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Invincible
Invincible, Vol. 13: Growing Pains
Invincible is faced with his greatest challenge, Conquest, an ambassador from his home planet intent on taking over Earth regardless of what stands in his way - least of all Invincible.
Collects Invincible #66-70; Invincible Returns #1
Collects Invincible #66-70; Invincible Returns #1
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2010
49 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,741 books6,933 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 134 reviews
June 29, 2025
Growing pains galore, as the growing threat to all Viltrumites is the Scourge Virus, there's a growing pace of cooperation between Mark, the Coalition, Nolan and newer allies; there's the growing threat of the Sequids, and a damning threat coming from a woman called Universa; there's a younger brother making a public debut; there's a growing possible rapprochement between Cecil and Mark; and Eve is worried that somethings growing in her womb! More a scene setting volume despite all these events as they all know a war is coming. Three Stars, 7 out of 12.
2019 and 2011 read
2019 and 2011 read
May 25, 2021
The ambassador is one hell of a badass and he came at exactly the worst time for Earth or Mark.
Well, at least they know all their military tactics. Overwhelming might after picking the absolutely worst time for your enemy.
Just. Wow.
It makes me nostalgic for the kind old days with Mark's dad.
Well, at least they know all their military tactics. Overwhelming might after picking the absolutely worst time for your enemy.
Just. Wow.
It makes me nostalgic for the kind old days with Mark's dad.
April 7, 2023
Of course after the best volume this series has delivered so far has to come the weakest one. The Sequids plotline is the least interesting one to me. So, so repetitive and it's just dragging for so long. Add to that, this is the least engaged I've been with Mark in the whole series. His dependency on Eve is taking from Mark's relationship with other characters. I miss the Grayson family. I miss him with Oliver and Debbie, even with the Guardians. Having Mark flying out to every mission with Eve, an unreliable Atom Eve, is putting them both in constant danger. I'm sorry their relationship is such a drag for me.
This volume does include Invincible Returns #1. Half of that story, the main story, it's so good! With Mark talking about his feelings and doubts with Art, getting the original costume back along with the significance of it. And the return of Nolan. Great stuff. Sadly, those are only a few pages out of this volume.
Original review from 2016:
3 Stars.
Invincible: Growing Pains was an underwhelming volume. Don't get me wrong, it was fun and I enjoyed reading it, but reading this trade after the awesomeness that was volume 12... Well, if I'm being honest it felt like a filler, a funny and entertaining read, but a filler nonetheless.
This volume collects issues #66-70 and Invincible Returns #1. So, what happens? First two issues are focused in finding the objects and weapons capable to face and destroy the Viltrumite empire. The space BFF are back and it wasn't as interesting and exciting as I was hoping. On earth however, we have Mark still struggling with his now decision of doing anything and everything against his enemies... and how maybe the consequences of those actions are not as easy to accept as he thought. The Sequids invasion is fully on(Man, I hate the Sequids, the only good thing was the ending) and there's another alien warrior ready to take over earth (useless plot line, a waste of time) and even with those two things combined, it might not be the worst that Mark has to face these days... prepare yourself for the most awkward boyfriend meets the family dinner! <(I dislike Eve and I hate her family, but it was fun to see Mark dealing with so much stupidity) There's also the problem of Eve's powers and her inability to control them, although the reason might be not what I was expecting... (Damn it, Mark.)
The thing that really bothered me the most was the artwork. First two issues in this collection are drawn by Walker this time and yes, I know he was the original artist... but I feel like the story lost so much having this change in the artwork. I love Ottley's job and he does a much better work in this title in my opinion. Also, the artwork in Invincible Returns #1 is horrible. However, I was smiling so hard with that double page panel of Invincible in his classic, but new, superhero suit. I didn't think I missed it, but seeing that illustration... the feels, man. I need that panel as a poster on my wall.
What I loved the most was the change of Oliver's appearance! I'm so happy to see an older and more mature version of this character. When he was introduced to the story I loved him... but then I was a little afraid of the little psycho and his speech against humanity. However, I can't help but loving him again and his relationship with Mark and Mama Grayson.
This volume wasn't as good as I was hoping, but Invincible is always a pleasure to read. There were still laughs, unexpected revelations and an ending that promises a great next volume.
This volume does include Invincible Returns #1. Half of that story, the main story, it's so good! With Mark talking about his feelings and doubts with Art, getting the original costume back along with the significance of it. And the return of Nolan. Great stuff. Sadly, those are only a few pages out of this volume.
