Invincible: Eight is Enough (Comics) | Review

What happens when homework deadlines collide with world-threatening disasters? Robert Kirkman (Battle Pope: Genesis, Brit: Old Soldier) answers this question with surgical precision in Eight is Enough, the second volume that transforms Mark Grayson's superhero journey from origin story into something far more complex.

This collection doesn't waste time with gentle introductions or unnecessary setup. From page one, you're thrown directly into the messy reality of being exactly seventeen years old with the raw power to level entire city blocks completely effortlessly.

Mark's navigating college applications while his father Omni-Man expects him to master abilities that could reshape entire continents. It's Spider-Man's responsibility theme cranked up to eleven, and it works absolutely brilliantly here.

Eight is Enough centers on Mark's growing pains as both teenager and superhero but the volume introduces the Guardians of the Globe and features "what is undoubtedly the single most shocking and unexpected page in the series thus far."

Without spoiling the gut-punch moment that changes everything forever, let's just say Kirkman establishes early that absolutely no character is truly safe from real consequence in this increasingly brutal and unforgiving superhero world.

The four issues collected here balance multiple storylines with impressive dexterity. Mark's relationship with his girlfriend Amber develops genuine chemistry while his friendship with William provides grounded moments between superhero chaos.

Mark's dual identity creates constant tension as he struggles to maintain normal relationships while hiding his true nature. His attempts at balancing superhero duties with teenage social life become increasingly strained and complex.

Meanwhile, the introduction of Allen the Alien expands the cosmic scope far beyond Earth's borders, hinting at much larger conflicts brewing in deep space that will inevitably affect everyone on Earth very soon indeed.

What makes this volume essential is how it handles the mundane alongside the extraordinary. Mark worries about SAT scores and part-time jobs while learning his powers have limitations he never considered. The pressure cooker of teenage life becomes exponentially worse when your mistakes can level entire neighborhoods.

The volume explores how Mark's growing abilities affect his relationships with classmates and family members. His increasing strength makes simple physical interactions dangerous, adding psychological weight to every casual encounter he has.

The Guardians of the Globe storyline serves as the volume's centerpiece, introducing a team of heroes who feel like real people wearing costumes rather than walking archetypes or boring cardboard cutouts placed throughout here entirely.

The Guardians operate as Earth's premier superhero team, handling threats too large for individual heroes. Their formation represents everything Mark aspires to achieve, making their presence both inspirational and intimidating for our teenage protagonist.

Each member gets enough distinct personality to actually matter, which makes subsequent events hit with devastating emotional impact. Kirkman's genius lies in making you genuinely care about characters moments before pulling the rug out completely.

The team's established hierarchy and protocols contrast sharply with Mark's improvisational approach to heroics. This clash of methodologies creates compelling friction that drives character development throughout multiple key sequences in the storyline.

Artwork by Cory Walker (Irredeemable Ant-Man: Small-Minded, SuperPatriot: America's Fighting Force) perfectly captures the dual nature of Mark's existence. His clean, expressive line work makes teenage awkwardness feel as monumental as cosmic battles.

Character expressions carry genuine emotion throughout every panel. Whether it's Mark's frustration with algebra homework or his sheer terror when faced with overwhelming odds, Walker captures authentic human reactions perfectly.

The action sequences flow with kinetic energy that makes every punch feel consequential. Walker understands that superhero comics live or die on their ability to make impossible moments feel believable. His work here accomplishes exactly that, grounding fantastic elements in recognizable human reactions.

Kirkman's dialogue crackles with authenticity. Teenagers sound like actual teenagers, not forty-year-old writers attempting youth speak. Mark's conversations with his parents capture universal growing pains while adding layers unique to their circumstances.

Eight is Enough transforms promising potential into undeniable momentum. This volume proves Invincible isn't just another superhero story about power and responsibility. It's about growing up in circumstances that would break most adults, finding your place when the world expects absolutely everything from you always.

The shocking climax alone makes this volume essential reading but it's the quieter character moments that elevate it above standard superhero fare. Mark Grayson feels real in ways that matter, making his journey worth following wherever it leads next.

For anyone questioning whether superhero comics still have stories worth telling, Eight is Enough provides a definitive answer. This is exactly how you evolve the entire genre without ever abandoning what makes it truly great.

Invincible: Eight is Enough (issues #5–8) is collected in Invincible Vol. 2 TPB and the Invincible Ultimate Collection Vol. 1. You can grab physical editions at comic shops, Amazon and major bookstores, while digital versions are available on ComiXology, Kindle and other platforms.