Invincible #61
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art & cover RYAN OTTLEY & FCO PLASCENCIA
Publisher: IMAGE COMICS
Price: $2.99
I don't think I've had a tougher week to pick from in a while. There are some weeks where you're inundated with bad choices, and there are some where there are so many good books you can't choose, and others when you really don't have anything left to say about Scalped. Luckily, Scalped #28, while a fine book, wasn't really Pick-worthy for me this week, so I don't have to think of something. Nope, this week was something different. This week, it was a lot of books that had very good parts. Daredevil #118, for example, had what was easily the best bit of dialog of the week ("And there goes the whiniest super hero I ever met..."). There was some really interesting character stuff with The Hood in New Avengers #52, but it was mostly more of the same. Hell, I even gave Thor #601 a try in a desperate attempt to make sure I wasn't being bullheaded about it. It did not become the Pick of the Week. In the end, I decided to go with my heart, and pick the book that made me the most excited by the end. The only one that really tugged at me was Invincible #61, so I went with that.
Last issue was somewhat of an experiment. Robert Kirkman attempted to write an entire summer crossover event in one packed issue, and despite the stellar hand cramping effort by the indomitable Ryan Ottley, it just didn't work. There were too many skipped actions, and too many things happening off panel, and just a feeling of "meh" about the whole thing. In his wrap up, before the letter column of the issue, Kirkman nearly said as much, intimating that it didn't really work the way it was supposed to. I can't say I loved it, but I did respect the effort, and should someone try something earnestly and fail, that's better than going to the same tired cliche well time and again in my book. So it was with some trepidation that I came to this issue, hoping it would get things back on track. The story starts off with Mark Grayson surveying the aftermath of the destruction wrought by the alternate versions of himself in the previous issue. Invincible is not taking it well. His girlfriend is in the hospital (whose parents, by the way, seem to have some trouble putting two and two together vis a vis the fact that Mark is Invincible), the world is in shambles, and he's fairly convinced that, were it not for him, good intentions or no, none of this would have happened.
An interesting progression has been taking place with Invincible. Where he started out full of vigor, smiles, and energy, the weight of all the stress that his difficult life is beginning to weigh on him. When his younger, purple brother sloppily killed some evil doers last year, Mark didn't react like we thought he would, rather he sort of accepted that violence. There have been times when Mark's temper has flared, leading to real, and lasting consequences, like his treatment of Angstrom Levy, as well as Cecil, and even his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend. Basically, things have been rough on him, and, unfortunately for fictional Invincible, Robert Kirkman has no choice but to make things worse. Just when he's at his lowest, the thing he least wants to happen happens, and Mark is in no position to deal with it. Almost more than anything else, I think I left the issue most excited for what happens next. The last two pages of this issue really hit you with a serious case of "Oh shit!" and it's going to lead to some forward motion on plots that have been around since the beginning of the story. Kirkman managed to bring the book back around, and somewhat mercifully, we didn't have to muddle through 3-4 issues of pointless fighting to get there, since he did it all in the last issue. It wasn't the cleanest way to do it, but I like where we are.
While the last issue wasn't my favorite by any means, I can't say I remember a time where I thought, "you know, that Ryan Ottley's just phoning it in." Each issue, I fall more and more in love with Ottley's artwork. He's such a big part of what makes this book work. Working in tandem with Kirkman, his pages ride this wave of highs and lows, where certain pages aren't exactly exciting, but they get the business done. He lulls you into complacency, and then you flip a page, and you're smacked in the face with some of the best art being done for superheroes. I might have picked this book only for the last 3 pages alone. The look and feel of the final pages is just brimming with energy and ferocity, and a really great composition. I can only imagine the delight Kirkman felt when he saw them for the first time. Besides that, this is one of my favorite titles for just stopping and looking around at different parts of the pages. There's so much in there, and it doesn't necessarily hit you over the head at first, because the work is so clean. Facial expressions, body language, and backgrounds all combine seamlessly to great some of my favorite artwork being done today. I'm so torn because, while I'd love to see what else Ottley can do, this is his book, and it just wouldn't be the same without him. But it doesn't look like that's in the cards any time soon, so we're good for now.
