This review includes minor spoilers from the first 6 episodes of Invincible Season 3.
Invincible is back after a long year, and once again, it reminds us why we love this show—despite its not-so-great animation. Season 3 takes a calmer approach compared to the previous seasons, and shifts the focus toward more thought-provoking and existential questions about superheroes. Let’s dive in.
From the very beginning, Invincible has been told primarily from Mark’s perspective. We’ve followed his struggles, sympathized with his dilemmas, and cheered for him as he navigated the impossible burden of being both a superhero and a teenager. Even when past seasons explored different viewpoints, Mark was always our moral compass—our unwavering protagonist. That, in turn, shaped how we perceived the world of Invincible and its many conflicts. However, Season 3 takes a bold step in shaking that perspective. Instead of reinforcing Mark’s heroism, it challenges it by showing us how others perceive him. We see Invincible from a different perspective—through the eyes of people who don’t know him as Mark Grayson, the well-meaning young man, but rather as an unstoppable force capable of massive destruction. And that shift is unsettling in the best way possible.
One good example is when we see Invincible from the perspective of two criminals who are simply trying to survive. From Mark’s point of view, they are just another set of low-level villains standing in his way. But from their perspective, he is the threat—the looming, godlike figure with the power to end them in an instant. I was afraid Mark would unintentionally hurt them. That moment was a gut punch, and a strong reminder of how grand, how powerful, and how intimidating Invincible can be.
The show also takes time to explore the broader consequences of Omni-Man’s catastrophic fight with Mark. While previous seasons focused on Mark’s personal trauma, Season 3 zooms out to reveal how deeply that battle scarred the world. Some civilians who once looked to superheroes for protection are now filled with fear, their trust shaken. The destruction wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, psychological.
And that’s exactly why Cecil is so relentless. After witnessing what Omni-Man was capable of, he refuses to take any chances, not even with Mark. His paranoia is justified. He’s seen firsthand how quickly a hero can become a monster, how one moment of weakness or doubt can lead to devastation. But at the same time, his actions raise difficult moral questions. He’s not just preparing for the worst—he’s actively making ruthless, ethically questionable choices, including enlisting criminals and morally gray individuals to do his bidding.
That brings us to the central conflict between Mark and Cecil. Mark wants to believe that he can be both a good person and a protector, but to Cecil, such an idea is almost laughable. After decades of making impossible choices for the “greater good,” Cecil sees morality as a luxury, not a guiding principle. To him, superheroes are tools, and Mark—no matter how noble he may be—is still a potential threat that needs to be controlled. Mark’s belief in doing the right thing isn’t just naive in Cecil’s eyes—it’s dangerous. In many ways, Mark is the antithesis of everything Cecil stands for. He challenges the very foundation of Cecil’s worldview by trying to be a good person and a hero.
That tension makes for one of the most compelling dynamics of the season. It’s no longer just about stopping villains or saving the world—it’s about what it means to be a hero in a world that demands compromise. Can Mark prove Cecil wrong, or will he be forced to make the same cold, pragmatic choices in the end?
While the Earth-based storyline was handled exceptionally well, the season fell short in exploring Nolan and Allen’s arc within the first six episodes. This seems to be a deliberate choice, likely part of the larger narrative unfolding, but so far, we’ve seen very little of it. The absence is noticeable, especially considering how much weight these characters and their storylines carry. At times, it almost feels as though the season has put the Viltrumite threat on the back burner, despite them being one of the most significant looming threats to Earth. Their presence should cast a constant shadow over the story, yet for much of the season, they feel strangely absent.
Despite this shortcoming, Invincible Season 3 still shows why it stands out among superhero shows. The series takes the time to explore the moral complexities of its characters. It challenges the traditional notion of heroism, and asks whether one can maintain their ideals in a world where power often demands difficult choices. This season doesn't just entertain—it forces the audience to reflect on the consequences of heroism, the ethics of power, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. While the pacing is slower, and some storylines are put on hold for now, the emotional depth and fresh perspectives make for a satisfying season. If the second half builds on what we've seen so far, we could be in for a real treat.
RATING: 4/5
Invincible Season 3 will premiere February 6 on Prime Video.