Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Invincible season 2.

Summary

• Invincible excels at reshaping characters and flipping their nature, highlighting the story's ability to change the audience's perception of certain heroes.
• Rex Splode, one of the most unlikable characters in season 1, is becoming more sympathetic and likable in season 2.
• The show is setting Rex Splode up to become one of its greatest heroes, potentially building to a leadership role within the Guardians of the Globe.

Guardians of the Globe, highlighted how well the show could reshape characters. There are several characters whose secrets or true intentions have altered their audience perception, and this approach to flipping their nature has become a staple of Invincible's storytelling. Now, one of season 1's worst heroes is getting a redemption arc.

The hero-to-villain story can often be more memorable, and it's easier to pull off. Omni-Man's shocking betrayal is still one of the biggest moments of the series. Other characters also have dubious moments that call their intentions into question. Robot seeking the Mauler Twins' help and Titan taking over Machine Head's operation make these characters less trustworthy; therefore, it is easier to root against them if they have bad intentions later on. Doing the opposite is much more complicated. Taking an unlikable character and turning them into a fan favorite is a challenge, but it's one Invincible might pull off.

Rex Splode Was Impossible To Like In Invincible Season 1

Despite the countless villains that are featured in Invincible season 1, Rex Splode is one of the show's most off-putting characters. He's impossible to like despite being a member of both the Teen Team and the new Guardians of the Globe. Rex is self-centered and entitled, often putting others down and continuing to fuel his own ego. His superiority complex is on full display when he makes fun of Monster Girl for having the appearance of a child. This is common behavior for Rex in Invincible season 1, yet it isn't his worst action.

Rex also cheats on Atom Eve with Dupli-Kate while all three are part of the same superhero team. While he tries to explain himself, he doesn't give Eve a proper apology — and despite showing signs of regret over the situation, Rex keeps on antagonizing the rest of the team. He also appears to be jealous of Mark, taking shots at him whenever the opportunity arises. All these traits add up to make Rex Splode one of the Invincible's most unlikable characters throughout season 1. However, his egotistical and arrogant persona clearly masks his insecurities, and the show appears to be heading in a new direction with the hero.

Rex Splode is voiced by Jason Mantzoukas in Invincible.

Rex Splode Is Becoming More Sympathetic In Invincible Season 2

Despite all his mistakes in season 1, Invincible season 2 makes Rex Splode more sympathetic. Toward the end of the first season, Rex is slowly becoming more of a team player. He's the first to start cleaning the previous Guardians of the Globe ' blood off the wall, symbolizing the team is ready to step up. This path to redemption continues into season 2, and although he retains his cocky personality, Rex gets on much better with his teammates. Rex also gets a taste of his own medicine when he catches Dupli-Kate and the Immortal in the shower together, the same way Atom Eve catches him.

Such occurrences are making Rex a more sympathetic character in season 2, as he's starting to feel the same hurt he causes other people. This is amplified when Invincible season 2's multiverse reveals that he died in another dimension, where he was part of the resistance against Viltrum's takeover. There's still a long way to go before Rex Splode becomes a fully redeemed character, but his season 2 portrayal puts him on the right path. It may take a proper apology to Eve and improvement as a hero, but Rex's increased likability could transform him from one of the show's most hated characters to one of its most loved.

Invincible Is Setting Up Rex Splode To Become One Of Its Greatest Heroes

The redemption arc Rex Splode is currently on is setting him up to be one of Invincible's greatest heroes. While his durability and powers may not be on the same level as some of the bigger heroes, this will help him stand out. It takes more than powers to be great, and Rex has an underdog quality that will make him beating some of the toughest villains much more satisfying. He doesn't have to do this alone either. Being part of a team — and perhaps the Guardians' future leader — will prove what a great hero Rex can become. How he handles the Immortal could be significant for his character arc.

If Rex can coexist with the Immortal, there could be a ing of the torch moment that sees him going on to lead the Guardians of the Globe. Alternatively, his jealousy and animosity toward the Immortal could cost him his place on the team. The introduction of Bulletproof in Invincible season 2 highlights that, while Rex may still be confrontational to new , he can still get along with them. If his character continues on this road and avoids letting his ego get in his way, there is every chance that Rex Splode could become one of Invincible's greatest heroes.