I've heard it said that Invincible is losing steam, and that things are different now. I would say the latter is definitely true. The book can't continue on in the status quo, with all these threats looming overhead forever. It must advance, and with this issue, it looks like we're going to do so, and I think it's just the time to do that. Let's get this brawl started and see what happens in the future. We don't have all day.
Josh Flanagan
It's a world where no mustache is a good mustache
josh@ifanboy.com
What did the iFanboy community think?
377
pulls
Avg Rating: 4.4
Comments
Haven't read my books yet, but, yay, I love Invincible!
Posted by kwisdumb on 04/22/09 at 10:40 PM
2 stars was generous. I'll talk about it on the audio show.
Posted by josh on 04/22/09 at 10:42 PM
This pick, in the face of Detective, is borderline psychotic. Still, this issue of Invincible was more enjoyable than I thought it would be.
Posted by jamesschneider on 04/22/09 at 10:42 PM
@Josh - I'm just...I'm trying to understand. We tend to like the same things. Or value the same things. I don't need you to agree with me on this one, but I yearn to comprehend this. It's gotta be something subjective. Like he tripped you at a con by accident or something.
That said, my pick was Detective Comics. Thought it said something really cool about the nature of pop culture heroes in a way that only a comic can. Very impressed with it.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 04/22/09 at 10:49 PM
@Paul: Aren't you the one who doesn't like STARMAN or Morrison's JLA?
Posted by conor on 04/22/09 at 10:50 PM
@conor - I'm saying we usually like the same GOOD things.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 04/22/09 at 10:51 PM
(I don't have any issues with the pick, I was just curious about the Thor rating. Wrong place to discuss it.)
P-Money out.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 04/22/09 at 10:58 PM
Yeah, THOR is set to be on the show this week, so we'll talk about it in the show thread... moving on.! :)
Posted by conor on 04/22/09 at 11:05 PM
@Josh-Was it the fact that Doom used Wikipedia?
I picked Detective. Hands down one of the best Batman stories ever. Still, Invincible was a great read. The final page has me drooling for more. And Conquest is one mean looking S.O.B.
Posted by drakedangerz on 04/22/09 at 11:08 PM
Invincible. #61.
A bit of FYL going on here.
Posted by Labor on 04/22/09 at 11:08 PM
Tell Kirkman to get off his ass and release a new Invincible trade. The last one we got only covered through issue 47 and I need my fix.
Posted by s1lentslayer on 04/22/09 at 11:10 PM
Ah the Thor/JMS bashing continues! Instead of just moving on and ignoring the comic/author....we have to have people whine and complain josh gave it 2 stars!
*rubs hands* Yes....yes! My plan is going according to plan....my influence have influenced this entire site!
(Detective Comics was easily the POTW this week....hands down, no contest)
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/22/09 at 11:13 PM
Ah but thank god not my poor grammar skills have influenced you all
'influence have influenced'?....wtf?....
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/22/09 at 11:15 PM
@s1lentslayer-A bearded birdy told me it should be in shops in 3 weeks or so. Rejoice
Posted by drakedangerz on 04/22/09 at 11:18 PM
Oh man! see this is why I get excited when josh has the pick of the week. I didn't read the article yet, because I haven't read the issue but its next in line. I love this book!
Posted by Avenger117 on 04/22/09 at 11:27 PM
I was a fan of detective, and really liked this weeks kick ass and supergirl.
Posted by Gabe on 04/22/09 at 11:28 PM
@TNC. What do you want? He gave the book another shot. It's just not his bag.
Posted by Anson17 on 04/22/09 at 11:33 PM
@Anson: But he's been saying for months (maybe even years?) that it's not his bag....Why is he discussing a book he clearly does not like, and an author he clearly hates? I'm sorry; when someone does the same crap (like buy a book and critique the book harshly) they get critized for it. All the time I hear someone saying to another:
'If you dont like the book, stop reading it!'
