This article contains spoilers for Invincible season 2, episode 3.
Summary
- Invincible season 2 sets up the potential for an Allen the Alien spinoff, with the show introducing a diverse range of characters and worlds to explore.
- Allen the Alien stands out as one of the most likable characters in Invincible, and his mix of affability and toughness makes him a pleasure to watch.
- The one-shot Atom Eve special proves that a spinoff focused on a single character, like Allen, can be rewarding and provide variety without overstaying its welcome.
One episode of Mark Grayson’s growing powers, and his path to overcoming his father’s dark legacy while laying the groundwork for rewarding subplots for some of the show’s most interesting characters. As the show gradually reveals more and more of its sprawling world, the spinoff possibilities become ever more appealing. Invincible has already seen a one-off prequel with Invincible: Adam Eve, and Amazon’s other hit superhero show, The Boys, has experienced considerable success with a fully-fledged spinoff series, Gen V.
Invincible has a considerable wealth of characters and worlds that could be explored in their own story. Indeed, some of the best Invincible comics characters, such as the hoverbike-riding Space Racer and the humanoid dinosaur Dinosaurus, haven’t even appeared on the show yet. However, one ideal candidate already made his debut in Invincible season 1. Despite the character seemingly meeting a grisly end during Invincible season 2, episode 3, spinoff potential is still very much alive.
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Allen The Alien Is Perfect For An Invincible Spinoff
Invincible does a great job of managing the massive scope of its superhero universe; the deliberate focus of the central narrative allows for controlled exposure to a seemingly endless variety of fascinating worlds and vivid characters. One of the best characters to be introduced through this approach is Allen the Alien. Allen’s season 1 introduction quickly established him as Invincible’s most likable character. The scene in which Allen’s confrontation with Mark suddenly turns into a disarmingly friendly interaction comes as a breath of fresh air for the increasingly grim season.
Allen’s instantly likable characterization, aided by the recognizable voice of Seth Rogen, makes the character a prime contender for an Invincible spinoff. Allen’s mix of affability and toughness makes him a pleasure to watch, and his intergalactic job provides the opportunity to explore more of the Invincible universe outside of Earth. What’s more, Seth Rogen is one member of Invincible’s celebrity voice cast who can always be counted on to return, since he serves as an executive producer on the show alongside his creative partner Evan Goldberg through their production company, Point Grey Pictures.
Amazon's Atom Eve Special Proved A One-Shot Allen Story Would Work
Stepping away from a series’ core characters and narrative for a spinoff always constitutes a risk; there’s no guarantee that audiences will accept the lack of familiar elements. However, a show can mitigate this risk by positioning the spinoff as a one-shot special. By telling a single, self-contained Allen the Alien story, the show can deliver some variety without the spinoff outstaying its welcome. Invincible has already proven that a spinoff one-shot can work with Invincible: Atom Eve.
The one-off Atom Eve special, which aired several months before Invincible season 2, delivers vital context on Atom Eve without distracting from the momentum of the show proper. What’s more, Invincible: Atom Eve proves that a spinoff that barely features any recognizable characters and does not significantly impact the main plot can still be rewarding. With Allen being just as popular as Eve, the Atom Eve one-shot makes it even easier to see a way forward for an Allen the Alien spinoff.
How Invincible Season 2 Sets Up An Allen The Alien Solo Story
Invincible season 2, episode 3, “This Missive, This Machination!” delivers a lengthy Allen side story that serves as the perfect primer for a spinoff. The episode touches on a fascinating backstory, sets up Allen’s relationships, and even ends on something of a cliffhanger. While the subplot seems to show Allen dying not once, but twice, creator Robert Kirkman has confirmed (via TV Guide) “he’s not dead […] but it's definitely going to be different from the way he existed before.”
Invincible Season 2 Begins The Tragic Romance Story You Aren't Ready For
Invincible doesn’t shy away from the realities of being a superhero, and season 2 is starting one romance that’s likely to end tragically.
With the character still living, there’s plenty of room to explore Allen in a one-off, or even a full-on spinoff series. The Invincible universe could resolve what happens to Allen after his episode 3 betrayal. It could also operate as a prequel, like Invincible: Atom Eve, exploring Allen’s strange job as an “evaluation officer” for Invincible's coalition of planets, too weak for his intended purpose of defeating the Viltrumites, but too strong to be defeated by anyone else in the galaxy. Allen the Alien is a memorable character, one uniquely positioned to offer a deeper exploration of the Invincible universe.
Source: TV Guide
