Invincible #17
Image Comics
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Pencils & Inks: Ryan Ottley
Colors: Bill Crabtree
Letters: Rus Wooton
Price: $2.95

Rating: 3 stars

Invincible is the crown jewel of writer Robert Kirkman?s stable of projects. It is the best layered, most emotional work he has done thus far, and it is set in a universe he created. Based around young hero Mark Grayson and the pathos his life has been subjected to, Invincible has emerged from Image?s super hero experiment as the cream of the crop. Interestingly enough, the lady at my local comic book shop still has her money on Firebreather, but I?ll keep my cash on this title as the break-out Image book of last year.

Mark Grayson has been through a lot in his life. He found out his dad was Omni-Man, the biggest super hero of his day, and was able to enter that world himself as his powers emerged. He also had his world shattered when he found out his father wasn?t at all what he seemed. In a life and death battle against his flesh and blood that changed the course of the book, Mark learned that he has the makings of a hero, no matter what his genetics say. From that moment on, he has struggled to regain a sense of normalcy while dealing with his mother?s depression and alcohol abuse.

Issue 17 finds Mark out on a date with his normal but hot girlfriend Amber. As they reflect on the alien invasion that left them unable to finish their senior year on time, there is mischief afoot. A parallel universe has emerged to cause trouble down the road in this title. As the planning and plotting continue apace, Mark must rush to his graduation in hopes of getting there in time to receive his diploma.

The humanity and humility that Kirkman has put into his characterization of Mark is what drives this book. From his dysfunctional moments with his parents to the eruption of adolescence that drives all young men, Mark has had to deal with the normal as well as the paranormal. Some of the best moments in this title have taken place around the dinner table in his parent?s home. I appreciate the scripting and the great quiet moments Kirkman has placed throughout this run.

I also appreciate the artwork by Ryan Ottley. While he was not the first regular artist on the series, Ottley has stepped in and put his stamp on the book. With a focus on expressions and body language, which works well with Kirkman?s scripts, Ottley has brought realism to the book that most super hero titles are lacking. The unique coloring done by Bill Crabtree serves to pull the book together in a unified format.

Naysayers that see Invincible as a run of the mill super hero book are missing the boat here. Mark has been through hell and humor as both a regular teenager and a hero. As he prepares to enter his first term of college, I can only see further complications in his already hazardous life. Also, he has the specter of his father?s past and whereabouts to deal with. If you haven?t bought this title, pick up one of the trade paperbacks and give it a try. They are reasonably priced and include ?DVD extras? that are informative and fun. This is definitely a title worth the money and your time.

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