Summary
Not many shows over the last few years have captivated audiences and pop culture more than Amazon Prime Video’sInvincible, the animated superhero show brimming with compelling storytelling, comedic quips, and intense action sequences. InInvincible, the teenage superheroMark Grayson, otherwise known as Invincible, acts as Earth’s last hope against the Viltrumites. However, Mark undergoes battles with friends, family, and ever-emerging villains, all of which makeInvinciblesuch an endearing and popular show.
As one of the leading superhero shows currently airing,Invinciblehas been compared to several shows that share similarities, with there being plenty ofsuperhero shows that match up to the quality and funInvincibleprovides.
Starting off James Gunn’s tenure as the head of the DCU wasCreature Commandos, the animated series based on a superhero team made up of dangerous prisoners. Acting as a variation of the much-heralded and crown jewel of DC, the Suicide Squad, the Creature Commandos are a group of misfit monsters assembled by Amanda Waller in hopes of accomplishing missions deemed unsuitable for regular human (and non-human) superheroes.
Brimming with edgy humor and a widevariety of intriguing and likeable individuals,Creature Commandosis a modern superhero tale that has undoubtedly taken influence from shows likeInvincible.
Peacemakerhas emerged in the last few years as one of the most standout and comical superhero shows thanks to the tremendous cast’s performances, led by John Cena, and its Gunn-infused material. Featuring the character of Peacemaker fromThe Suicide Squad, Christopher Smith is an antihero whose douchey persona becomes apparent when he joins A.R.G.U.S. in an attempt to save innocent lives from an infestation of butterfly creatures.
Amidst the turbulence inPeacemaker, thechemistry between Smith and A.R.G.U.S.and the show’s comedic tone strike a chord, with its edgy comical outbursts akin to shows likeInvinciblethat use humor as one of its strongest elements.
A cult classic animated show that has largely gone under the radar in the 21st Century isThe Venture Bros., a spoof-heavy show that offers a distinct style of comedy. Centering on a creative father, two foolish sons, and their easily agitated family bodyguard, the slapstick comedy sees the wild and eclectic group go on a myriad of adventures that cause both trouble and constant excitement.
With many of the show’s characters being based on superhero properties from DC and Marvel,The Venture Bros.dabbles in the superhero genre, with its mesh of parody and using truly entertaining characters being an inspiration for dozens comedic animation shows that followed.
Another Amazon Prime hit that follows a superhero premise isGen V,the a spinoff of another hit show,The Boys. While its predecessor follows the strongest superheroes around,Gen Vchooses to follow supes attending Godolkin University, an educational institute that houses and trains emerging superheroes as they learn to develop and harness their powers.
Gen V’sfocus onthe new crop of superheroesbrings a much-needed youthful vigor toThe Boys’universe, with its emphasis on themes of love, morality, and status being reminiscent of its network counterpart,Invincible.
Despite being an anime,One Punch Man’ssuperhero world and concept share many similarities withInvincible. This self-awareand comedic anime follows Saitama, a superhero with powers above and beyond any other person (and non-person) in existence. However, Saitama’s powers go under the public’s radar, with the bald-headed superhero seemingly unbothered by his lack of notoriety.
One Punch Manthrives on the constant barrage of enemies that show up to face Saitama, who all continually fail to match up to the uninterested hero. Despite not having the one-punch power of Saitama,Invincible’sconstant fighting against emerging villains in every episode is reminiscent of the anime’s narrative.
Back by popular demand in 2024 wasX-Men ‘97, thereboot/continuation of the popular 90s cartoonthat followed Marvel’s starring attraction, the X-Men. This viral and popular series follows the X-Men, a group of mutants with varying powers who deal with many obstacles in the name of justice, with the X-Men’s camaraderie and group dynamic being a key aspect of the famed team.
With Cyclops, Storm, and Wolverine operating as integral squad members,X-Men ‘97has reproduced and furthered the magic of its predecessor, forging ahead thanks to its revolutionary animation and honorable depiction of esteemed characters in Marvel’s catalog. LikeInvincible’sGuardians of the Globe, these animated X-Men operate as an elite force, striving for greatness in the fight against evil.
LikeInvincible,The Boyshas transcended pop culture, changing how audiences view the superhero genre. In a satirical take on superheroes,The Boysfollows a group that aims to reveal and take down the corrupt practices ofthe beloved supes in societywho work for Vought International, with the show’s chaos only increasing as the seasons go on.
Much likeInvincible,The Boysis filled with intense gore and comedic sensibilities, with characters like Homelander and Omni-Man having a lot in common, and ranking as some of television’s greatest villains.
