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Invincible
Invincible, Vol. 10: Who's the Boss?
Up until this point, Invincible has been working for the Global Defense agency. Fighting their fights, defeating their enemies... now something's not right, Invincible can no longer carry out his orders unquestioned. Now he finds himself up against the very organization he been working for! From visionary creators Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Cory Walker (Science Dog), and Ryan Ottley (Amazing Spider-Man).
This volume collects Invincible issues #48-53.
This volume collects Invincible issues #48-53.
180 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
164 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,742 books6,943 followersRobert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
July 28, 2024
Best volume so far as Cecil and the Global Defence Agency fall afoul of one another, which is made that much worse when Kid Omni-Man crosses the line! White-knuckle riding drama all over the place and THAT simmering romance may also be coming to a boil. 8 out of 12, Four Star read.
2017 and 2011 read
2017 and 2011 read
May 24, 2021
And all this time I grew to like Cecil so much. And Kid Omni-man... god what a horrible name... but yeah, I liked him, too!
But what really surprised me this time was the Mauler Twins. Just. Wow.
This is rapidly becoming one of my all-time favorite comics.
But what really surprised me this time was the Mauler Twins. Just. Wow.
This is rapidly becoming one of my all-time favorite comics.
April 5, 2023
Is this my favorite volume?! Volume 6 is still amazing in my eyes, but this was peak Invincible and I had totally forgotten about Cecil's storyline here. Damn, SO good! Also the introduction of Kid Omni-man and the whole Mauler's incident. Oof, poor Mark. He's just trying to be a good mentor and big brother. He is also trying so hard to defend humanity.
Also, I didn't even hate Eve that much this time around. An overall success! Rating is 4.75 this time.
Original review (from 2016):
4.5 Stars.
Such a good volume with amazing moments that once again were unexpected. How Kirkman still delivers a strong and refreshing storyline volume after volume is something I can't begin to grasp. But it is such a joy every time I start with a new collection.
Semi spoilers for the plot:
Who's the Boss? is more than a fitting title for this volume. We have our ever likable and naive main character, Mark, finding out that maybe the people he works for aren't as heroic as he has been thinking. It is a shock and a big betrayal for Mark to find out Cecil's real ethics and hidden actions to ensure earth's protection. And this right here, was such a powerful scene and moment as a reader, the artwork and dialogues are on point and it makes you feel betrayed too.
The other big storyline, relevant to the title, is the one of Invincible as a mentor to Kid Omni-man. This started as a charming moment between brothers that later transformed itself as a shocking and painful revelation. Oliver isn't like Mark. He is so much more like his father than we ever expected him to be. This comes as a big and hurtful surprise to Mark, who can't keep to hold his argument against Oliver's idea of humanity, not at least after what happened with Cecil.
Viltrumite and human heritage are battling inside Mark more than ever, and even though he still decides to protect earth and ignore his recent and ever-growing doubts, little Oliver here doesn't think we're worth the effort. Although he tries to apologize at the end, we see in that amazing last illustration how he doesn't seem to regret anything he's done. Proving how Mark's role as a mentor isn't working like he thinks it is.
Maybe Oliver is starting to play Mark too and that's my big fear for the future... also, I don't want Mama Grayson to suffer again.
Remember when in my previous reviews I was all like, Oliver! Give me more Oliver! Yeah... that little psycho needs to stay away for a while.
Those two storylines were executed perfectly and both were a big hit for Mark. Once again, the brilliance of Invincible is the human side of this story, more than the superheroes fights and dangers. Adding to that element, we have more of Mark and Eve's incipient relationship and Mark having to deal with Mama Oliver's moving on with her life.
My only complaint in this volume was the first issue. Not a fan of the villain nor how long it took for that battle to finish. Also, I wish we could have had something, just a tiny thing of Allen and Nolan's storyline.
Eithet way, this volume was one of the strongest so far. Also, halfway through this collection, we have a change of colorist and he does an amazing job. It emphasizes and complements Ottley's art so well. It was a nice surprise and I can't wait to see more of this work.
ALSO WE HAVE A CHANGE OF COSTUME AND I AM NOT SURE HOW A I FEEL ABOUT IT.
Also, I didn't even hate Eve that much this time around. An overall success! Rating is 4.75 this time.
Original review (from 2016):
4.5 Stars.
Such a good volume with amazing moments that once again were unexpected. How Kirkman still delivers a strong and refreshing storyline volume after volume is something I can't begin to grasp. But it is such a joy every time I start with a new collection.
