New fans of the show and returning Fans of Invincible like Kaden Norton hope the quality of animation stays the same from what they’ve come to expect from the previous seasons. Photo by Jacob Penner.

Season Three of Invincible proves once again why the show stands out in such a crowded field of superhero content. While Marvel and DC often lean into their movie formula, Invincible continues to carve its own space gritty, emotional and unflinching. At the heart of it all? Characters that feel painfully human, even when they’re aliens, cyborgs or world-destroying tyrants.

The storytelling this season deepens in impressive ways. Mark Grayson’s arc gets deeper this season as he evolves from season two, as he deals with trauma, leadership, and what it really means to be a hero in a world that constantly breaks him down and tests his morals, not just his physical strengths. What makes it hit harder isn’t just the blood and chaos, it’s the vulnerability. Mark’s emotional moments aren’t just good; they’re raw. You believe him. You feel him. That’s rare in animated media and feels missed lately from Marvel and DC making Invincible feel like the better superhero show compared to the bigger budget blockbusters. Michael Smeasmen, a long-time theater movie watcher he says he isn’t a fan of animation, but he remarks how much better it is than traditional superhero films. 

“I’m not really a fan of superhero movies, it feels like if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. That’s why I liked Invincible from the start, it kept me hooked and has kept me hooked for the last three seasons.”

Omni-Man’s return brings with it a whole new layer of tension. His presence looms large over every scene, even when he isn’t there. And when he is, the stakes skyrocket. The show doesn’t lean into redemption tropes too quickly, either. It gives characters room to wrestle with betrayal and grief, especially Debbie, whose scenes this season deserve more praise than they’re getting. Her slow burn recovery arc is one of the most grounded and beautifully painful parts of the show. It’s nice to see how regular people deal with such situations instead of it getting overlooked, even the background characters are given story and details that make the show feel even better

But it’s not just the main trio or even the supporting characters like Atom Eve, Allen the Alien, and even the Mauler Twins that get compelling development. It’s a testament to the writing team’s strength: every character matters. Nobody feels like filler. Even the background characters make reappearances throughout the show, Smeasmen wishes that other shows would focus on characters’ stories and development rather than action.

“There are so many characters that get affected by what’s happening,” Smeasmen explained. “It’s not just a punch-fest. It feels like everyone has a story, not just the main cast. I wish more shows would take the time to flesh out their characters like Invincible does.”

That said, Season Three isn’t flawless. The biggest criticism so far and it’s becoming increasingly hard to ignore is the editing. Some episodes feel oddly stitched together, and certain scenes lack the polish we’ve seen in past seasons. The pacing, too, feels uneven at times. There are moments where a major plot point feels rushed, or where tonal shifts happen so abruptly that you almost wonder if scenes were moved around last-minute for budget cuts.

Unfortunately, this might not be the studio’s fault. Word’s been going around that Amazon isn’t increasing the budget for Invincible Studios, despite the show’s massive popularity. It’s a shame, honestly. Considering a show like The Boys and the budget they were given. The writing is still doing the heavy lifting, but with more funding, the visuals and flow could match the strength of the storytelling. This is a show that deserves that level of backing.

As fans look toward Season Four, speculation is already ramping up, and there are whispers that the showrunners might be removing or reworking major comic storylines. This will make season four the first major season to deter from the comics. One particular arc involving Mark’s time on another planet has been hinted at in interviews, but the framing in recent episodes suggests a new direction entirely. Whether this is good or bad remains to be seen, but it’s bold. If they stick the landing, it could offer a refreshing spin on familiar material and avoid the pitfalls of direct adaptation fatigue. 

“Invincible has always dared to take risks and break the mold of typical superhero stories,” says Kaden Norton, an entertainment and comic analyst. “With the shift away from direct comic adaptations, the show could find even more creative freedom. If done right, it could even set a new standard for what we expect from animated superhero content.”

Still, one thing is clear: Invincible Season Three is pushing boundaries. It dares to be messy, emotional, and honest in ways that most superhero shows won’t touch. Even with its flaws, it’s one of the most compelling animated series on TV right now. IMDB gave season three episode seven the second 10/10 the only other show that’s been given a 10/10 was the finale episode of Breaking Bad, a show hailed to be one of the best to ever be created, with invincible right up with that tier of quality.