battle against Anissa—less than 18%. Recognizing the dire circumstances, Cecil urgently contacts DA Sinclair, revealing that Sinclair hasn’t been imprisoned but has been working on a backup plan against the Viltrumites. In the comics, Cecil offers Sinclair a job while in prison, aligning with Cecil’s strategic mindset of always planning ahead. This displays Cecil’s proactive approach, ensuring that he is prepared for any eventuality in his ongoing efforts to safeguard Earth.
WHEN GIANT KAIJUS ATTACK!
Sinclair informs Cecil that the ReAnimen are not yet field-ready. Meanwhile, a distress call comes in about a Giant Kaiju attacking a cruise ship. Cecil relays this information to Mark, advising him to inform Anissa that if she truly wants to save humans, she should let him go. Mark convinces Anissa to accompany him to witness the situation firsthand. Anissa happily agrees, eager to witness the son of Nolan in action.
In a scene closely mirroring the comics, Invincible battles the Giant Kaiju but struggles to defeat it alone. Anissa intervenes, swiftly defeating the creature. She justifies her actions by explaining that the Viltrumites take decisive measures to secure control over Earth, mirroring human intervention in similar crises. Mark, conflicted, begins to question his beliefs as Anissa’s arguments resonate with him.
As the ship starts to sink, Mark and Anissa bring it to a nearby island. Mark expresses gratitude to Anissa, but she senses Cecil’s presence in his earpiece. Anissa outlines the rationale behind Viltrumite rule, but Mark disagrees, leading to a confrontation between them. Despite Mark’s efforts, Anissa proves to be a formidable opponent, overpowering him in battle.
With no backup available, Cecil and Donald can only listen helplessly as Anissa nearly kills Mark. She warns him that another will come, showing no mercy if he fails to fulfill his mission of conquering Earth. Teasing the impending showdown with Conquest—an eagerly anticipated moment for fans of the comic.
Cecil teleports into Mark’s location, initiating a discussion about the situation with Anissa. He stresses the urgency of finding a way to counter her abilities in future encounters. Cecil also informs Mark that his requested nights off are no longer possible, a decision that will impact Mark’s relationship with Amber. Mark reluctantly agrees, signaling the beginning of the strain on his relationship with Amber. In the comics, a whole team assists Mark after the events unfold, this change highlights the show’s emphasis on individual character dynamics and the consequences of their actions.
IS IT OFFICIALLY OVER?
Mark flies into Amber’s room, finding her in tears. They share a heartfelt hug before delving into a conversation about the traumatic events. Amber expresses her deep-seated fears and concerns about their relationship, realizing that being with Mark puts her at risk of being used against him. She acknowledges that the inherent dangers of Mark’s world make it impossible for them to have a normal relationship.
As they discuss their feelings openly, Amber comes to a painful realization: despite their love for each other, the challenges they face are insurmountable. With heavy hearts, they both understand that their relationship cannot continue under such circumstances. This poignant moment marks the end of their romance, as they reluctantly accept that they must part ways for their own well-being. The breakup between Amber and Mark in the show offers a fresh and nuanced perspective compared to the comics. By delving deeper into their emotions and the complexities of their relationship, the show portrays a more realistic and relatable portrayal of the challenges they face.
The scene cuts to Mark sitting alone on top of the school, where he receives a call from his “Mother,” only to realize it’s actually Angstrom Levy holding both his mom and brother hostage. Angstrom inquires about Mark’s return home, instilling fear and urgency in Mark. In the comics, Mark receives a similar call while in Africa with Amber and Eve. He rushes back home, leaving Amber with Eve, to rescue his family.
The show’s approach to this storyline amplifies the emotional turmoil Mark experiences, as he faces one devastating blow after another, heightening the tension and driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency.
PRISON BREAK?
In a mid-credits cut scene, Anissa returns to the prison ship and reports the events to General Thragg. Suddenly, a proximity alarm sounds, alerting them to Allen’s presence as he narrowly avoids collision with the ship while flying through space. Anissa swiftly engages Allen in combat, mirroring the events from issue 45 of the comics.
During the intense battle, Allen realizes his superior strength and speed, landing powerful blows on Anissa while deftly dodging her attacks. As Anissa reveals the nature of the ship, Allen strategically allows her to appear to knock him out, enabling her to carry him inside.
In the comics, the scene transitions back to Allen and Mark’s conversation for context, but in the show, the scene’s significance remains fresh in viewers’ minds, keeping them engaged in the action-packed sequence.
Thanks for checking out my Invincible Recap. Let me know what you thought about this episode either in the comments below or any social media platform here! Till next time…
