It’s About Time
Overview: Invincible – “It’s About Time” is the explosive first episode of Amazon Prime Video’s adult animated superhero series based on the acclaimed comic by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley.
The episode introduces Mark Grayson, a seemingly ordinary teenager whose father is Omni-Man, the most powerful superhero on Earth. When Mark finally begins developing superpowers of his own, he starts training to follow in his father’s footsteps and discovers that becoming a superhero is far more complicated—and dangerous—than he ever imagined.
“It’s About Time” establishes the world of Invincible with intense action, dark humor, family drama, and a shocking conclusion that sets the tone for the entire series. Featuring the voices of Steven Yeun as Mark Grayson and J.K. Simmons as Omni-Man, the premiere delivers a fresh and mature take on the superhero genre.
Fans of superhero animation, comic book adaptations, and character-driven action series will find plenty to enjoy in the beginning of Mark Grayson’s journey as Invincible.
Air date: 3/26/2021
Directed by: Robert Valley
Guest Stars: Chris Diamantopoulos voices Donald Ferguson, Andrew Rannells voices William Clockwell, Zazie Beetz voices Amber Bennett, Ross Marquand voices The Immortal, Mark Hamill voices Art Rosenbaum, Kevin Michael Richardson voices Mauler Twins, Mahershala Ali voices Titan, Grey DeLisle voices Olga, Fred Tatasciore voices Kill Cannon
I decided to watch Invincible after seeing the name start popping up more and more in board games and card games. I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into the first episode, “It’s About Time,” but it definitely did not disappoint.
The story follows Mark Grayson, the son of the world’s most powerful superhero, as he begins developing powers of his own a little later than expected. Once those abilities finally appear, his father, Omni-Man, takes it upon himself to train Mark for the superhero life—with decidedly mixed results.
What impressed me most about Invincible: It’s About Time is the balance between action and story. There is plenty of superhero action, but the episode also spends time developing Mark, his family, and the world around him. In many ways, it feels like a story most of us already know—and maybe even dreamed about at some point. Who hasn’t wondered what it would be like to suddenly discover they had superpowers?
But don’t let the colorful animation or superhero premise fool you. Invincible is definitely not a kids’ superhero show. There is a much darker edge underneath everything, reminding me somewhat of Watchmen. In this world, being a superhero isn’t all fun, games, and saving the day. Actions have serious consequences, people can get hurt, and the stakes are clearly much higher than Mark realizes.
By the end of “It’s About Time,” it becomes obvious that there is much more happening beneath the surface than this first episode initially lets on. We may think we understand the world Mark is stepping into, but there are already signs that things are going to get much darker and more complicated.
Invincible: It’s About Time is a strong opening episode that mixes superhero action, family drama, humor, and some genuinely shocking moments. I started watching because of the games carrying the Invincible name, but after one episode, I’m interested in seeing where Mark Grayson’s story goes next.