Invincible (2003)
Forget everything you think you know about superhero origin stories. This is Invincible (2003), Robert Kirkman's groundbreaking, sprawling epic from Image Comics that follows teenager Mark Grayson. Mark seems like a normal kid, except for one small detail: his dad is Omni-Man, the most powerful superhero on Earth (and an alien Viltrumite). When Mark's own Viltrumite powers finally kick in, he's eager to follow in his father's footsteps, but what starts as a thrilling coming-of-age adventure quickly spirals into something far more brutal, complex, and unpredictable than he could ever imagine.
Across its celebrated 144-issue run, Invincible delivers an unflinching look at the consequences of superhero battles, explores galaxy-spanning conflicts with the formidable Viltrumite Empire, and features some of the most shocking betrayals and character developments in comic history. Co-created with artists Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, the series is infamous for its graphic violence that starkly contrasts its bright, classic art style, constantly challenging readers' expectations of what a superhero comic can be. If you're looking for a complete, epic saga filled with intense action, deep emotional stakes, and truly memorable characters, prepare to discover why Invincible became a phenomenon, long before its acclaimed Amazon Prime animated series.