Original review from 2016:
3 Stars.
Invincible: Growing Pains was an underwhelming volume. Don't get me wrong, it was fun and I enjoyed reading it, but reading this trade after the awesomeness that was volume 12... Well, if I'm being honest it felt like a filler, a funny and entertaining read, but a filler nonetheless.
This volume collects issues #66-70 and Invincible Returns #1. So, what happens? First two issues are focused in finding the objects and weapons capable to face and destroy the Viltrumite empire. The space BFF are back and it wasn't as interesting and exciting as I was hoping. On earth however, we have Mark still struggling with his now decision of doing anything and everything against his enemies... and how maybe the consequences of those actions are not as easy to accept as he thought. The Sequids invasion is fully on
The thing that really bothered me the most was the artwork. First two issues in this collection are drawn by Walker this time and yes, I know he was the original artist... but I feel like the story lost so much having this change in the artwork. I love Ottley's job and he does a much better work in this title in my opinion. Also, the artwork in Invincible Returns #1 is horrible. However, I was smiling so hard with that double page panel of Invincible in his classic, but new, superhero suit. I didn't think I missed it, but seeing that illustration... the feels, man. I need that panel as a poster on my wall.
What I loved the most was the change of Oliver's appearance! I'm so happy to see an older and more mature version of this character. When he was introduced to the story I loved him... but then I was a little afraid of the little psycho and his speech against humanity. However, I can't help but loving him again and his relationship with Mark and Mama Grayson.
This volume wasn't as good as I was hoping, but Invincible is always a pleasure to read. There were still laughs, unexpected revelations and an ending that promises a great next volume.
December 15, 2016
I love some of this volume. Not all. GOT IT!? NOT ALL! Fuck...I can't wait to get off work and see Rogue One. Okay here we go.
The first half of this volume is great. You get to see Nolan and Allen being best fucking buds, and they are goddamn it! They slap a few aliens around, try to rally up the troops, and begin to work against the evil empire. Soon they will recruit Mark but not before Mark must come to face who he really is.
We get Mark figuring things out a little different. Killing is right or wrong? That's the theme of his arc here. It deals with it in interesting ways. Not amazingly but not terrible in any way. It's just okay. It ask the same question, the squid people are boring as shit, and I wasn't really feeling the little recap issue of previous events.
Overall it was a solid volume, especially first half, but nothing special. ON TO THE WARRRRR! NOT STAR WARS...But that too. Okay goodnight.
The first half of this volume is great. You get to see Nolan and Allen being best fucking buds, and they are goddamn it! They slap a few aliens around, try to rally up the troops, and begin to work against the evil empire. Soon they will recruit Mark but not before Mark must come to face who he really is.
We get Mark figuring things out a little different. Killing is right or wrong? That's the theme of his arc here. It deals with it in interesting ways. Not amazingly but not terrible in any way. It's just okay. It ask the same question, the squid people are boring as shit, and I wasn't really feeling the little recap issue of previous events.
Overall it was a solid volume, especially first half, but nothing special. ON TO THE WARRRRR! NOT STAR WARS...But that too. Okay goodnight.
March 5, 2015
Gosh. So many unexpected things happen from issue to issue in this. Invincible’s world is just getting so complicated on a personal and professional level. As always, great story telling from Kirkman and amazing art from Ryan Ottley. Sadly Ryan didn’t illustrate all of this volume. Issues #66 and #67 were drawn by someone else who was very talented but just paled compared to Ryan Ottley. The funny thing about those issues were that they were pretty stellar filler issues. (not sarcasm). I’m not sure if they are super important and necessary to the future of Invincible but they sure don’t seem like it. Regardless, I still really enjoyed those issues.
In addition to something crazy that happens to Eve (!!!!!) the other surprise (pleasant) is that Mark’s little brother, Oliver, gets a little sprucing up. I really like his new, older character design.
He goes from a blue boy to a young, normal looking teenager.If you haven’t read this yet it seems like a big change but it’s perfectly explained in one of the issues. Sometimes spontaneous changes with too-perfect explanations irritate me but not this one. Totally acceptable.
In addition to something crazy that happens to Eve (!!!!!) the other surprise (pleasant) is that Mark’s little brother, Oliver, gets a little sprucing up. I really like his new, older character design.
He goes from a blue boy to a young, normal looking teenager.If you haven’t read this yet it seems like a big change but it’s perfectly explained in one of the issues. Sometimes spontaneous changes with too-perfect explanations irritate me but not this one. Totally acceptable.
