Invincible #101-109

There is pretty much no way I will ever drop this title. Maybe there is something Robert Kirkman could do to get me to drop it, but I can’t think of what that might be. Heck, I would have been OK if Bulletproof had taken over as Invincible permanently. After getting a few issues of his subplots, I’m still bummed that we aren’t seeing much of that guy anymore. (Maybe I need to pick up Invincible Universe? Is it any good?)

Part of what makes this book so fascinating is Kirkman’s willingness to shatter the status quo every few issues. After months of foreshadowing, Kirkman finally pulled the trigger on Robot’s turn two months ago. Robot had been my favorite supporting character for a long time, so I basically kept forgiving him each of the suspicious, dangerous decisions that he kept making. I figured he had it covered. That lasted until two months ago when Robot stranded Invincible in an alternate reality. What’s especially nice about this setup is that Kirkman has been very liberal in his use of alternate realities and dimensions. They’ve been appearing in the title since the single digits, and we’ve even seen multiple Invincible’s before, so this is right in line with the established “world” of the book.

Robot was cool about it, at least, leaving Invincible in charge and explaining why he was stranding his friend in a hostile world. I always say that Kirkman has the most reasonable characters in comics, and once again, I totally get why Robot thinks his actions are necessary. The though process turns Robot into an antagonist instead of an ally, but I can see how he got there. I’ll probably still be rooting for the guy in the upcoming face off.

I appreciate Kirman’s use of time too. Invincible spent a year trying to figure out how to get home. A year! Want to know how many comics that year took up? One. Marvel would have done a 10-issue maxi-series and tie ins to tell the story Kirkman knocked out in one month. I appreciate the heck out of that type of economical storytelling. Now we get to see the stuff we WANT to see in the very next issue. Why waste the reader’s time doing anything else? (The answer, of course, is selling more individual issues that accomplish no plot movement.)

Ryan Ottley. That guy is a machine. He has been delivering whatever is asked for years now. Ultra-violence, strong acting, and pin-up shots, he can do it all. His character designs are new, but feel classic even on a first appearance. He is also the ONLY artist in comics that draws super-women with different body shapes. Atom Eve’s zaftig look would never appear in a comic from Marvel or DC.

This would be one of the last comics I would ever drop. Heck, I might like it more than Walking Dead.

SAFE

Invincible #100

I’m pleased that Robert Kirkman’s shocking issue 100 didn’t have quite as upsetting a shock as it seemed. I knew when the preview pages were released that it couldn’t be as bad as it seemed; I actually think Kirkman did a nice job giving clues too. When Dinosaurus was battling Invincible in full costume, then Dino blasts out of some rubble with Invincible just in his underwear, I suspected shenanigans.

Things aren’t quite as dire as they seem, although Dinosaurus does succeed in killing a whole lot of people. I really enjoyed seeing Dino rationalize everything he’s done, and do it in perfect confidence. Mark Grayson succeeds in poking some holes in Dino’s theories, and in a wonderful scene, we see it shake Dino’s foundation. If there are angles he hasn’t considered, then he may be wrong, and if he’s wrong, then he is a monster. How many villains have that epiphany? Now I’m not certain that Invincible actually does kill Dinosaurus, as the even happens off panel. I wouldn’t put it past Kirkman to bring back the big lug at a later date.

This 100th issue is about refocusing the book in a new direction, while still retaining a lot of what made the series great in the past. Much like Marvel’s Ultimatum, the Earth in Invincible is now recognizably different from the “normal” world. Tides are gone, and two giant artificial moons now control the planet’s oceans. Even better, it sounds like those two moons will serve as the base of operations for an expanded Guardians of the Globe. That is a pretty radical change in direction.

But Mark Grayson is still Invincible; he’s still tackling relationship issues with Atom Eve and his parents. Best of all, he’s back working for the US Government. So he’s back as an adjunct to the Guardians of the Globe, hearkening back to what I think was the strongest era in this title. There are a lot of familiar elements to keep the long-time fans happy.

Ryan Ottley’s art is once again, stunning. The guy knocks it out of the park every month. I mean, did you know it was even possible for a Tyrannosaurus Rex’s face to show regret? Well Ottley can draw it. Just wonderful. Kirkman is so lucky to be blessed with gifted artistic partners on his flagship titles.

It says quite a bit that this was the first book off my stack this week, even beating out Avengers. That’s what 10 years of excellence earns you! How about 10 more?