....Here josh went out of his way to alienate the whole fanbase all over again. We get it, you dont like JMS and you dont like Thor....doing a discussion about it on the podcast this sunday just feels pointless.
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/22/09 at 11:38 PM
@TNC: Your input is duly noted.
Posted by conor on 04/22/09 at 11:42 PM
"Goodbye Giant Penny" Detective Comics was my POTW but i dont fault you on Invincible. I cant wait for invincible to kickass next week.
Posted by smeeeeee on 04/22/09 at 11:43 PM
@TNC. This is rediculous. He gave it another shot just like people kept telling him to. He didn't like it. He didn't take a shot at it in this column. The exact text reads "Hell, I even gave Thor #601 a try in a desperate attempt to make sure I wasn't being bullheaded about it. It did not become the Pick of the Week." Nowhere in there does it say "God, Thor sucks and so does everyone who reads it." He alienated no one. How is he even pulling "the same crap" he got a trade, said he enjoyed it and bought an issue and said it wasn't his POTW. Most people aren't willing to give a book a second chance. I'd commend him just for that. I just don't get where you're getting all of this from. I understand he doesn't like a book you do, but just let it go. You're being as bad as you say he's being. You hate on Bendis constantly, but no one rages on you for it.
Posted by Anson17 on 04/22/09 at 11:45 PM
@Anson: 'You hate on Bendis constantly, but no one rages on you for it'
Wow you totally dont go on this site often ;)
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/22/09 at 11:46 PM
@TNC. I may be wrong about that, but I'm sticking to all my other points.
Posted by Anson17 on 04/22/09 at 11:49 PM
It seems that I'm in the minority on Invincible this week. The last 2 pages got me going but besides that... meh. #62 looks like the jolt this title needs.
Posted by OddsBodkins on 04/22/09 at 11:49 PM
Just chiming in to say that I really like it when the PotW surprises me, as it did in this case. Also happy to see that Josh "only" gave Detective #853 a 4, which is what I gave it as well (does it bother the guys that we basically stalk their pages to find out what they rated their books? nah, they must love it). Detective was my pick (only had two books...), and I don't read Invincible, but I like it when one of the guys goes against the grain or whatever with their pick. And I like to hear explanations. Tell us why Detective didn't get a 5 from you. Tell us why Invincible was the pick. Tell us why Thor was lucky get a 2--I'm interested. Sure, sure, "it's all subjective", but opinions still matter--because when they're informed opinions they tend to be pretty interesting. If "it's all subjective" is the number one rule of everything, then it wouldn't make much sense to share our opinions--if subjectivity is just so omnipresent and omnipotent. But I like to hear reasoning, based on the facts of what's on the page, as to why a comic is bad, good, or great. Ifanboy is the only comics podcast I listen to regularly because I find that You Three do a good job of providing the rationale behind your differing opinions.
Posted by flapjaxx on 04/23/09 at 12:22 AM
@flapjaxx: .....that.....that makes a lot of sense...
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/23/09 at 12:25 AM
Not trying to make any accusations here, but usually when someone is being bullheaded about something, they can't really check themselves and say, "Am I being bullheaded about this?" Because that would, in itself, be non-bullheaded.
On another note, Kick-Ass might actually have a story starting now.
Posted by patio on 04/23/09 at 01:07 AM
@patio - That's good. Haven't gotten around to reading my copy yet.
Posted by Anson17 on 04/23/09 at 01:12 AM
@patio
Kick-Ass always had a story. It's the 3 year long wait between issues that makes us feel otherwise.
Posted by muddi900 on 04/23/09 at 01:19 AM
@TNC: Thor was my Pick, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't want to hear them talk about it again. Honestly, sometimes hearing why some people didn't enjoy it enhances my enjoyment of a work. That may just be me.
