Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 2

This hardcover graphic novel collects issues #0 and 14-24 of Invincible as well as at least part of the Image Comics Summer Special #1.The collected issues represent a superb run on this comic. The world Robert Kirkman is creating is fleshed out more thoroughly, the main characters develop more fully, and the flow of unusual and bizarre side character heroes and villains continues unabated. Ryan Ottley handles almost all the penciling work on these issues, giving this collection a more consistent look than the first hardcover volume, where the initial artwork was done by the talented Cory Walker.In terms of production values the hardcover looks fantastic. Ottley is developing a real talent for depicting character's facial expressions and thus hinting at their inner emotional life. This is one of those comics where you can recognize and distinguish the major characters easily even when they are not in costume. The art reproduces beautifully here and is worthy of the slightly oversized pages you see. The coloring in particular really seems to "pop" off the page.Ottley's talent for conveying the feelings of characters is necessary to keep up with Kirkman's scripting here. He's managed to produce a comic that feels character-driven while still throwing in big plot twists in the grand tradition of silver age comics.The best description I've heard so far of Invincible's appeal is that it is a Silver Age comic book for adults. Many of us have fond memories of the comics we read when we were young. For me it's the early Spider Man. Yet when you re-read those issues, you find that the characters are often one-note, the continuity is shaky, and characters experience massive personal upheavals in one issue only to return to the same personality in the next as though nothing had happened.The characters in Invincible may fall into certain familiar archetypes at first, but over time they change with their experiences. There's a hint of realism thrown in to discussions of how the bills are going to be paid without going overboard into trying to portray "heroes in the real world." In this delicate balancing act Kirkman's writing resembles Kurt Busiek's Astro City comics, except the focus here is much more firmly on the trials and tribulations of the heroes. You even get much more insight and personality from the villains than is typical. And you can never be sure when a minor villain from one issue will reappear as a major player down the line. It feels like a lived in universe.Most of all, Invincible reads like a story produced by people who love superhero comics and want to bring out the elements that made them love those comics--the scope of the stories, the challenges of balancing heroism with a normal life, the ethical questions of when and how to get involved, the sheer wow factor of having superpowers and making a difference. There's no deconstruction of the genre going on here or blatant satirizing of superhero comic book tropes.Which is why I say Invincible is fresh and yet nostalgic. It is a classic being born before your eyes and the opportunity to own it in these lovely and durable hardcovers is a definite treat for fans of superhero comics.

In this second hardcover collecting Robert Kirkman's Invincible Volumes 3 & 4 (issues 14 - 24 and Origins) we see Mark Grayson maturing into the world's soon-to-be most powerful superhero. After the climactic and disturbing events in the first collection where Mark discovered the truth about his father our hero is left to figure out things for himself. Without the guidance of his super-parent Invincible sets off for college and starts working for Cecil Steadman and the government, which pits Mark against villains and monsters capable of mocking his superhero monicker by actually hurting and beating him. Relationship troubles with Amber and his Mom who is still dealing with his dad's absence put a strain on Mark's life that not even his superpowers can alleviate (a la Spider-man). I am glad to say that I enjoy this comic because of the fact that Invincible is, strangely enough, NOT invincible. Sure, Mark doesn't have a weakness like Kryptonite, and can't be hurt by conventional weapons, but other supers can with a bit of trying inflict some damage upon him, either by thrashing him physically or going after his loved ones, showing that a secret identity is not as easy to hide as in the Superman universe. Kirkman handles his character much like Alan Moore handled Miracle Man all those years ago, pointing out that even the most invulnerable of beings has limits, and that the world does not always recover when these creatures cut loose. Often violent and bloody, the Invincible comics in this collection also contain moments of tenderness and genuine feeling between characters that make each story addictively readable and leaves you begging for more.

Amazing story and the quality feels great, love the extra introduction and the authors notes in the back

My son loves it!

Same as the first bok this one arrived in great condition. Almost finished with this story and so far it has really picked up and its great fun to compare the differences to the story.

I liked this volume even more than the first one. The art gets better and Kirkman spends some time fleshing out other side characters, which really adds to the story. I really like Allen the Alien and Atom Eve, in particular.I've seen some people complain about the story lines with Mark's gf and with his mom, but I really enjoy those 'more human' stories/moments. It builds up side characters and develops them further.This volume also introduces a few villains, Angstrom Levy being my favorite so far.Also, there are some origin stories for some side characters at the end of the book and some sketches as well.Btw, the production value of these books are really good.Overall, it's a really great story that lives up to the hype.

Very good read, liked it alot.

Very good quality pictures. Engaging story with great characters. Lettering is very legible. No nonsense.