Excellent

Invincible #99

Wow. Robert Kirkman is obviously best known for Walking Dead these days, but I hope he always finds time for his super-hero creation. Invincible continues to deliver shocks and thrills bigger and better than most other super-comics on the stands.

After Dinosaurus flooded the Earth last month, the Guardians of the Globe are overtaxed trying to deal with it. We get some pages of the Guardians dealing with the West Coast flooding, and we hear about other Kirkman-verse creations like the Actioneers, the Wolfman Corps, and others trying to make a difference. It’s pretty cool hearing about the world-wide super response; I’d love to see more of it on the page if there is time. As cool as that variety of heroes is, hearing about Robot piloting 30 bodies at the same time is the highlight of the issue. And that’s WHILE he’s coming up with a more long-term solution to the coastal flooding.

Alternating with the Guardians’ rescue efforts, we get a fantastic throwdown between Invincible and Dinosaurus. Ryan Ottley makes it clear this is a brutal, violent battle with huge stakes. Every page of this issue is a splash page, and yet a ton happens. Kirkman does provide a fair amount of dialogue, and the book does feel like quite a bit is happening. But the action has a lot of room to stretch its wings. These two Superman-level characters have a destructive battle worthy of a hundredth issue (and this is only #99). I am curious about Mark Grayson’s lack of costume on the last couple pages. Any hope for a clone situation?

Is it too much to hope that “Everybody Dies” won’t actually have any death in it? All these characters have too much potential for any of them to leave the book now. Who doesn’t want to see more of Bulletproof? Or Atom Eve? Allen the Alien is a fan fave (at least to me).

Excellent

Invincible #98

Invincible remains a fun, fast-paced comic that delivers everything I want from a superhero comic. But I also have to admit that the history and continuity are getting daunting. I don’t remember where we left off with Angstrom, the mad teleporter. Robert Kirkman gives us some background and helpful dialogue with Dinosaurus and Bulletproof, but man, when the Guardians show up; a new reader wouldn’t have a chance. There are a lot of folks who pop up and don’t get name-checked. 

That said, I love seeing the Guardians showing up and being so effective for the bulk of the issue. Did anyone else notice Shapesmith signing autographs and saving hot ladies in the background of a couple panels? Nice work, Ryan Ottley! 

Speaking of Ottley, seeing the two costumes on the cover really lets me appreciate both. The “Dark Invincible” suit Mark is wearing is a great look for his current proactive attitude. But I can’t be alone in thinking Bulletproof is in trouble during this story, right? 

Seriously, everybody dies is looking like a mighty accurate story title. I’ve got to think this is going to end with Bulletproof dead and Invincible reclaiming his heroic mantle. At least, that’s what I’d expect in a normal comic from Marvel of DC. This being a Kirkman book? I’m just looking forward to the next issue.

Good

Invincible #96

Ahh, Kirkman. Nicely played. You gave us saps the happy ending we’d been pining for, but then you poisoned the well with a good cliffhanger. Sure, Monster Girl and Robot are going to stay together and commit to their relationship, but we know that Robot is still harboring a pretty jerky move in his recent past. Well played.

Ryan Ottley gets a bit more action this month as the Guardians of the Globe take on the alien invasion head on. Once Robot gets involved, it seems like just a matter of time before the aliens get taken out. And as for Monster Girl’s forgotten, warlord-baby? He’s an easy target for a focused Monster Girl and Robot. (I thought Robot usually controlled his armor remotely? Seems unnecessary to risk life and limb at the actual scene.)

I’m not sure I agree with all the job assignments Robot lays out; I might have sent a couple more heroes to guard the refugees. I’m also hopeful that Bulletproof gets some time front and center next month. He’s had an eventful run as Invincible, and I maintain it is a brilliant idea to replace the man in the suit. Change is almost always good in these long-running titles.

Change is not good for Atom Eve when she and Mark try to get intimate with his powers gone. Once again Kirkman comes up with a reasonable, original spin on super-heroic characters; a hero using his powers as a crutch in the bedroom. So silly.

Good

Invincible #95

So I’m just a tad fuzzy on something. I guess when Monster Girl switches into her monster body… it’s a fully-functioning male body? Cause she’s got a son, and she’s not the mother, you know what I mean? I’m reading that correctly, right?

Like all good couple fights, Robot and Monster Girl both bear some of the blame for their breakup. Now, I’m impressed they stayed together for centuries before hitting such a rough patch, but it is still sad. I do have hope that maybe they can work things out.

