Invincible: The Ultimate Collection Volume 4 (Invincible Ultimate Collection)
by Robert Kirkman
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Book Summary Information
Author: Robert KirkmanDrawings: Ryan Ottley
Colorist: Bill Crabtree
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-04-29
ISBN: 1582409897
Number of pages: 336
Publisher: Image Comics
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9781582409894
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Invincible: The Ultimate Collection Volume 4 (Invincible Ultimate Collection)
Book Review: Robert Kirkman keeps taking my money
Summary: 5 Stars
Robert Kirkman keeps on writing some of the best comic books out there, with THE WALKING DEAD and with INVINCIBLE, and, for a change, his stuff is even coming out on schedule. Whereas THE WALKING DEAD is a slow burn psychological approach to zombie horror, INVINCIBLE is a study in exuberant superhero storytelling. And, after all these years, INVINCIBLE still feels fresh and exciting and still sits at the top of my pull list.
INVINCIBLE ULTIMATE COLLECTION Vol. 4 collects issues #36-47 (basically, the same issues collected in the TPBs, INVINCIBLE Vol. 8: MY FAVORITE MARTIAN and INVINCIBLE Vol. 9: OUT OF THIS WORLD). As a bonus, ULTIMATE COLLECTION Vol. 4 offers a 48-paged sketchbook with commentary from Kirkman and Ryan Ottley and also reprints the covers to the INVINCIBLE trades, Vols. 8 & 9.
In these dozen issues Mark Grayson finds that the demands on him as a superhero are seriously eating into his personal life. He's been neglecting his academic responsibilities; Mark isn't even certain he wants to continue attending college. His relationship with his girlfriend Amber is going downhill fast. And, after certain recent events (the ones in which he was tossed into all those alternate realities and learned that thing about Atom Eve), he really doesn't have his act together, romantic wise.
For a series ostensibly featuring one central protagonist, INVINCIBLE showcases a sprawling supporting cast, most of which are given evolving character arcs. Kirkman expands on the lovey-dovey soap opera by delving into the relationships between the newlyweds Immortal and Multi-Kate and between Monster Girl and Robot (who is clearly the Reed Richards of the Invincible universe). Matter of fact, Monster Girl and Robot together form a sweet AND bittersweet love story.
On the bad-guy-stomping side of things, there's plenty of movement. I don't think we really have to worry that this series will ever slow down and take a load off. Robert Kirkman is excellent at juggling busloads of plot threads - there's always one or two on center stage, and plenty more brewing in the pot. The current batch of shenanigans kicks off with Mark and his best friend William's search for their long missing buddy Rick. This then leads to an encounter with the cyborged-up Reanimen.
Then there's the four-part arc featuring Invincible, Atom Eve, and the strongest members of the Guardians of the Globe launching into space to avert an invasion by that NASA astronaut guy what got possessed by the more dangerous than you think Sequids, alien squid thingees which share a single intelligence, a sinister hive mind of sorts. This is a pretty awesome deep space adventure, and the heroes find themselves really up against it. But, as the heroes in space make calamari, back home, the leftover Guardians of the Globe face off against the formidable Lizard League, who'd taken over a missile silo - and it doesn't look good for the good guys.
A while ago Invincible, being half-Viltrumite, had been designated by the Viltrumite Empire as the agent tasked with preparing Earth for the inevitable takeover. If I remember it right, he was given 100 years to do this. But that doesn't stop the Empire from sending someone to check on Mark's progress (which is, of course, nil). Invincible learns yet again that he's got far to go to match the power and prowess of a mature, full-blooded Viltrumite. And this one's a chick!
And more stuff happens.
Kirkman has a knack for writing interesting characters. Shapesmith is very likeable. Allen the Alien returns, and he's still this cool dude with one honking eyeball. And there's a sighting of Mark's dad Nolan, who was last seen being captured and led away for execution by his fellow Viltrumites. We check in on the progress of that cute little tyke Oliver Grayson, Mark's purple half-brother. Oliver, half born of an alien race with a diminished life span, demonstrates accelerated aging and growth spurts. Mark's powers developed with puberty. With Oliver, it might not take as long. And, heck, even Brit drops in for a cameo.
Ryan Ottley, the artist, keeps laying down fantastic pencils and inks. His stuff is pitch perfect for the mood and the look of INVINCIBLE. I don't think more needs to be said.
What Kirkman has going for him is his ability to tell stories that feel contemporary yet resonate with that Silver Age enthusiasm and clarity. I think, for right now, the best word I can come up with is "joyous." Kirkman's stuff reeks of this joyousness and you can't help but be swept along. And yet the lightness of the tone carries this undercurrent, of epic doings and big consequences. Kirkman is steadily building up Invincible to become the preeminent superhero in his universe, but there are learning curves and stumbling blocks along the way. And it's partly this hook, of watching Mark Grayson grow into his role, that lends his series gravitas.
The lightness of the tone, the cleanness of Ottley's art, the college atmosphere, all these elements lull you so that, sometimes, you forget that tragic, awful things have happened in this comic book. Kirkman is so adept at keeping it real, or as real as you can make a superhero story, and the key is in his writing of dialogue that feels believable and rings true. I'd like to point out, as an example, Mark's conversation with his mother about why he should or shouldn't stay in school. Mark submits a pretty strong and lengthy argument, and he punctuates it with this comment: "You know I don't really need school. What -- am I going to be a dentist? Why would I do that?" To her credit, Mark's mom listens and ponders his words. A real conversation, I dig it. It's little things like that which lend substance and a relatability to all the crazy superhero bluster. INVINCIBLE is one of the best superhero comics out there, if not THE best! And if you haven't sampled this series yet - well, first, what the eff? - and then, second, what are you waiting for? Because if you don't know, now you know.
Summary of Invincible: The Ultimate Collection Volume 4 (Invincible Ultimate Collection)
Witness Invincible's transition from new hero just starting out to an established superhero! This volume collects Invincible's violent battle with the villainous Reanimen, the invasion attempt by the Sequis from Mars, and the introduction of the Viltrumite agent, Anissa.Fantasy Books
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