Review - Invincible 85

Invincible is one of the few long running titles I've had the pleasure of reading from its first issue. If there's one constant of Invincible, its that it's never one to sit still. Always moving forward, always changing, never afraid to pull punches (often times literally). That being said, The Viltrumite War
epic brought me dangerously close to dropping the title. I'm not sure what never clicked with me with that story, but after all the build up and excitement when the actual War started I found myself bored more then thrilled. I think it was Ryan Ottley's amazing artwork that held me on through that (and I'm not an 'art guy' so that's saying something to the talents of Mr. Wya). But ultimately I'm very glad I stuck through it, as the post-Viltrumite War fallout has been nothing short of excellent. The struggle the title's lead character Mark is going through right now, and how he's dealing with his physiological stress at who he is and what his purpose in the world should be, has been fascinating to read.

Issue 85 of Invincible actually doesn't have anything to do with Mark, or anyone on Earth. Ryan Ottley needed a break, so instead of dropping a fill-in artist into the middle of the main storyline, or delaying the title for two months, instead we have the original Invincible artist (and title Co-Creator) Cory Walker drawing a two issue side-story dealing with Mark's father, Omni-Man and Mark's half-brother Oliver out in space working with the Coalition of Planets and insuring the continuing peace in a war ravaged galaxy. Cory Walker was there at the launch of the series, drawing the first six issues of the series, before handing the reigns over to Ryan Ottley. So having him back on this fill-in arc really feels right.

This issue focuses on Allen the alien's (the current head of the Coalition) struggle with the idea of the last surviving Viltrumites living out on Earth. Omni-Man makes his case but the Coalition is not pleased with this development, and Allen is conflicted between the good of the Coalition and his friendship with Omni-Man and Mark. Not to mention the fate of an entire planet of humans caught in the middle.

I really liked this issue, I like Allen, and his new position in the title makes him even complex. Cory Walker's art is in top form, and the way its evolved from Invincible's early days is significant. Invincible in general has been on the uptick over the last few months, and while The Viltrumite War itself was a bit of a letdown, the groundwork it laid has been paying off really well.

Next: 2000 AD 1758