Most of this issue takes place in the Flaxan dimension. I like Robot’s sweet Thor-looking costume and beard, while MG gets some great alien-queen costumes too.

Ryan Ottley only gets a few pages at the close of the issue, but I like where the story is headed. Putting the Guardians of the Globe under Robot’s command should give the guy a confidence boost AND actually make victory possible.

Fair

Guarding the Globe #1

So clearly, I’m a sucker for team books. From the first time I picked up an issue of Uncanny X-Men, I’ve always loved the value of a funny book packed with characters. The best part is, if you like the characters, then no matter what happens in that particular issue, you always want more. Robert Kirkman has created a well-rounded, fun team in his Guardians of the Globe, and I’m more than ready to shell out $2.99 to see the expansion of Kirkman’s universe.

The book focuses on Brit, and as one of the few members to carry his own series in the past, that makes sense. Then there is his robot pal Donald, Bulletproof/Invincible II, and the cast from Kirkman’s Capes series. Only a few of the folks in the lineup are new-ish, and they’ve been around since the Guardians’ last series.

I have to admit, I know nothing about Samson, Outrun, or Kaboomerang. Heck, Blind Tiger and the rest of the cast are just as mysterious. They’ve had a few lines of dialogue, but that’s it. It’s a great opportunity for Phil Hester to come in here and give these guys more personality. I am hoping he puts the spotlight more on Bulletproof, Robot, and Monster Girl, our more established Guardians, but I don’t mind new folks like Tiger getting some panel time too.

Hester takes an interesting tack, revealing that Brit’s young son has autism. This is an extremely sensitive subject for a lot of people (my family included). I imagine that someone involved in this book is drawing on personal experience; the dialogue seems pretty personal. If family is going to be one of Brit’s defining characteristics, I’m interested to see how it develops from here.

Todd Nauck isn’t my favorite artist when it comes to big, iconic characters. I don’t love his Spider-Man, or his Wolverine. However, when he’s drawing crowds of new heroes? No one does it better. His storytelling is clear and I dig his take on the Invincible costume. This is a solid debut. It’s not revolutionary or world-changing, but it is entertaining and packed with heroes.

Fair

Invincible #94

Aw man, Kirkman is still tugging at my heartstrings with the lost romance of Monster Girl and Robot. I want to see it work out for those two! I finally have some hope, after this issue’s confession from Robot. We also have a possible reason for the difficulties between the two of them, and boy, it’s a doozy. I won’t ruin that last page, but it does shed some new light on Robot and MG’s issues.

Bulletproof as Invincible really doesn’t get much screen time in this one. He’s on maybe, three pages? It’s too bad, I’ve made my affection for the concept clear, and I hope we don’t get to Mark Grayson’s triumphant return too quickly. I’m now holding out hope that Mark comes back in issue 125 rather than the much more likely #100.

I am happy that the Guardians of the Globe are featured so prominently. I’m already planning on picking up their spin-off in the fall.

Cory Walker does the heavy lifting in this issue, with a lot more detail about Robot and MG’s time in the alien dimension. (He also gets to do one of the best cameos ever for Kirkman-creation Tech Jacket.) Walker is solid; he’s a good storyteller with lots of emotion on the page. But I love Ryan Ottley’s dynamic, cartoony pencils. I’m OK with a timeshare as long as Ottley keeps up with the “current” segments of the book.

Good

Invincible #93

I haven’t counted pages, but this felt like a really short issue. Perhaps it’s the multi-splash page battles with the Flaxans, but this was over in a jiffy.

I appreciate Kirkman’s novel approach to the Robot and Monster Girl story, but is it me or is this dragging on a bit? I suppose that’s how the plan must have felt to our heroes while they were trapped, but man! I’m also having a hard time remembering how Monster Girl’s powers worked while she was exiled. I thought Robot had stabilized her back in her adult form, but she’s clearly kiddie-sized on that cover. And we still don’t know what exactly happened during the decades the two lovebirds spent together, but I still hold out hope they can get back together.

I think part of my lack of enthusiasm for this issue is the lack of a voice for the Flaxans. Kirkman excels at writing his villains, and the Flaxans really don’t have much detail to them. They need a Super-Skrull type champion to give them a face I can root against. Maybe that last page is giving us someone like that?

I still love Bulletproof as the new Invincible. The whole “screw-up brother” ostracized by his family is a neat idea, one I don’t remember seeing before. Bulletproof/Invincible II has a “public” ID, it’s just the wrong brother! I’m not sure why Zandalle is putting himself through all this torture, but it’s hard not to pull for the guy when you see these glimpses of his life.