July 15, 2018
Still Invincible, still stellar. Mark is wrestling with some serious self-doubt right at the moment he is drawn back into the Viltrumite machinations due to the arrival of Allen the Alien and Daddy Dearest.
And who knew Unopans could be so sneaky sexy?
And who knew Unopans could be so sneaky sexy?
January 31, 2017
I'm really enjoying the Invincible series by Robert Kirkman - the characters are interesting, and Kirkman throws in plenty of inside jokes for those who have been reading comic books for a long time. He does a nice job of playing up the best parts of comic books, while subverting some of the tropes so often found in DC and Marvel books.
Big shout-out to Hoopla, a service available through my library that allows me to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and movies for free. I've been DEVOURING comic books and graphic novels through Hoopla. You might want to see what online services your local library offers!
Big shout-out to Hoopla, a service available through my library that allows me to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and movies for free. I've been DEVOURING comic books and graphic novels through Hoopla. You might want to see what online services your local library offers!
February 11, 2021
Invincible Vol. 13 Growing Pains collects issues 66-70 and Invincible Returns 2 written by Robert Kirkman with art by Corey Walker and Ryan Ottley.
This volume is the aftermath of the Invincible War and Mark's battle with Conquest. The sequids return to enslave Earth and Mark questions the moral dilemma of killing supervillains. Nolan and Allen finally return to Earth.
Corey Walker makes a return to draw a few issues of Invincible. Mark's moral dilemma was really well written. And we get a return to the original costume!
This volume is the aftermath of the Invincible War and Mark's battle with Conquest. The sequids return to enslave Earth and Mark questions the moral dilemma of killing supervillains. Nolan and Allen finally return to Earth.
Corey Walker makes a return to draw a few issues of Invincible. Mark's moral dilemma was really well written. And we get a return to the original costume!
May 13, 2023
The perfect prelude for the viltrumite war.
It had great reveals, great worldbuilding, great new villains like thragg and Dinosaurus introduced. It explored invincibles conflicting feelings and had him get to a conclusion he PropablY won’t be able to maintain. It amazes me how everything fits so perfectly together and Leads into the war to come.
I just hope invincible is prepared and he won’t become what he always feared to be.
And the old costume is finally back:)
Invincible is the best superhero comic book in the universe.
It had great reveals, great worldbuilding, great new villains like thragg and Dinosaurus introduced. It explored invincibles conflicting feelings and had him get to a conclusion he PropablY won’t be able to maintain. It amazes me how everything fits so perfectly together and Leads into the war to come.
I just hope invincible is prepared and he won’t become what he always feared to be.
And the old costume is finally back:)
Invincible is the best superhero comic book in the universe.
March 16, 2025
4.5/5.
Man, FUCK Eve’s dad. As the series goes on, I find more and more reasons to hate that dude. Kirkman writes him as a perfectly hate-able character, like the shit he spouts to Mark about Eve? Hell nah… I don’t tolerate no disrespect for my girl.😤
More Cecil being manipulative (bruh😭), Nolan and Allen’s adventures are fun to read, and Mark continues being the amazingly written character he is. His grappling with morality here is so well done, can’t wait to see how that advances in the Viltrumite War arc.
Man, FUCK Eve’s dad. As the series goes on, I find more and more reasons to hate that dude. Kirkman writes him as a perfectly hate-able character, like the shit he spouts to Mark about Eve? Hell nah… I don’t tolerate no disrespect for my girl.😤
More Cecil being manipulative (bruh😭), Nolan and Allen’s adventures are fun to read, and Mark continues being the amazingly written character he is. His grappling with morality here is so well done, can’t wait to see how that advances in the Viltrumite War arc.
September 18, 2021
Tons of action and character development. How does Kirk do it?
Thanks to my digital library I have access to the final 12 volumes!
Thanks to my digital library I have access to the final 12 volumes!
May 28, 2024
Shit about to hit the fan :)))))))
April 21, 2019
I was a bit disappointed in this one .
The book started really well and for the first half it was less of an Invincible comics and more of a "Tales of Omni-man and Allen The Alien" and sure it was fun but it did little for plot progression (or atleast it felt like that to me ). But the plot progression did arrive when the tale returned to the planet earth . We finally saw the Squid alien in action , Mark comes to make a decision on whether killing is just or not and we finally learn what is up with Eve's power trouble .
But the pace of the book wasn't maintained properly at all , Most of the book kept trying to give a recap of everything that has happened , it started with long monologues by every character possible detailing every thing that has happened , which made it really dull reading , This later turned to full on 25 pages of Mark and Eve talking about " The story so far " .
