Steven Yeun says Invincible season 2 is even better than the first, and here's what Amazon's animated superhero show can do to prove him right. Robert Kirkman spearheaded the animated adaption of his acclaimed comic series, and Invincible season 1's arrival in 2021 proved it was worth the wait. The story of Mark Grayson becoming Invincible and fighting his father, Omni-Man, earned high praise from viewers. There is much excitement for what will come next, especially as those involve hype Invincible season 2 as being better than season 1.
While those familiar with Kirkman's comics have a general understanding of what is coming next, viewers of the series alone merely have Invincible season 1's ending to go off of. The season finale saw Mark learn the truth about his father and the Viltrumites, leading to a bloody battle between father and son. Once Omni-Man left Earth, Mark was free to heal and piece his life (and the planet) back together. Of course, the episode didn't end without teasing various storylines for Invincible season 2, such as the arrival of new and familiar villains. It's also quite clear that characters like Atom Eve, Allen the Alien, and Cecil Stedman will take on more prominent roles.
Since Invincible season 1 earned a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a similarly high 91% rating from general audiences, it is quite clear that all audiences thoroughly enjoyed the series. There is even an argument to be made that Invincible was one of the best TV shows of 2021. Anticipation for season 2 is understandably high as a result, and the teases from Yeun and Kirkman that it beats what came before only raise excitement. It also seems like a tall task for Invincible season 2 to accomplish, but here's how the show can exceed expectations again.
Invincible Faces More Powerful Villains
One way for Invincible season 2 to beat season 1 is through the villains Mark Grayson will have to fight. The first season put him through the wringer as he fought various threats, including Omni-Man, but they arguably pale in comparison to what awaits Invincible next. It has already been confirmed that Invincible season 2 properly features the powerful Viltrumite warrior Conquest, as well as the evil supergenius Angstrom Levy. Conquest and Levy are polar opposites in their methods and how they pose a threat to Invincible, but both of them are not to be taken lightly. Either one of them on their own can ruin Mark's life, so the possibility of both appearing in season 2 will test the young hero like never before.
Conquest's undeniable strength as a fighter makes him a great new villain for Invincible season 2, as the comics have proved he's as strong as Omni-Man - only he won't show Mark any mercy in their fights. Angstrom Levy, on the other hand, is a menacing threat due to his knowledge of the multiverse and genius intellect. In both cases, these villains present Invincible season 2 with terrifying presences who also can expand the universe in their own ways, which pave the way for even bigger stories in the immediate future and going forward.
Omni-Man's Redemption Starts
Invincible viewers rightfully came to hate Omni-Man over the course of season 1, but his redemption in season 2 can also be a way for the show to get better. The show acted quickly as to not hide Omni-Man's evil nature, which promptly put him in supervillain territory for the entirety of the first season. However, Omni-Man sparing Mark and leaving the planet begins the next chapter in his life - one that will ultimately include his full redemption. The comics provide plenty of insight into where exactly his story goes next and the twists and turns viewers should be treated to. Without getting too far into potential spoilers for the show, it is safe to say that Omni-Man and Mark Grayson will reunite under very different circumstances in Invincible season 2. When that happens, the dynamic between them will further help the series subvert expectations and provide viewers with something new and better than before.
Expanding The Superhero World
Those who watched Invincible season 1 were introduced to a variety of different characters who barely had any screen time. There are also countless characters from the comics and Kirkman's larger Invincible universe that didn't appear. With season 2 potentially going bigger with its threats, expanding the scope of the superhero world also makes sense. This could include introducing the likes of Bulletproof, a member of the Guardians of the Globe who becomes Invincible for a time, or The Shapesmith, a superhero Martian who escapes from Mars. Invincible season 2 can also include characters like Brit (an old super soldier), Tech Jacket (a teen powered by an alien vest), Wolf-Man (a businessman-turned werewolf), and others that Kirkman created in separate comics that eventually became heavily tied to the Invincible universe.
Atom Eve's Story Grows & Improves
Another way for Invincible season 2 to go beyond the first season is by growing and improving Atom Eve's story. She plays a pivotal role in season 1 as a friend, classmate, and love interest of Mark Grayson. Still, there is room for Atom Eve to play a much bigger role in season 2, which could include the show making changes to better her story. Invincible already teased how this could be possible. Since she is living on her own and Mark and Amber are still dating, the series can focus a bit more on Atom Eve's incredible powers and what she does as a solo hero. This can give her a bit more time to shine, which does happen sparingly in the first season. Invincible season 2 can then spend more time showing how she is feeling ahead of some major developments in her and Mark's lives occur. Some of those moments could come sooner than later based on Conquest and Angstrom Levy on the way.
Bigger Roles For Allen the Alien, Battle Beast, & More
There is also the opportunity for Invincible season 2 to give other supporting characters from the first season much bigger roles. Scene-stealing characters like Seth Rogen's Allen the Alien only appeared in a few scenes in season 1, but he is specifically well-positioned to play a much bigger role next. He is far from a random character who will only appear one time, as the comics give Allen the Alien a major role in possible Invincible season 2 storylines. The same can also be said for Battle Beast, who nearly killed Mark in season 1, or Rex Splode. These are just a few characters who will likely receive more screen time in Invincible season 2. Based on how well audiences liked them all the first time around, the second season will benefit from including more of their stories, humor, and violence.