Should you read the comics and where do you start? FAQ
We are getting a lot of posts of people asking the same things so I've decided to make this FAQ for them.
- Should I read the comics and where should I start if I've watched season 1 of the show?
If you have enjoyed the Invincible Amazon series and feel you can't wait for season 2 the comics are a great option to get more of this story. The Amazon series diverges slightly from the source material and rearranges some of the story moments. If you decide to read the comics it is highly recommended that you start at the beginning with issue #1, there is enough different that you could potentially get confused if you tried to jump on at a later point. Some comic characters are different than their Amazon series counterparts and some story moments have either been removed from the show or haven't happened yet.
The art of the comic series is also fantastic. Cory Walker is the lead designer of the Amazon series and is the main artist of issues #1-7, he does a fantastic job setting the tone for the series and designing many of the iconic characters we love. After Walker leaves the series Ryan Ottley takes over and many consider him to be one of the best comic book artists working in the industry today, Invincible was his first main comic series he'd worked on and his development and progression as an artist throughout the remainder of the series is amazing to see.
- How much of the comics does the first season cover?
The first season of the show mostly covers the first 13 issues of the comics but there are also several story elements from issues in the 20s and 30s. It jumps around.
- How many issues of the comic are there and is it completed?
The comic consists of 144 issues and yes it is a completed series.
- Do I read issue 1 or 0 first?
Do not read issue 0 first, it takes place between issues 22-23 and it’s a recap issue so it will spoil you if you read it first. Start with issue 1 and skip 0 or read it after 22.
- Where do I buy the comic?
Physical options
Since the show premiered many places have been out of stock of Invincible comics, especially the compendiums - keep trying different places and be on the lookout for them to get back in stock if they're not available.
Amazon, the Skybound Store, Barnes & Noble, InStockTrades, Atomic Empire, Forbidden Planet USA, Midtown Comics, Walmart, Target and of course the best method - your local comic book shop! (if you have one)
Digital options
A very affordable way to read the series is digitally on an ereader, kindle, ipad, computer, etc. You can download the comic files and use a comic book reader to easily read them on any screen.
ComiXology, Google Play store and Amazon (ComiXology has a service called ComiXology Unlimited that allows you to subscribe and read the first 53 issues, it also gives a discount if you decide to buy the rest of the comics digitally)
Library/Hoopla
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to read comics is through your local library. Chances are they do carry Invincible comics. Some libraries support Hoopla which is a streaming service that lets you instantly borrow eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies & TV free with your library card.
- Which comic formats are there?
Compendiums: The compendiums are the most recommended way to physically read the series on a budget. There are 3 massive volumes each containing near 50 issues.
Ultimate Collection Hardcovers: There are 12 volumes of these total. Each contains about 11-13 issues. They also include some behind the scenes extras.
Trade Paperbacks (TPB): There are 25 volumes of these total. Each contains about 5 issues.
Digital Issues: Reading digitally is a much cheaper alternative if you don't mind not having the physical books in your hands. You can purchase them in single issues or as the compendiums from the places mentioned above.
If you're just looking to read the comics as cheaply as possible I'd recommend either buying them digitally, buying the compendiums or trying your local library. If money isn't an issue I'd recommend the Ultimate Collection Hardcovers.
- Are there any spin-off comics in the Invincible Universe?
Yes! There are several other comic book series that take place in the Invincible Universe. The main ones that connect to the main Invincible comics are Invincible Presents: Atom Eve / Atom Eve & Rex Splode (this tells the backstory of the characters Atom Eve and Rex Splode), Guarding the Globe (this spin-off follows the Guardians of the Globe team) and Invincible Universe (this spin-off deals with several different characters that have been introduced in the Invincible Universe with different issues dealing with different characters). In addition to these there are other comics that focus on a single character from the universe these include Tech Jacket, Brit and The Astounding Wolf-Man. There is also Capes which focuses on a team of superheroes for hire but is very short and only 3 issues. These are not necessary to enjoy the main Invincible series and mostly are there to flesh out the world and other side characters that appear in the series. They are there if you want to read absolutely everything Invincible related or end up wanting more from this universe after reading the main series. Bonus: Mark also appears along side Spider-Man in an issue of Marvel Team-Up (volume 3 issue #14).
If you read Tech Jacket or The Astounding Wolf-Man we would love to hear your thoughts in the tiny subreddits of r/TechJacket and r/TheAstoundingWolfMan!
- Whats the complete reading order of Invincible and it's spin-offs?
There is a handy reading order someone compiled on the Image Comics fandom page and you can find that here.
If you'd like to see which issues each specific format contains there is a good write up here.
Thank you for watching Invincible and looking into reading the source material. I hope you read and enjoy them as much as I have. If you have any other questions please ask them in the comment section and myself or someone else will answer them for you.
Posted May 1, 2021, 10:54 AM UTC · edited