This book belongs to Ryan Ottley. I love the way he draws the entire cast. Cory Walker still does a nice job, but I’ll be happy when Ottley is handling the whole thing again. Maybe give Walker a spin-off?

Fair

Invincible #92

This is shaping up to be another classic storyline for Invincible. With Mark Grayson suffering a partial power loss (he’s retained his super-strength, but loss his invulnerability), Bulletproof is still filling in as Invincible. It’s great seeing the core cast expanded, and I love the glimpse we get into BP’s family life. Robert Kirkman doesn’t give us the whole story all at once, but clearly BP maintains a pretty complicated out-of-costume existence.

With the upcoming Guardians of the Globe title, it makes sense that Kirkman shines the spotlight on his super-team. The next round of Squid invasion is quickly repelled by the assembled Guardians, but that’s the sideshow. Instead, the focus of the Guardians’ pages is on Robot and Monster Girl. We knew the two of them were trapped together in an alien dimension where time passes much, much faster. It seems the two of them were trapped there for 700 years, and they were together the whole time. Something happened between them that Robot is still angry over, but I can’t help but feel for Monster Girl. I love that Kirkman makes me care so much about these background characters. Ryan Ottley’s art is so perfect; the anguish on both characters’ faces is palpable. I’m a sucker for these tortured romance subplots! Get back together, kids!

Cory Walker actually draws the alien universe sequence, and he does a nice job. I have to say I prefer Ottley’s smoother lines at this point, but splitting the art really sells the parallel stories. Again, I’m shocked at how good Bulletproof looks in the Invincible suit. I’m fine with this status quo for a good long while (at least through issue 100, which will no doubt feature Mark’s triumphant return).

I can’t wait for the upcoming Guardians of the Globe title; let’s just hope Robot and Monster Girl make the cut!

Good

Invincible #91

Robert Kirkman loves riffing on the classics, and it seems he’s about to put Mark Grayson through yet another common super-hero problem. He holds back until the last page, but it’s a lot of fun seeing it pay off. This development does make me wonder about Dinosaurus’ reaction next month. He was sort of working towards good when he respected Invincible’s strength. What will happen now?

That’s not the only development in this issue, in fact, Mark has a pretty limited role. We spend a lot more pages with Atom Eve as she seeks out her boyfriend. I’m not sure why we’re getting so much time with Bulletproof in his civilian identity, but I’m not complaining. He came off as a jerk last issue, so much of his “smoothness” here is suspect, but I find myself wanting to believe in the guy. I’m sure he’s just weak, not necessarily evil; after all, we know he’s a brave dude. I think he just digs Atom Eve’s thickness since his normal girlfriend is a bit smaller. He just needs some variety! He’s a complicated guy; just look at his caption “Artist, lover, and new Invincible.”

Ryan Ottley is making Eve bigger now, isn’t he? I’m not sure what the statement is, if there even is one, but it’s interesting. This has got to be the most zaftig heroine in comics, perhaps ever. She’s still as tough and likable as ever, though. I absolutely love her battle armor when she suits up to take on more Viltrumites. Oliver is starting to look like a bad ass too, with his long hair and extreme heroics. What is his codename again?

This is simply serial storytelling done right. Kirkman delivers every single month in this book, and it’s consistently at the top of my reading stack. Even though nothing huge happens that issue, I’m still gonna tag it with high marks just for consistency.

Excellent

Invincible #89

What a fun idea. This comic has been going on for awhile now, and I’m loving Robert Kirkman’s takes on the classic comic book shake-ups. He’s done the new costume and the added cast members. He’s done the gay best friend and the pregnant girlfriend. Now he’s moved on to replacing the title character, and to make it even more topical, he changed Invincible’s race too!

That is, Invincible’s replacement is African American. I love the idea of Bulletproof as an “almost Invincible” he even had his eye on the costume back in the day! Sure, that’s a pretty convenient bit of history, but it just adds to the current plot.

Most of the issue shows the Guardians of the Globe and their allies dealing with the Viltrumite presence on Earth. Not really much to be done, so everyone is just going their own way by the close of the issue. Dinosaurus still gets an amazing amount of respect considering how silly he is. I’m also intrigued to find out just what Mark Grayson is a perfect match for.

That closing page makes me hope this is the status quo for some time. I’d love to see how Bulletproof does as Invincible for at least a trade’s worth of material.