Posted by therodfather on 04/23/09 at 01:25 AM
Hells yea. Always my pick, and I feel that 60 was way underrated.
Posted by UncleBob on 04/23/09 at 01:28 AM
Didn't even enjoy Batman. Didn't want a meditation on the hero; I guess my expectations were for a somewhat straight superhero story, much like Moore's Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
Posted by UncleBob on 04/23/09 at 01:39 AM
How does one designate a comic POTW (as part of the community)?
Posted by UncleBob on 04/23/09 at 01:59 AM
@UncleBob: I think it's the same way as the iFanhosts. Just pick the one you liked best. I have my own personal criteria I use but...
Posted by JumpingJupiter on 04/23/09 at 02:02 AM
@UncleBob: Or do you mean literally how do you do it? You go to YOUR COMICS which there is a link to right under the iFanboy logo at the top of the page. You'll see a button under each book that you pulled that says MAKE YOUR PICK. Click that and you have chosen your Pick of The Week. You are not locked in once you pick one, you can change it as much as you like.
Posted by conor on 04/23/09 at 02:07 AM
The question I'm wrestling with is whether Detective 853 was the best comic I read this week, or the best comic I've read this year.
Posted by Jim on 04/23/09 at 06:41 AM
Looks like I need to get back on the Invincible bandwagon. I dropped the book after the crossover with Astounding Wolf-Man because of my new anti-crossover stance.
Yes, I'm prone to making rash decisions.
Posted by Kory on 04/23/09 at 07:46 AM
Interesting review, thank you! I'm not following 'Invincible' but I always enjoy reading your analysis.
I read a lot of books this week and had a hard time coming up with a pick. I think the point that there were a lot of comics with great stuff in them, but not a lot of great comics, is well-taken. I only gave 'Detective' a 4 as well. I read it back to back with the previous issue of 'Whatever Happened --' )which was a 5, and my pick of the week when it came out), and I'm not sure it really paid off for me. Lovely art and interesting to read, but it didn't quite do it for me.
Posted by ohcaroline on 04/23/09 at 09:48 AM
This review, which I'm sorry I veered into not discussing the review last night, is very good.
I keep thinking to myself 'Damn, I really got to start reading this series'. Especially when it becomes a pick for the site. Guess I know what first volume to get at FCBD next saturday.
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/23/09 at 12:19 PM
I don't read Invincible, so I've no comment there, but I'll add my voice to the chorus singing the praises of Detective. I loved that two-parter. Just fantastic. But overall, it was a really enjoyable week of comics. I still have to read Hellblazer and Viking, but I really, really enjoyed Aaron and Moore's Ghost Rider issue this week. Iron Fist continues to be entertaining despite a little muddy artwork. New Avengers intrigues. Daredevil was good. And I even found myself entertained by Kick Ass, a book I've been on the fence about.
Posted by daccampo on 04/23/09 at 12:26 PM
Great issue, didn't read all of my books yet but I don't see one topping this. One thing that bothers me though which was kind of confirmed by Kirkman himself in a recent interview on CBR is that he sets stuff up sometimes and then totally forgets about it and has to fit it back in. I definitely got the sense of that at one point in this issue. Very nit-picky concern though I mean as long as the comics are good it doesn't matter, I just like to think that all writers have stuff super super planned out. Good pick Josh.
Posted by mrmister on 04/23/09 at 03:18 PM
@TNC
You may want to start Invincible in Ultimate Collections instead of trades because
A) Value wise, the ultimates collections are better.
B)The Ultimate Collections are awesome.
C)The first 13 issues of Invincible really need to be read and judged as a whole. The first four issues (the first trade) is rather meh for me on it's own.
Take heed of my advice for I chose TPBs over HCs and am regretting it.
