10 Unmissable Shows for Fans of Invincible: Superheroes, Dark Themes, and Epic Battles Await!

In the eighth episode of Season 3, Invincible, the thrilling and action-packed conclusion for Mark Grayson’s adventures (temporarily, that is) was presented.

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Invincible Season 4 (hopefully not much longer according to Robert Kirkman), and the return of our beloved character Mark, I wanted to alleviate any potential boredom you might experience in the meantime by suggesting some exceptional series that share similarities with Invincible for your viewing pleasure.

To ensure my readers receive only top-tier TV recommendations, I’ve carefully selected a variety of series. These include thrilling superhero shows, captivating anime, and action-packed series that, while not clones, do share some similar qualities to Invincible – not in an eerie Mauler Twins fashion.

These shows can be captivating adventures, complex narratives delving into deep philosophical themes, or adult-oriented series with frequent profanity and explicit content (let’s face it, that’s part of what makes Invincible appealing). And while I may not always feel like a hero, in this instance, I most certainly am.

X-Men ’97

Release date: March 20, 2024 – present
Genre: Superhero
Cast: Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, J. P. Karliak
How long is it? 1 season (10 episodes)

In essence: After Charles Xavier departs from Earth following a failed assassination attempt, the X-Men face challenges in realizing his vision of harmony between mutants and humans. Throughout this journey, former adversaries align with them, some heroes perish, and a formidable new foe arises.

Just like Invincible, X-Men ’97 is a show centered around characters that delves into mature topics using the vibrant universe of superheroes as its backdrop. These themes encompass issues such as racism, discrimination, and even potential mass extermination.

Without a doubt, X-Men ’97 often delves into somber themes, and it’s quite possible that one of the saddest TV moments in 2024 will have originated from this series; I’m confident you recall it. However, it’s not all bleak, as there’s plenty of entertainment to be found in watching the X-Men fight against mutant villains, shady scientists, and malfunctioning robots. Here’s hoping that X-Men ’97 Season 2 can match the quality of its predecessor.

Samurai Jack

Release date: August 10, 2001 – May 20, 2017
Genre: Action-adventure/fantasy
Cast: Phil LaMarr, Mako, Greg Baldwin
How long is it? 5 seasons (62 episodes)

Long ago, in a far-off realm, the malevolent sorcerer of shadows, Aku, let loose an abhorrent evil! Yet, a reckless samurai armed with a mystical sword dared to challenge him. In the heat of battle, moments before the final strike, Aku ripped open a rift in time, hurling me into this future where Aku’s wickedness reigns supreme. Now, I journey through time, aiming to reverse the future that is Aku’s doing (And yes, you can hear the sinister echo of Aku in those words).

The reason for its appeal: Blending elements of action series and artistic films, Samurai Jack, for the majority of its duration, offered a visually appealing and uniquely cinematic animated program with exceptional fight sequences that stand out among those shown on television. However, it was during its fifth season that the show truly shone, earning a place on this list. The final 10 episodes concluded Jack’s journey in a moving and emotionally satisfying way, even if it didn’t deliver exactly what we anticipated. Still, the ending packed a significant punch.

Young Justice

Release date: November 26, 2010 – June 9, 2022
Genre: Superhero
Cast: Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, Nolan North
How long is it? 4 seasons (98 episodes)

The young allies of DC’s most powerful heroes come together to create a new superhero group and defend the planet against villainy.

What makes it appealing: Similar to Invincible, Young Justice focuses on a band of young superheroes and delves into the challenging truth of growing up while engaged in the battle against criminality (not to mention extraterrestrial invasions, given it’s DC Comics).

Although Young Justice isn’t as violent as Mark’s series, both share a common theme of delving into the grim realities of superheroism and the difficult choices heroes must make to protect the world from evil. If you found Rex’s death emotional, then prepare for the heart-wrenching sacrifice of Wally West. Moreover, you’ll encounter numerous cameos from DC characters and exciting battle sequences. Lastly, it offers an exceptional portrayal of Aquaboy (Aquadlad), surpassing even his comic book counterpart.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Release date: February 21, 2005 – July 19, 2008
Genre: Fantasy
Cast: Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Dante Basco
How long is it? 3 seasons (61 episodes)

In ancient times, a harmonious coexistence was maintained among the four nations. However, this balance was disrupted when the Fire Nation launched an attack, eliminating the Air Nomads. The Avatar, who could control all four elements and had the potential to halt their aggression, vanished at the exact time when the world needed him most. A century later, the new Avatar is found and embarks on the challenging task of bringing an end to the Fire Nation’s ruthless war.

What makes it appealing: Avatar: The Last Airbender, without a doubt, is a fantastic series that you’re already aware of for its compelling writing, thought-provoking themes, and stunning visuals. However, you might be curious about what connects a TV show about a child with firebending abilities to Mark Grayson’s story?

One reason Invincible stands out as an excellent series is its exploration of consequences, never hesitating to display how the actions of both heroes and villains affect those around them. In many ways, this mirrors Avatar: The Last Airbender, which also refused to let its characters avoid the repercussions of their decisions, adding depth and realism to their stories and making their world all the more captivating.

Spawn: The Animated Series

Release date: May 16, 1997 – May 28, 1999
Genre: Superhero
Cast: Keith David, Richard Dysart, Michael Nicolosi
How long is it? 3 seasons (18 episodes)

Main Topic: After Marine Force Recon ex-Lieutenant Colonel Al Simmons is brutally murdered, he vows to take revenge on his killer. Unbeknownst to him, the Devil was eavesdropping, and in a twist of fate, he brings Al back to life as the grotesque avenger Spawn. Distraught over his new undead existence, Al transforms into a brutal vigilante, safeguarding the innocent from the malevolent forces of both Heaven and Hell.