Ryan Ottley does a great job once again; I’m amazed how much detail he can put into Dinosaurus’ ridiculous features. And I LOVE the double splash page with the new Invincible. Great execution.

Good

Invincible #88

Hmm. I guess this explains why we won’t be seeing Mark Grayson as Invincible for the next few months. I’m still holding out hope that it is Bulletproof who will be wearing the blue and yellow; he just makes the most sense. It will be fun seeing him interact with Atom Eve as they try to keep the money coming in.

Most of this issue boils down to Allen the Alien’s decision to poison the Earth to try and get at the few remaining Viltrumites. The Viltrumite leader Thragg makes a lot of compelling arguments on why Allen shouldn’t proceed, and finally, the big guy seems to be listening. But Oliver isn’t. He’s been passive-aggressive about Earth from the start, so it’s no surprise that he acts rashly. He seems pretty upset about how his plan turns out, though. I like that Oliver hates Earth, and hates Viltrumites, but he loves Mark, a combination of the two.

Another advantage in moving Mark to the side for a few issues is that I’m anxious to see more from Robot and Monster Girl. The Guardians of the Globe need some panel time to catch us up!

Ryan Ottley. Awesome again. At this point, what can I add to that?

Good

Invincible #87

Dag. Mark Grayson has been missing from the pages of Invincible for too long. While I love the supporting cast and world that Robert Kirkman has created in this title, Invincible’s name is on the cover, and the book is better when he’s in it.

I absolutely love Dinosaurus. He’s such an insane concept, a world-changing environmentalist villain who is now influencing the most powerful hero on the Earth. Plus his name is Dinosaurus! I always love seeing the Guardians of the Globe show up, and Robot actually got to talk tough for a minute before Mark and Dino blew him off. I can’t imagine anyone is going to be able to give those two a run for their money.

I’m also enjoying the continuing subplots from the world Mark left behind. When he zoomed off to become a world-changer, he left his business in the hands of Atom Eve by herself. Judging from upcoming covers, I think Bulletproof will take over soon, but for now, it’s neat seeing Atom Eve trying to keep things running. And Cecil popping back in for a reasonable chat was great too.

Of course, that last page is the real shocker. My sense of pacing must be off in comics right now. I never would have guessed that Kirkman would go back to this particular plot so quickly. I’m thrilled to see it, but I’m still surprised.

It’s wonderful to have Ryan Ottley back on art. This is his book now, and everything looks better when he’s on pencils. (Not that Cory Walker is bad, but Ottley is brilliant.) It’s interesting that Ottley (or Kirkman) decided to change Atom Eve’s look the way they have. She’s not ugly, but she’s not the slim-hipped, top-heavy style lady we see in every other comic. It’s a neat choice. I’d love to know the thinking that went into that choice.

Good

Guarding the Globe #6

Has it been four months already? Actually, I don't know how long its been since issue #5, but I do know I barely remember where that issue left off. It took me three or four pages to try and recall what was happening and who the bad guy on the first page was.

The pacing in this series is mighty weird. We spent a lot of time learning about characters that didn't have an impact in the climax this issue, and barely any time with folks who had pretty important parts. Le Bruiser is a joke, but if you are going to raze his hometown, maybe we should know a tad more about him? And Japandroid has a pretty great moment all to herself; it's a comic-book moment if there ever was one, and it is a great idea, but I don't feel like I know this little robot at all.

Even the more established guys like Bulletproof and Samson don't have much more than a line or two of dialogue. I also found it laughable that Brit took out the main villain by taking off his hat. I mean, I understand leaving some stuff for a sequel, but Robert Kirkman and Benito Cereno make some odd choices here.

Speaking of the first page, it sure looks like that much was completed by Ransom Getty, the detail-oriented artist who did such a nice job on the series so far. Kris Anka does an OK job filling in for the rest of the issue, but the pencils are a lot looser and more cartoony. I don't think Getty is the fastest guy around, but I wish we could have seen his version of this final conflict.

I still dug the chance to spend more time in the Invincible universe, but this series started better than it finished.

Fair

Invincible #83

This issue of the returning rogues storyline focuses on Magmaniac and Tether, two of the more amusing and less powerful of Invincible's foes. It's always fun seeing Robert Kirkman flesh out his world, and this storyline is giving him ample opportunities for that.