Posted by miyamotofreak on 04/23/09 at 06:26 PM
@TNC and Miyamotofreak
Just don't be so anal you have to stick with the format you started with (sorry Ron). I tried that and regretted it with things like Invincible. I started with the HC then got the Trades to the point I was caught up. it overlapped by like 2 issues I think, but that is MUCH better than plugging your ears for a year or more while waiting for a HC to come out.
Posted by Parker on 04/23/09 at 06:51 PM
@miyamoto/Parker: Hopefully my LCS has the Ultimate collection. If not then I'll probably stick with the regular trades. But I'll definitely remember that advice miyamoto. You say the first trade is part of a larger storyline and not to judge that much seperately....I'll make sure not to critique it harshly....if I hate it...
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/23/09 at 08:39 PM
I also higly recommend the Ultimate Collections as well. I probably never would have read past the first trade if I didn't get the first 13 in my book.
Also, I ordered the Kick Ass hardcover, but it covers up through issue #8 and issue #6 just came out, so I don't think I'll be seeing it for awhile. However, I am looking forward to it.
Posted by Nate on 04/23/09 at 08:47 PM
@Nate: You might see quotes praising the film for Kick-Ass by the time you see that HC.
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/23/09 at 08:53 PM
@TNC
That is way too optimistic. More like quotes on the DVD release.
Posted by Parker on 04/24/09 at 08:55 AM
@TNC: deadpool sucks too, FACT!
anyway, what a fantastic week! Really, really enjoyable. I could get used to this. Josh's points about Invincble are spot on; i am looking forward to the new direction of the book.
I have to say my pick was Kick-ass, i liked the issue because i don't for a second believe that Big-daddy's origin is what this issue spelt out. I think he was lying to his daugther about the tragic death of @@#&^ and that we are going to find out he is someone very similar to Kick-ass himself. A grown-up bored little weirdo... only more fucked up.
i also liked Detective but here's why it's not the second coming. Niel Gaiman's dialogue is painful to read, overly sentimental and trite. Add to that; at one point the bat-signal morphed into a pair hands which delivered baby Bruce. Again very trite. but it was good, so chill out
Loved the books this week, Loved 'em
Posted by edward on 04/24/09 at 09:29 AM
@Parker: Ha! Yeah I could see that happening too.....Actually if Kick-Ass was a DC property that would most likely happen. But I have a feeling Marvel actually has the HC ready to go.....they are just waiting for the 7th and 8th isues to be fully done so they can copy them over and over again for the trade.
@edward: I would love to see some charts and/or statistics to prove this 'fact' :)
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/24/09 at 10:29 AM
The pick had to be detective it's the comic people will be talking about 10 years from now. Josh you had an easy one and dropped the ball
Posted by MrGlass on 04/24/09 at 01:50 PM
It was only weeks ago I was accused by multiple sources of being "caught up in the hype" and picking a book that was very popular.
MAKE UP YOUR MINDS!
Posted by josh on 04/24/09 at 01:57 PM
@josh: No way! Who would.....who would do such a thing? (whistles nonchalantly)
I am fine with this pick btw...
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/24/09 at 02:01 PM
The iFanboys need a giant red panic button that makes Neil Diamond's greatest hits played in the background.
Posted by chlop on 04/24/09 at 06:15 PM
I'm happy to see Invincible #61 as the pick. I thought it was a very good issue. It was my second pick behind Dynamo 5 #21. I didn't bother picking up Detective as the first part of the story was mediocre.
Posted by 400yrs on 04/25/09 at 06:11 PM
Loved Invincible 61, that lsat page needs to be made into a poster, frackin amazing work, can't wait for the next issue :)
Posted by LukeB on 04/26/09 at 03:46 AM
@Conor,
Thanks, I did mean that literally (picking POTW)
Posted by UncleBob on 04/27/09 at 07:35 PM
I'm gald other people saw the 'Stay tuned for Battle for the Cowl #1!' at the end of Detective.....woops...
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/27/09 at 07:37 PM
(You're still being bullheaded about Thor. 2 stars? Absurd, chief. Absurd.)
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 04/22/09 at 10:38 PM