Invincible #76
The action continues hot and heavy from last issue as the heated Viltrumite War continues. When Thragg goes on a rampage the battle between the Viltrumites and the C.O.P. starts going south for the latter. None of these soldiers leave this battle unscathed, and some don't leave at all...
The Good
I'm not as in love with this cover as I was last issue's, but that doesn't negate it's own awesomeness. The image of Throgg and Mark embroiled in heated combat is very visceral and dynamic. Man, you can really feel that eye gouge, eh? The amazing artwork that's been par the course for this series, and this arc especially, continues. This battle picks up right where last issue left off. With Throgg ready to kick ass and take names, and he didn't bring a sheet of paper or a pen with him. After what he did to Thaedus at the end of last issue you knew this brawl was about to get all kinds of ugly. And this issue doesn't disappointed. If last issue was a intense boxing match than this one's battle is akin to a MMA brawl in the streets.
The art team once again gets to show off their stuff, especially when Thragg and Mark face off. Well to be honest it's more like while Thragg hands Mark his ass. His father intervenes but yeah, that just ends up making it a two-for. As the Viltrumites, energized by their rage battle back, the forces of the C.O.P. are forced to make a hasty retreat, leaving Mark and Omni-Man to their fate. The two put up a valiant fight, but in the end are just outclassed by the enraged Grand Regent. The scenes of the Viltrumites taking it to our heroes are even more visceral and bone jarring than last issue. I gotta say I've never seen so much blood in a single issue of a comic. I seriously think that Plascencia went through every bottle of all shades of red known to man between the last two issues. The crimson flows rivers here, but never gratuitously.
The artistic highlights of this issue definitely take place on the blood soaked battlefield. There's some particularly haunting images of Mark fleeing for his life with Thragg close behind in hot pursit. The sense of motion here is really great. The expression of fear on Marks face is so convincing. The stoic, singularly focused gaze of Thragg as he hunts his prey is truly the stuff of nightmares. It's like looking at Michael Myers if he had Superman's powers and was coming for you. when he catches mark Thragg truly looks like the force of nature you'd expect the Grand Regent of the Viltrumites to be.
The art team gets to take center stage during the first half of the book, but they don't steal the show from Kirkman. The second half of the issue reminds us exactly who run's the show and why. Kirkman's fantastic writing and deft dialog has always been the heart and soul of the series and with good reason. During the action Kirkman still provides excellent dialog for Thragg and Omn-Man which really gives us a peek into Omni-Man's mind and soul. There's a great scene where he and Thragg discuss the impending extinction of their people, with Omni-Man declaring that he and his people deserve nothing less. Another Omni-Man highlight occurs when he confesses to Mark that he truly did love him and his mother.
The Bad
Considering the Viltrumites superior numbers, combat experience, and abilities I think it's a bit too convenient that Space Racer and the others were able to make such an easy retreat.
The Verdict
This issue does an excellent job of carrying over the momentum and energy of last issue while transitioning into what's to come.