Why we appreciate it: The live-action Spawn movie falls short in many aspects, however, the accompanying animated series does an excellent job of adapting the character. This series is as dark as a gloomy goth’s unlit room and grittier than a summer sandy beach, capturing perfectly the somber atmosphere that made the Spawn comics so appealing.

Apart from its exceptional storytelling, Spawn stands out visually too, with the series effectively employing rich shadows and intricate character designs to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a comic book scene brought to life. Yet, what truly elevates the show is Keith David’s performance as the main character. His rich, deep voice perfectly suits Spawn, leaving me wishing he could make a guest appearance in Invincible Season 3.

The Boys Presents: Diabolical

Release date: March 4, 2022
Genre: Black comedy
Cast: Antony Starr, Dominique McElligott, Colby Minifie, Chace Crawford, Elisabeth Shue, Giancarlo Esposito
How long is it? 1 season (8 episodes)

Title Overview: In the realm of The Boys, the anthology series titled “Diabolical” delves into the bizarre journeys of individuals who find themselves in a universe where superheroes truly exist.

What makes it appealing: If you’re a fan of Invincible, chances are you appreciate watching superpowered individuals, or at least superheroes, using their abilities for harmful deeds. However, no superhero has been more ruthless than those portrayed in The Boys and its animated counterpart Diabolical.

This collection of stories, penned by diverse and skilled authors, encompasses numerous tales across multiple genres and animation techniques. Here, you’ll find the intriguing backstory of Homelander, who may surprise you with his unexpected emotional turmoil (who knew he yearned to do good?), as well as unraveling the mystery surrounding the baby gifted with laser vision. Even Billy Butcher couldn’t resist the allure of this exceptional television series.

The Spectacular Spider-Man

Release date: March 8, 2008 – November 18, 2009
Genre: Superhero
Cast: Josh Keaton, Lacey Chabert, James Arnold Taylor, Daran Norris
How long is it? 2 seasons (26 episodes)

In Essence: Following Peter Parker’s encounter with a radioactive spider, he acquires immense power. However, this power brings about an increased burden of responsibility. Amidst his efforts to safeguard New York City from malicious characters, young Peter grapples with an additional challenge: navigating adolescence.

Why we find it appealing: This adaptation of Spider-Man is simply outstanding (yes, I stand by that statement), and just like Invincible, it does an exceptional job portraying the challenges of juggling a typical teenage existence with the responsibilities of being a superhero.

In summary, Keaton’s portrayal of Wallcrawler seems particularly relatable to fans outside of comics, especially those who appreciated Mark’s romantic struggles. This is because Peter shares similar challenges in Spectacular, which will undoubtedly appeal to those viewers. However, it’s not just about teenage drama; the series skillfully modernizes some well-known Spider-Man adversaries and even revitalizes the Green Goblin saga for contemporary fans.

My Adventures with Superman

Release date: July 7, 2023 – present
Genre: Superhero
Cast: Jack Quaid, Alice Lee, Ishmel Sahid
How long is it? 2 seasons (20 episodes)

This delightful series unfolds in the early years of Superman’s life, focusing on Clark Kent as he experiences adventures alongside his companions, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olson. Together, they report the news and confront villains.

Why we enjoy it: The world of Invincible presents a grim setting where even our heroes engage in morally ambiguous actions to maintain order. In contrast, My Adventures With Superman (MAWS) offers an optimistic and cheerful take on the superhero genre, daring to imagine that heroes can strive for goodness. Some might find this premise a bit simplistic, but MAWS manages to avoid monotony by means of sharp writing, outstanding voice acting, and a fresh perspective on the Superman narrative you’re accustomed to – it’s nothing short of exceptional!

Archer

Release date: September 17, 2009 – December 17, 2023
Genre: Spy-thriller
Cast: H. Jon Benjamin, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, Chris Parnell
How long is it? 14 seasons (145 episodes)

Title Synopsis: The comedic series, Archer, revolves around the bungling yet skillful spy, Archer (Agent Mallory Archer), who navigates global crises involving cocktails, gunfire, and slumber, in a comically exaggerated fashion.

We appreciate Archer because it offers a playful critique of James Bond, using humor and absurdity to mock the typical tropes and stereotypes found in spy stories. However, unlike Invincible, Archer doesn’t aim for shock value; instead, its profanity, gunfights, and nudity serve to intensify the satire by amplifying the over-the-top aspects of traditional spy thrillers while emphasizing the flaws and absurdities in the lives of its compelling characters.

One-Punch Man

Release date: October 5, 2015 – present
Genre: Anime
Cast: Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Aoi Yūki
How long is it? 2 seasons (24 episodes)

This story unfolds in a universe where Earth is perpetually endangered by monstrous creatures and enigmatic beings. The narrative focuses on Saitama, the planet’s most powerful hero, who finds himself uninterested due to his apparently boundless strength, known as One-Punch Man.

If your top reason for loving Invincible lies in its thrilling action scenes, then you’ll find One Punch Man particularly appealing, especially during the fights in Season 1. Each major battle within the series is meticulously animated and skillfully choreographed, making them a joy to behold (with Genos vs. Carnage Kabuto and Saitama vs. Boros being my personal highlights). These encounters showcase impressive techniques, engaging combat dynamics, and even some gruesome dismemberments. However, it’s worth noting that when Saitama enters the fray, the fights tend to be heavily one-sided, much like the confrontation between Mark and Nolan.

2025-03-14 05:20