Invincible has astounded the world with its captivating narrative, masterful world-building, and dynamic characters. At the heart of the story is Mark Grayson (portrayed by Steven Yeun), a relatable protagonist who dreams of following in his father’s footsteps, only to uncover the truth about his flawed hero. As fans eagerly await Season 2‘s release in November, this year’s SDCC treated them to a delightful surprise—an exclusive episode centered around Atom Eve (played by Gillian Jacobs), now available on Prime Video. This one-hour special delves into Eve’s journey, revealing how she evolved into the beloved superhero we witnessed in Invincible Season 1.
The episode was crafted based on the vision of Invincible’s creator, Rob Kirkman, who co-wrote this compelling story. Focused on Samantha Eve Wilkins’ origin, the narrative stands solidly on its own within the Invincible universe. From a young age, Samantha stood apart from her peers, gifted with god-like abilities that allow her to manipulate molecules and atoms with a mere thought. Her contrast with Mark Grayson serves as a captivating element, emphasizing the diverse facets of the Invincible world.
The episode bursts into action with an enthralling sequence featuring the former Guardians of the Globe, offering a glimpse of their formidable power, which had been limited in the first season. And, of course, J.K. Simmons briefly reprises his role as Omni-Man, adding to the excitement before the tale unravels the truth behind Atom Eve‘s origins.
Empowering Journey of Samantha Eve Wilkins
While Omni-Man bears resemblances to Superman, Eve’s story also shares similarities with the Man of Tomorrow. Rescued from certain death as a baby and adopted by a family unaware of her true origins, Samantha possesses extraordinary powers and a deep understanding of the universe, making her a unique and gifted individual with a strong desire to use her abilities for good. However, her friends and family insist on her being “normal,” disregarding her incredible potential. Despite facing rejection from the world, Sam’s journey of self-discovery and realizing her self-worth is truly heartwarming.
As the plot unfolds, we learn that the lab responsible for granting Sam her powers has been struggling to replicate the process. The failures of these lesser experiments evoke a sense of tragedy akin to Sam’s experience, but the added weight of not being considered “perfect” adds a profound impact. Amidst the rapid revelation of her family history, the special’s pacing is masterfully executed. It skillfully introduces new characters and concepts not present in Season 1 while seamlessly interweaving Samantha’s engrossing transformation into a hero.
Stellar Voice Performances and Compelling Characters
Taking a risk with an entirely different cast of characters might have seemed like a gamble, considering Mark Grayson’s central role as the titular character. He has been the linchpin of every event in all the storylines so far. Nevertheless, this episode brilliantly showcases the remarkable worldbuilding and craftsmanship of Kirkman and the Skybound team through the introduction of new and returning characters.
Aria Kane and Jazlyn Ione deliver outstanding performances as the young Samantha (voiced by Gillian Jacobs in the present day), skillfully supported by a stellar cast, notably Jacob Tremblay (The Little Mermaid) and the late Lance Reddick (John Wick). Reddick’s portrayal exudes icy coldness, adding gravitas to the new character, Erickson, and making him feel like a formidable rival to Omni-Man or Sam’s dad (voiced by Fred Tatasciore), the true villain of the show. On the other hand, Tremblay’s portrayal of Phase Two is a heart-wrenching tragedy. He embodies the pain of a child who has been treated as a monster all his life, evoking genuine emotions through Tremblay’s exceptional voice performance.
Atom Eve’s Unpredictable Journey
This Atom Eve episode holds a multitude of delights, presenting a coming-of-age tale infused with the unique Invincible charm. While it starts as a conventional superhero story, it soon ventures into unexpected territory, taking viewers on an astonishing ride. The animation is noticeably more fluid compared to Invincible Season 1, elevating the creative and dynamic action sequences to a new level. The vibrant colors, expressive characters, and iconic title card all contribute to the visual spectacle.
During the long-awaited hiatus between Season 1 and now, the creators have utilized their time wisely, refining the animation, enhancing the action, and staying true to the essence of the original comics. Prime Video once again cements its position as the prime destination for superhero content. Invincible remains as outstanding as ever, proving that this special episode can effortlessly capture hearts without even relying on its main character.