Semi spoilers for the plot:
Who's the Boss? is more than a fitting title for this volume. We have our ever likable and naive main character, Mark, finding out that maybe the people he works for aren't as heroic as he has been thinking. It is a shock and a big betrayal for Mark to find out Cecil's real ethics and hidden actions to ensure earth's protection. And this right here, was such a powerful scene and moment as a reader, the artwork and dialogues are on point and it makes you feel betrayed too.
The other big storyline, relevant to the title, is the one of Invincible as a mentor to Kid Omni-man. This started as a charming moment between brothers that later transformed itself as a shocking and painful revelation. Oliver isn't like Mark. He is so much more like his father than we ever expected him to be. This comes as a big and hurtful surprise to Mark, who can't keep to hold his argument against Oliver's idea of humanity, not at least after what happened with Cecil.
Viltrumite and human heritage are battling inside Mark more than ever, and even though he still decides to protect earth and ignore his recent and ever-growing doubts, little Oliver here doesn't think we're worth the effort. Although he tries to apologize at the end, we see in that amazing last illustration how he doesn't seem to regret anything he's done. Proving how Mark's role as a mentor isn't working like he thinks it is.
Maybe Oliver is starting to play Mark too and that's my big fear for the future... also, I don't want Mama Grayson to suffer again.
Those two storylines were executed perfectly and both were a big hit for Mark. Once again, the brilliance of Invincible is the human side of this story, more than the superheroes fights and dangers. Adding to that element, we have more of Mark and Eve's incipient relationship and Mark having to deal with Mama Oliver's moving on with her life.
My only complaint in this volume was the first issue. Not a fan of the villain nor how long it took for that battle to finish. Also, I wish we could have had something, just a tiny thing of Allen and Nolan's storyline.
Eithet way, this volume was one of the strongest so far. Also, halfway through this collection, we have a change of colorist and he does an amazing job. It emphasizes and complements Ottley's art so well. It was a nice surprise and I can't wait to see more of this work.
ALSO WE HAVE A CHANGE OF COSTUME AND I AM NOT SURE HOW A I FEEL ABOUT IT.
December 9, 2016
A solid volume. This is a short review, because I got so much to say about the next two volumes. So "Good" is the best way to talk about this one. Let's go!
April 27, 2022
Shaking things up at last.
March 8, 2019
A lot of consequence, some expected.
World: The art is strong once again, the tone and the jarring nature of the violence is pretty great. The world building is good and the moving pieces come together to bring the story to a head at the same time even adding more to the drama. Two large chunks come home to roost and they are interesting.
Story: It's good but is it's also expected. I know there is a lot of consequence and status quo changing stuff. But I think I've read enough comic books and the hints were there by Kirkman for me to see it. Cecil was not a surprise but I will say his issue was a bit weak in changing and justifying him as a character. The stuff with Kid Omni Man was also well done but I was also expecting this to happen. It's a good arc, maybe cause I guessed the events in advance I didn't get blown away as much but it was a very well written arc.
Characters: Mark is good he is stable and his new change if status quo is good but it is in line with his character. The rest of the cast u expected as much. I will say Cecil I found his single issue not sufficient to justify the change from the beginning and the end.
It's good.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is strong once again, the tone and the jarring nature of the violence is pretty great. The world building is good and the moving pieces come together to bring the story to a head at the same time even adding more to the drama. Two large chunks come home to roost and they are interesting.
Story: It's good but is it's also expected. I know there is a lot of consequence and status quo changing stuff. But I think I've read enough comic books and the hints were there by Kirkman for me to see it. Cecil was not a surprise but I will say his issue was a bit weak in changing and justifying him as a character. The stuff with Kid Omni Man was also well done but I was also expecting this to happen. It's a good arc, maybe cause I guessed the events in advance I didn't get blown away as much but it was a very well written arc.
Characters: Mark is good he is stable and his new change if status quo is good but it is in line with his character. The rest of the cast u expected as much. I will say Cecil I found his single issue not sufficient to justify the change from the beginning and the end.
It's good.
Onward to the next book!
April 17, 2024
Oh, WOW! Things are really heating up now. Invincible is cooking! I'm slightly amazed at the consistently high quality of the artwork and writing on this book, 50+ issues in and still picking up steam. Ok, enough mixed metaphors from me; just go read it!
May 24, 2018
Another excellent volume of Invincible, with a few tweaks to the art (including the lurid colouring of true artista Fco. Plascencia) to help it POP! even more.
A lot happens so I won't get into full on recap mode, but the most stunning developments were how
Wowza.
A lot happens so I won't get into full on recap mode, but the most stunning developments were how
Wowza.
February 8, 2019
Just fantastic !
This title just keeps getting better and better after each passing volume and this here was some amazing shit .
This volume really turns things upside down for the world of invincible as he learns that the hero business he was so happy to be in , wasn't as black and white as he thought . In fact , he also finds out the difficulties he has to face at his home and a certain villain re-surfaces , while another makes a surprising return.
This is just pure joy to read , but this time the author has put in motion various complexities in Mark's life that makes one be very excited about future volumes
This title just keeps getting better and better after each passing volume and this here was some amazing shit .
This volume really turns things upside down for the world of invincible as he learns that the hero business he was so happy to be in , wasn't as black and white as he thought . In fact , he also finds out the difficulties he has to face at his home and a certain villain re-surfaces , while another makes a surprising return.
This is just pure joy to read , but this time the author has put in motion various complexities in Mark's life that makes one be very excited about future volumes
February 10, 2021
Invincible Vol. 10 Who's the Boss? collects issues 48-53 of the series by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley.
After learning that Cecil has been working with some of the villains hr has brought to justice, Mark decides to cut ties with the government and the Guardians of the Globe. Mark's younger brother Oliver also starts training and becomes a new sidekick, Kid Omni-Man.
A lot happens in this volume. Invincible no longer helping the government is a big departure for the character which should open up some new storylines. Mark and Oliver also have some fundamental differences in the belief of what a superhero should do which also provides some complications between the duo. Even though a lot happens in this volume, it set up for even more major events.
After learning that Cecil has been working with some of the villains hr has brought to justice, Mark decides to cut ties with the government and the Guardians of the Globe. Mark's younger brother Oliver also starts training and becomes a new sidekick, Kid Omni-Man.
A lot happens in this volume. Invincible no longer helping the government is a big departure for the character which should open up some new storylines. Mark and Oliver also have some fundamental differences in the belief of what a superhero should do which also provides some complications between the duo. Even though a lot happens in this volume, it set up for even more major events.
May 7, 2023
Die perfekte ally to enemy story.
Ich liebe diesen Twist.
Vorallem weil er so realistisch ist und im Nachhinein so viel Sinn ergibt. Die hints waren die ganze Zeit da.
Aber es ist nicht wirklich ein ally to enemy twist I’m klassischen Sinne. Bei Invincible gibt es zwar auch Schwarz und Weiß aber im Falle der wichtigen Charaktere und villains so wie hier gibt es eine Menge Graustufen (so um die 50). And I love me some Graustufen.
Best love story is evolving <3
Best side kick is evolving :)
Best artstyle is evolving :D
Best villain is evolving :O
there is a lot to look forward to.
Invincible is the best superhero comic book in the universe.
Ich liebe diesen Twist.
Vorallem weil er so realistisch ist und im Nachhinein so viel Sinn ergibt. Die hints waren die ganze Zeit da.
Aber es ist nicht wirklich ein ally to enemy twist I’m klassischen Sinne. Bei Invincible gibt es zwar auch Schwarz und Weiß aber im Falle der wichtigen Charaktere und villains so wie hier gibt es eine Menge Graustufen (so um die 50). And I love me some Graustufen.
Best love story is evolving <3
Best side kick is evolving :)
Best artstyle is evolving :D
Best villain is evolving :O
there is a lot to look forward to.
Invincible is the best superhero comic book in the universe.
October 7, 2021
This is a big contender for my favourite volume in the series. It is magnificent.
The dynamic between Cecil and Mark is so compelling.
The dynamic between Cecil and Mark is so compelling.
May 24, 2024
4,5 ⭐
February 1, 2021
This was a great volume and focuses on Marks fallout with his boss Cecil and that fight was something and changes a lot of things and we see the latter's past and it was something he was used to, working with criminals. And then we have Kid Omni aka Oliver and him teaming with mark and taking lives and dealing with those questions. Its pretty well done and just shows him bordering on the territory of ethics. And Doc Seismic, Armstrong Levi and more villains in the background planning something. This world is getting interesting now.
September 9, 2009
If you like superhero comics: read Invincible.
If you're sick of superhero comics: READ INVINCIBLE.
I promise, not a single arc will conclude without you feeling like you got punched in the face.
And you'll like it.
'nuff said.
If you're sick of superhero comics: READ INVINCIBLE.
I promise, not a single arc will conclude without you feeling like you got punched in the face.
And you'll like it.
'nuff said.
December 11, 2014
This has to have the best trade of Invincible yet. So much happened. I like how Oliver is intrinsically different from Mark. I'm really interested to see where this will go especially since that last page cameo...
-short review done. Real review to come.
-short review done. Real review to come.