The whole Guardians of the Globe party is a great example. We know that something happened with Monster Girl (now in control of her powers) and Robot, but who knows what it could be. It's neat seeing Robot in the subservient/weaker position, reversing his normal standing in this comic. It is frustrating that the Guardians title hasn't finished yet. With Titan's appearance and the Guardians celebrating their win, clearly this takes place after that series wraps. Oh well.

I'm still amused by Atom Eve, she seems to be quite happy. She and Mark Grayson seem to be really happy; it's nice seeing a comic couple enjoying their lives and actually getting along. I'm sure there will be drama later, but it's a nice picture of a non-dysfunctional relationship. (Compare the interaction in this issue with the Catwoman/Batman scene from Catwoman #1.)

Ryan Ottley, like most of Kirkman's artists, is the picture of consistency. He's a fantastic artist, his take on the Guardians is fantastic. How cool is Monster Girl's new "human" costume? And the dramatic return shot at the close of Tether's rampage implies a huge battle, just one we don't get to see.

Good

Invincible #82

Does Robert Kirkman actually name Universa in this issue? I swear I read the whole thing and don’t remember seeing it. Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea that the next story arc after the space-bound Viltrumite War is a chance to get re-acquainted with Invincible’s worst foes, but I need a touch more recap.

The whole concept that Invincible would use his status and power to try and defuse some of these world conquerors is an extension of the logic that Kirkman has been putting in his super-hero books for years. As I’ve said, the villains and heroes in Kirkman’s head are all fairly reasonable. Even maniacs like Dinosaurus have goals and can be somewhat reasonable!

I am pretty curious to see how ‘Vince deals with Cecil Stedman’s latest reveal. I understand why the government agent did what he did, but it isn’t going to be a popular decision.

Ryan Ottley’s cover is stunning, even chained and locked away, Universa seems pretty dang threatening, doesn’t she? The interiors are just as solid. I need some original art from this guy!

Good

Invincible #81

Robert Kirkman’s books are often the first off the stack every week, and this issue is a good example of why. Nothing huge happens this issue. No swerves, no status-quo altering moments. No big returns.

In fact, the two things Invincible does is get a struggling villain a legitimate job and deal with the fallout of an eco-terrorists attack from last issue. And yet this book is filled with solid characterization and world-building. In the big fight, Invincible doesn’t even throw a punch, and yet it is a satisfying encounter.

There is action, Kirkman never robs us of that, but what drives the story is the reader’s interest in seeing how Mark Grayson is dealing with his complicated life. And once again, it is fantastic seeing him interact with Brit, Cecil Stedman, and the rest of the Earth-bound cast after so long in space for the Viltrumine War.

Kirkman is blessed with some of the most reliable pencillers in the industry. Ryan Ottley knocks it out of the park again. Everyone looks great (it is weird seeing a big Atom Eve though, isn’t it?)

Books like these are why I read comics.

Excellent

Guarding the Globe #5

Man, the delays between issues are really hurting this book. I can barely remember what's going on, and in a Robert Kirkman and Benito Cereno book, the plot continues pretty tightly.

I really like Brit's new team of Guardians, but things aren't working out so well for some of the newer members. Chupacabra is drunk and responsible for the death of a teammate, and another member is lying about his age. I did like the little nod to Bulletproof moonlighting for Invincible's security company, but I have no idea about other elements of the plot. Has Outrun's weird behavior been foreshadowed? Why should we care about Pegasus and Le Bruiser? I'm afraid that there might be too much going on for me to remember with the big delays between issues.

I hope the delays aren't because of the art. Ransom Getty's art when he inks his own work is quite dynamic. I've met the guy at a few cons and he's really good, I hope he gets more regular book, he's got a nice, clean style that works nicely on team books.

Fair

Invincible #80

Aw man, I’ve missed Invincible. Robert Kirkman has created such a great little corner of the Image universe, I’ve really missed it. Spending so much time in space during the Viltrumite war has made my heart long for the characters absent for so long.

Dinosaurus is wonderful this issue, making reasoned, political arguments even as he smashes a city and plots its destruction. (That’s just part of what works so well, it makes sense that a dinosaur bad guy would be a radical environmentalist.)

Kirkman packs in a ton of scenes that show why this series is so strong. We see Mark check in with his girlfriend, best friend, and talk a villain out of a bad career. Invincible is the most reasonable hero around.

Ryan Ottley? Awesome. He’s drawing Atom Eve bigger and bigger, or is it just me? Either way, interesting choice for a super-book, we don’t see big heroes very often.

Good