At the end of the day , this volume failed to provide the sort of entertainment that I have come to associate with this book . Filled with useless recaping monologues , quickly finished fights and some far too convenient conclusions and decision making made it a real mediocre issue for me.
That said , still pretty neat and better than most comics that are on offer by the big two
The book started really well and for the first half it was less of an Invincible comics and more of a "Tales of Omni-man and Allen The Alien" and sure it was fun but it did little for plot progression (or atleast it felt like that to me ). But the plot progression did arrive when the tale returned to the planet earth . We finally saw the Squid alien in action , Mark comes to make a decision on whether killing is just or not and we finally learn what is up with Eve's power trouble .
But the pace of the book wasn't maintained properly at all , Most of the book kept trying to give a recap of everything that has happened , it started with long monologues by every character possible detailing every thing that has happened , which made it really dull reading , This later turned to full on 25 pages of Mark and Eve talking about " The story so far " .
At the end of the day , this volume failed to provide the sort of entertainment that I have come to associate with this book . Filled with useless recaping monologues , quickly finished fights and some far too convenient conclusions and decision making made it a real mediocre issue for me.
That said , still pretty neat and better than most comics that are on offer by the big two
February 1, 2021
This was a cool volume and basically focuses on Mark's dilemma with killing or not and then we have multiple threats, first Dinosaurus and then Universa and it was fun the way Mark defeated them both and then there is the case of the Sequid invasion which was the main storyline and the way Mark defeated him was questionable. There is also the matter of classic costume coming back and his stance on killing is decided. Next up his father arrives as they have to prepare for their war against the Viltrumites! Such a cool volume and the art was gorgeous and great moments between Mark and Eve and just overall epic!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2023
as a dumb person .. I usually don’t pick up on plot holes unless it is so glaringly loud (to me) that it overtakes my entire brain, and therefore my reading enjoyment
omniman reveals that the line of pure viltrumites is going extinct and that earth would essentially be the ideal planet to reproduce with so why … everything?
Why blow cover when the other viltrumites could have just integrated into society like he did and then do a coordinated overhaul after x amount of time
I mean he came to the conclusion after being held captive but that happened way before that so the historical context would’ve already been there .. idk I’m just like ????????? Ok
omniman reveals that the line of pure viltrumites is going extinct and that earth would essentially be the ideal planet to reproduce with so why … everything?
Why blow cover when the other viltrumites could have just integrated into society like he did and then do a coordinated overhaul after x amount of time
I mean he came to the conclusion after being held captive but that happened way before that so the historical context would’ve already been there .. idk I’m just like ????????? Ok
July 10, 2018
I think I'm due for an update in this series. Invincible is all I have read since finding this series. Kurt Busiek's warning in front of Volume 1 was truer than I ever would have believed. Amazingly, this series is changing just enough to always feel new and fresh, but not so much that I don't feel grounded in the same characters and context that I've grown to love. There is the occasional issue that doesn't land for me, but considering we're in the 50s/60s of them now, that's hardly a strike against the series at all. Somehow, 13 volumes in, nothing has become tired. I'm holding out hope that it's not going to lose momentum, and that this is going to have a satisfying ending. Still not better then Saga for me, but I don't know if anything will ever be able to beat that? This is still easily in my Top 5 though.
March 5, 2021
They would have done themselves a favor leaving out the subpar Invincible Returns recap issue.
Setting that aside, this was fine. There was really only one development that wasn't expected, by me at least. But, predictable or not, the progression is still quality.
I think the war is next. Hope it lives up to its title.
Setting that aside, this was fine. There was really only one development that wasn't expected, by me at least. But, predictable or not, the progression is still quality.
I think the war is next. Hope it lives up to its title.
June 18, 2023
Not much to say other than Invincible keeps humming along. Big events are contained within, of course. We also get Cory Walker on a couple issues, as well as Ryan Ottley. It's been too long since I last read one of these trades and I definitely should pick up the momentum as there are 12 left to go for the series.
October 8, 2021
The fight with Conquest was simply awesome.
However, I hate cop-outs; especially involving death scenes. No spoilers, but if you know you know. Still pissed about it, but I guess it's not a huge deal.
However, I hate cop-outs; especially involving death scenes. No spoilers, but if you know you know. Still pissed about it, but I guess it's not a huge deal.
Read
April 28, 2024We're just past the halfway point in this series and there is just now way it can keep escalating beyond the world-threatening levels it has sustained so far. Just a wild action-packed comic book with a deliciously soap-opera level story.