February 7, 2025
Reread: this volume is the entire basis for the first 3 episodes of season 3 of the show.
I love this comic and I love the show, and this is a great arc. It was fun rereading it after seeing the show, having not read the comic in a while.
I love this comic and I love the show, and this is a great arc. It was fun rereading it after seeing the show, having not read the comic in a while.
July 21, 2020
Wild that I had a general disdain for most of the characters in this series and Kirkman responded in vol 10 by going "lol what if we made even more characters unlikable?" On the one hand it's interesting that the world is getting more complex and morally grey, on the other hand I find myself disengaging with the world since I don't like the characters in it. Kirkman has a tendency to over-explain things and have nice moments ruined by what read like explanations to the reader instead of organic dialogue, over-talking through what would otherwise be enjoyable scenes. And something felt off about Ottley's art to me- maybe it's the colours and the new costume designs that felt off, there's a noticeable change in how sleek and refined his faces appear but that sort of glamour doesn't match up with the general tone of the series. In reading through Invincible this might be the one volume where I can say I actually disliked it, instead of feeling underwhelmed.
February 15, 2022
Oho? This has placed a lot of neat things in motion and I’m excited to see where this goes! Sometimes I worry with the length of this series that I’ll fall out of interest, but I’m finding that’s not the case.
”I’ve been too trusting, too naive.”
In which Mark realizes a lot of ugly truths and has to face them, while still being blind to other ugly truths at the same time. Complex! I’m digging the new suit.
I appreciate how we get to see that Rick’s life has been wholly changed by the actions of a supervillain. In a lot of hero comics it’s like “we stopped them! yay! on to the next!” without pausing to see the true impact of events like this. It also works to fuel Mark’s anger towards the actions Cecil takes and provides that more grounded depiction of heroes that I like about this series.
Oliver, predictably, has become one of my favorite parts of this series for the way he provides a foil to Mark. I wonder just how old he truly is if we factor his biology, and if Mark is being too patronizing… we will see!
”I’ve been too trusting, too naive.”
In which Mark realizes a lot of ugly truths and has to face them, while still being blind to other ugly truths at the same time. Complex! I’m digging the new suit.
I appreciate how we get to see that Rick’s life has been wholly changed by the actions of a supervillain. In a lot of hero comics it’s like “we stopped them! yay! on to the next!” without pausing to see the true impact of events like this. It also works to fuel Mark’s anger towards the actions Cecil takes and provides that more grounded depiction of heroes that I like about this series.
Oliver, predictably, has become one of my favorite parts of this series for the way he provides a foil to Mark. I wonder just how old he truly is if we factor his biology, and if Mark is being too patronizing… we will see!
January 16, 2019
Extremely entertaining, great writing & artwork. There's no doubt now that I'm gonna continue to read this series to the final panel. What I think is great about this is that this is a superhero book that actually has a beginning, middle & end. On to Vol. 11
July 13, 2023
10 done, 15 more to go. Easily one of the best volumes so far. I loved the whole Cecil thing and Mark & Oliver's dynamics are also very good here. It seems now every volume is a cut above the one that came before and I'm really starting to love this series now.
January 8, 2025
Weird going back to reading by volume instead of that big dumb compendium but it’s better this way. Plot is getting interesting again somewhat which is nice, it’s not the rinse and repeat fight bad guy while side plots inch forward
April 16, 2025
This is the best volume so far. And by a long shot. The two parts that make up the bulk of these chapters are phenomenal and compliment each other quite well.
Invincible may be one of the few superhero comic books worth reading these days.
Invincible may be one of the few superhero comic books worth reading these days.
March 23, 2017
The government organization Mark's been working for turns out to be...more than they appear. Another good twist!
September 20, 2019
Více akce a mlátiček, ale i přes to tu byli docela silné momenty a rozebíračky toho co vlastně superhrdina může moci. I když rozpory s Cecilem byli trochu únavné, pořád mě to neskutečně baví :D
March 3, 2021
The status quo has definitely changed.
One was a long time coming.
Another was something I was worried might be the case...
One was a long time coming.
Another was something I was worried might be the case...
January 3, 2022
The power balance just got shaken up and it’s awesome
Read
April 22, 2024Might be my favorite turn in the story so far. Cecil and Oliver are giving Invincible a lot more dimension and the moral quandaries Mark now faces feel like they have a lot more weight to them.
August 30, 2024
Another enjoyable instalment - We got Cecil's back story and Oliver's first outing
August 14, 2025
Woah Nelly that took a turn and I am SITTING! I am SAT!! I am waiting for payday because I need the next one!!😩
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews