Five Best Comics to Read Before Invincible Season 4
Amazon Prime’s Invincible continues to captivate audiences with its brutal action, layered
storytelling, and heartfelt character arcs. As fans await Season 4, which promises even more
intergalactic warfare, emotional fallout, and shocking twists, there’s no better time to dive
into some comics that either expand on the Invincible universe or offer similar themes.
Whether you’re looking to brush up on lore or find new series that echo the show’s emotional
core and visceral storytelling, these five comics are essential reads before the next chapter
begins.
- Invincible (2003) by Robert Kirkman, Cory
Walker & Ryan Ottley
Let’s start with the obvious (but necessary) pick. The original Invincible comic is still the best
way to understand where the show might be headed. Written by Robert Kirkman and
published by Image Comics, the series ran for 144 issues and offers a rich roadmap that goes
far beyond where the show currently is.
Reading ahead can offer insight into future characters like Conquest, Thragg’s children, and
Allen the Alien’s expanded role. The comic also deepens the complex moral questions
around Viltrumite imperialism and Mark’s evolving view of heroism. With Season 4 likely to
explore the Viltrumite War arc, this is a must-read if you want to see how much darker and
more epic the story becomes.
- The Boys by Garth Ennis & Darick Robertson
If Invincible’s appeal lies in its deconstruction of superhero tropes, The Boys takes that same
approach and cranks up the cynicism. While Invincible offers hope amidst bloodshed, The
Boys leans heavily into nihilism and corporate corruption, but both series peel back the
veneer of idealized superheroes to show how dangerous unchecked power can be.
The relationship between Homelander and The Seven eerily mirrors Omni-Man and the
Viltrumites, and the emotional trauma faced by civilians caught in their path mirrors Debbie
and Mark’s struggles. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a raw and timely reminder of what
happens when morality is tossed aside in the name of strength.
- Radiant Black by Kyle Higgins & Marcelo
Costa
If you’re looking for something that blends youthful optimism with cosmic stakes, Radiant
Black is your next obsession. Created by former Power Rangers writer Kyle Higgins, the
series is part superhero origin story, part interdimensional mystery, and 100% fresh.
Much like Invincible, Radiant Black centers on a young man named Nathan who’s suddenly
thrust into the superhero spotlight with little preparation. The series explores themes of
responsibility, identity, and the cost of power, often echoing Mark Grayson’s internal
struggles. Plus, with its connected universe (Radiant Red, Rogue Sun, and more), it has the
same potential for sprawling stories and intense emotional investment.
- Saga by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
While Saga doesn’t deal with superheroes per se, it excels in combining sweeping galactic
conflict with deeply personal storytelling, exactly what Invincible does so well. If Season 4
leans into the broader war against the Viltrumites, Saga serves as the perfect tonal parallel.
Mark and Eve’s relationship mirrors the emotionally charged romance between Alana and
Marko. Both stories deal with raising a child in a hostile universe, trying to build a family in
the midst of chaos and confronting impossible odds. It’s violent, beautiful, strange, and
unforgettable, just like Invincible at its best.
- Superman: Birthright by Mark Waid & Leinil
Francis Yu
To truly understand Invincible, it helps to understand what it’s deconstructing. Superman:
Birthright is a modern retelling of the Man of Steel’s origin, and it shines a spotlight on the
moral compass and emotional depth that made Superman iconic. It’s the perfect foil to Omni-
Man’s terrifying betrayal and Mark’s struggle to redefine what heroism means.
More than that, it helps emphasize how Invincible is both a critique and a love letter to classic
superhero ideals. Mark Grayson doesn’t reject Superman’s legacy, he reclaims it, flaws and
all. Birthright gives readers a powerful reminder of the hope and integrity that the best
superheroes fight for.
