Publisher: Image Comics | Writer: Robert Kirkman | Artist: Cory Walker, Ryan Ottley | Release Date: 2004
Collects issues 5-8, Mark Grayson juggles high school and hero work as new villains emerge and secrets about his father Omni-Man begin to surface, leading to a shocking revelation that changes everything in his world.
Writing
This is the volume where the tone of Invincible begins to subtly and then suddenly shift. While much of Eight is Enough continues the same rhythm as Volume 1—with Mark Grayson juggling school life, girl troubles, and the pressures of being a newly minted superhero—this collection introduces two game-changing events that redefine what kind of story this really is. First, the brutal and completely unexpected massacre of the Guardians of the Globe hits like a truck. Kirkman had hinted that this wasn’t just another teenage superhero book, and with this twist, he makes good on that promise. The other major addition is the introduction of Allen the Alien, whose comic relief and cosmic perspective help expand the scope of the world-building while also sowing quiet but important seeds for much bigger things to come.
Kirkman continues to walk a fine line between lighthearted fun and shocking violence. He balances teenage melodrama with snappy humor and chilling hints of darker narratives. While Mark remains somewhat reactive in this volume—more a lens for readers than a driver of events—his likability and decency make him an effective protagonist. The supporting cast is growing too, with some clever send-ups of traditional superhero archetypes, especially the Justice League analogs. Even if this volume doesn't completely grab new readers unfamiliar with what's to come, Kirkman clearly has a long game in mind, and there are just enough dramatic beats and plot developments here to warrant sticking with it.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Art Style
Cory Walker continues to bring a clean, simplified art style to the early issues of this volume, but it’s when Ryan Ottley steps in that the book begins to elevate visually. Ottley's work is expressive, more dynamic, and imbued with more energy and character definition than before. The emotional depth, facial expressions, and subtle body language start to shine here, particularly in scenes involving Mark’s personal life and the bloody surprise that concludes the Guardians’ storyline. The costume designs and action scenes are straightforward but punchy, and the panel layouts are readable and functional, even if they never quite dazzle. The art isn’t revolutionary, but it complements Kirkman’s writing perfectly—it’s grounded, accessible, and full of personality when it needs to be.
There's a clever use of parody, homage, and subversion throughout the designs—particularly in the Guardians of the Globe, whose visual cues are instantly recognizable for fans of classic superhero teams. Ottley’s arrival hints at the artistic muscle that will define Invincible going forward, and even if it’s not fully formed here, the jump in quality is definitely noticeable.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Invincible, Volume 2: Eight is Enough is the volume where the gloves start to come off. The writing is clever, the world is beginning to grow, and the seeds of a much deeper story are being planted. It’s still rooted in teenage superhero tropes, but it’s beginning to evolve into something darker and more ambitious. If you’re new to the series, this might feel like a slow build—but trust that the payoff is coming. Invincible, Volume 2: Eight is Enough is a strong pivot point, earning 3 out of 5. A must-read for those sticking with the series.
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