February 5, 2019
4.1 Stars. Another good solid installment. I'm actually reading this in the Compendiums & I'm about half way through Compendium 2, so it feels good knowing I've got a lot of good story left to go.
July 13, 2021
boring
August 22, 2021
3.5/5
Good, but not my favorite of the series.
Good, but not my favorite of the series.
January 10, 2025
I love the art and I love Allen he’s my fave
April 1, 2025
Yes yes yes more of allen and l lub the team up of allen and omni man
March 11, 2025
love this series
October 18, 2025
بعد از تموم کردن فصل ۳ invincible نتونستم بیشتر مقاومت کنم.
ایشوی نولان و الن خیلی عالی بود !
امیدوارم Mohawk mark رو هم در ادامه ببینم:)))
ایشوی نولان و الن خیلی عالی بود !
امیدوارم Mohawk mark رو هم در ادامه ببینم:)))
August 19, 2018
Este volumen, aún con un par de amenazas grandes para Invincible y sus amigos, se siente como una introducción para el siguiente arco, la guerra contra los Viltrumitas.
La manera en la que Kirkman ha conducido su historia me ha parecido muy interesante y divertida, muchas de las veces ni siquiera intuyo a dónde está llevando la historia, simplemente la conduce a lugares originales mientras construye a los personajes.
¿Qué me gustó de este volumen? El desarrollo de Invincible, vemos a un protagonista mucho más maduro que en otros volúmenes y que además se está dando cuenta que su peor enemigo es el mismo. Excelente construcción para llegar a este punto donde parece que está perdiendo la cordura.
Kirkman utiliza recursos que asombran al lector y que añaden drama para mantener la historia interesante, así lo hace en Walking Dead y también lo podemos ver aquí. De todos modos me gustaría ver a dónde lleva ese secreto de Atom Eve y qué significará para el desarrollo de Invincible.
Este volumen tiene mucho diálogo y aunque no hay peleas tan grandes como en otros volúmenes de todos modos sigue habiendo tensión buena acción y gran desarrollo de los personajes.
Estoy esperando con muchas ansias lo que sigue de la historia y ya quiero ver esa guerra Viltrumita desarrollándose.
La manera en la que Kirkman ha conducido su historia me ha parecido muy interesante y divertida, muchas de las veces ni siquiera intuyo a dónde está llevando la historia, simplemente la conduce a lugares originales mientras construye a los personajes.
¿Qué me gustó de este volumen? El desarrollo de Invincible, vemos a un protagonista mucho más maduro que en otros volúmenes y que además se está dando cuenta que su peor enemigo es el mismo. Excelente construcción para llegar a este punto donde parece que está perdiendo la cordura.
Kirkman utiliza recursos que asombran al lector y que añaden drama para mantener la historia interesante, así lo hace en Walking Dead y también lo podemos ver aquí. De todos modos me gustaría ver a dónde lleva ese secreto de Atom Eve y qué significará para el desarrollo de Invincible.
Este volumen tiene mucho diálogo y aunque no hay peleas tan grandes como en otros volúmenes de todos modos sigue habiendo tensión buena acción y gran desarrollo de los personajes.
Estoy esperando con muchas ansias lo que sigue de la historia y ya quiero ver esa guerra Viltrumita desarrollándose.
July 20, 2018
Forget this Mark guy. Can I just keep reading about Allen and Nolan's intergalactic scavenger hunt? Mark spends too much time being angsty and self-absorbed. No wonder Eve doesn't want to share some important news with him! At least the grownups are keeping track of the main mission, which is saving the galaxy from an evil empire.
Quick roundup of some other characters: Eve's dad is awful. Oliver is growing up fast. Cecil continues to be a moron.
On the villain front, Universa seemed way too cool to waste on a one-off. I'd rather spend more time with her than spend pages and pages dealing with goofy pink brains (I still can't take them seriously). At least it looks like she'll be back, as indicated by future trade covers.
Quick roundup of some other characters: Eve's dad is awful. Oliver is growing up fast. Cecil continues to be a moron.
On the villain front, Universa seemed way too cool to waste on a one-off. I'd rather spend more time with her than spend pages and pages dealing with goofy pink brains (I still can't take them seriously). At least it looks like she'll be back, as indicated by future trade covers.
September 9, 2010
This volume is a real bag of nuts. Different plots threads are advanced, some old threads finally finish, but it all comes across as unfocused, especially in trade format. Probably would have read better as single issues. The art is, as always, spectacular with Ryan Ottley doing most of the pencils and Cory Walker returns for one issue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews