Superheroes and comics remain one of the dominant components in Hollywood, and while it can be easy to feel the weight of the onslaught of superhero movies and TV shows, Prime Video has become home to some of the best. That remains true with Invincible season 3. After that excruciating wait between the first and second seasons, Robert Kirkman and Simon Racioppa ensured the third season arrived much faster. All who have been waiting for Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) and the other characters to return will not be disappointed with what's offered here.

Invincible season 3 remains an incredibly faithful adaptation of Kirkman and Ryan Ottley's beloved comic series. The brilliance of what was already done on the page is still being copied and sometimes improved to an impressive degree. If you're like me and have read through the comics, you'll generally know where the season's main story beats are going and how certain decisions and characters connect to the hero's journey Mark is on. That knowledge does not prevent season 3 from being an action-packed, fast-paced, character-focused, and rewarding experience — at least through the first six episodes I've seen for review.

Invincible Season 3 Explores What It Really Means To Be A Hero

A Thematic Throughline Connects Mark's Story

There's a lot to be said about the action, memorable ing characters, and more that Kirkman and Racioppa work into season 3. However, the aspect that worked so well is the central theme that Invincible is confronted with. If Invincible season 1 was about Mark learning to be a superhero and season 2 was about him struggling to balance his various responsibilities, season 3 forces Mark to grapple with questions about what it means to be a hero, how far a hero is willing to go to save people, and what separates a hero from a villain.

It's a natural place for the series to build from after Invincible season 2's ending and Mark's annihilation of Angstrom Levy. The results are quite effective. Mark repeatedly faces his past decisions and tries to argue why he's morally in the right to do some things that others would consider to be terrible. The price of life and the cost of taking it is what Invincible season 3 is all about, and that's not just because of Mark's story. Oliver's actions as a wannabe hero, Cecil's motivations, the effects of Omni-Man's attack, and Powerplex's story are all tied to this.

This isn't necessarily wholly original ground for a superhero story to explore. Captain America: Civil War, The Dark Knight, and Avengers: Infinity War are but a few films that dive into similar ideas. It's also baked into the source material Kirkman wrote well over a decade ago. Yet, Invincible season 3 approaches it with fresh eyes. The show does it confidently with great characters who help blur the line between hero and villain. Just as Mark's arc was a major point of praise in my Invincible season 2 review, his story driving the main themes once again elevates season 3.

An early line from Cecil can sum it all up as he says, "We can be the good guys, or we can be the guys who save the Earth. We can't be both." Cecil might believe that, but Mark does not. He wants to be both and is often reminded that this is easier said than done. Seeing a hero struggle with his faults helps make them more relatable, especially when they are as powerful as a Viltrumite. Invincible season 3 thrives on Mark's moral crisis to ensure the season is about more than just the next big battle.

Invincible's ing Characters & Stories Mostly Make Up For Season 3's Villain Problem

Cecil & Rex Splode Are Two Of Season 3's Standout Characters

If there is anything that holds back season 3, the structure of the season's story is the main issue. This season fully embraces the villain of the week model of storytelling. That means we see Doc Seismic, Multi-Paul, the Maulers, Mr. Liu, Powerplex, and even Cecil take turns playing central antagonists. While each is compelling separately, I couldn't shake the feeling that the show lacks an overall bad guy. There's nothing close to Omni-Man in season 1, and even Angstrom Levy's limited use in season 2 was better than what's offered here.

No singular villain is challenging Mark physically or morally in a way that helps his arc become even stronger.

This is one area where Invincible season 3 repeats an issue I had previously. No singular villain is challenging Mark physically or morally in a way that helps his arc become even stronger. That responsibility is divided among multiple villains and brings varied results. Powerplex's arrival is more emotional than I expected — and Aaron Paul's performance is a significant reason why — while Seismic and Mr. Liu up the ante on the action front. The final two episodes of season 3 could eliminate this criticism, and I don't imagine future seasons will have a similar villain problem.

Additionally, the lack of a central antagonist means season 3 has even more time to dedicate to various characters. Cecil is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this direction. He's presented as the primary foil to Invincible ethically early on. The show does such a fantastic job setting up the parallels between Cecil and Mark and having their differences spark a massive feud that I wish there was an even greater focus on this story. There's even a shockingly compelling and silent backstory given to two unlikely villains, which also connects to the season's central themes.

Invincible season 3 doesn't forget about Allen the Alien or Omni-Man, but they are in it sparingly. Rex Splode is one of the highlights comedically and in of his particular character development. Eve gets a great story as she takes steps to be able and more mature as a hero, while her and Mark's relationship advances in significant ways. Oliver is a welcome addition to the group of main characters. There's even great moments with Robot, Monster Girl, Debbie, and Immortal. And yes, Battle Beast's return is just as blood-soaked as one could hope for.

Invincible season 3 is a dream come true...

Ultimately, as someone who already loved the show and the comics, Invincible season 3 is a dream come true in almost every way. It's not better than season 1, but it's almost as good as before. There's a confidence, depth, and complexity to this season that pushes it over the top. The voice cast falls deeper into their familiar roles, and the results are excellent once more. I have some minor quibbles here and there, but this is still the best superhero show on TV for my money, and I can't wait to watch the final two episodes now.

Invincible season 3 episodes 1-3 release on Prime Video on February 6, 2025.