And we’ve reached the end! Overall, this was a fantastic, highly enjoyable series.
Invincible Vol. 24: The End of All Things Part One
Robert Kirkman (writer)
Ryan Ottley (penciler, inker)
Dexter Vinces (inker)
Mark Morales (inker)
Nathan Fairbairn (colorist)
Rus Wooton (letterer)
We’ve reached the end, kids. Along with an immediate reminder that Mark has no class. To be fair, it’s easy to forget he’s still in his early twenties.
On the other hand, he’s experienced a lot in his short life, and he and Eve have even progressed through the hero’s journey to the evolution phase beyond that of the hero. The two of them are better together, and as a pair, nothing can stop them.
This collection is excellent at showing the true cost of war, even what amounts to a civil war between the Viltrumites. Thragg’s clone army is absolutely terrifying on multiple levels. Ryan Ottley portrays gory battles extremely well on the page, showing the visceral horror of combat without tipping over the top to caricature.
I’m not surprised that the final showdown will occur over Earth. Nor am I surprised that Rex isn’t able to keep himself out of things in the most terrifying way possible. In a way, he’s become even less human than the Viltrumites who have come to call Earth home.
Time to jump immediately into the finale, even though I don’t want this epic to finish.
Rating: 5 (out of 5) stars. Cross-posted to Amazon and Goodreads.
Invincible Vol. 25: The End of All Things Part Two
Robert Kirkman (writer)
Ryan Ottley (penciler, inker)
Cory Walker (penciler, inker)
Mark Morales (inker)
Nathan Fairbairn (colorist)
Rus Wooton (letterer)
Villains should always get an proper comeuppance, and I appreciate how Kirkman showed that Thragg ultimately created his own downfall. The final combat between Mark and Thragg was more than just a lot of punching, and good versus evil is not so simple. With the battle raging above Earth, Rex becomes a wartime ally — for now.
But of course, Rex’s actions in the previous collection mean that uneasy truce cannot last. The true growth of Mark’s character is shown in his final solution to the Rex problem, which I can’t really disagree with.
This final volume closes out a lot of story lines, including some I’d completely forgotten about. We also get a glimpse into the future, especially Mark’s legacy in the forms of Markus and Terra. I could easily read a couple dozen more volumes set in this world, especially if it showed Terra’s story.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion. I’m looking forward to the television adaptation.
Rating: 5 (out of 5) stars. Cross-posted to Amazon and Goodreads.