Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Invincible season 3, episodes 1-5, and the Invincible comic series.
While Prime Video’sInvinciblehas closely followed the comic series, the TV show has still made a few tweaks to adopt its own identity, and season 3 just referenced its biggest gender-swap in the funniest way possible. So much ofInvincible’s action and dialogue comes directly from the source material, with the show’s social media team frequently posting comic-to-screen videos showing just how faithful the animated series has been. However,Invincibleseason 2 made some big changes to the comics, suggesting that despite the story remaining largely the same, Prime Video’s version isn’t afraid to alter major arcs and storylines.
One of these differences is gender-swapping, as multiple characters in the TV show have different genders to their comic counterparts. Green Ghost is a part ofInvincible’s original Guardians of the Globein the TV series and comics, but both versions have different genders. Unfortunately, the character is killed off quickly in each story, but Shrinking Rae shares a different fate. Like Green Ghost,Rae was also originally a male in the comics before being changed to a female in the show, but she has survived much longer and season 3 hilariously referenced her male alternative from the source material.
Rex Misspelling Rae’s Name Is A Homage To Her Comicbook Counterpart
Shrinking Rae’s gender-swap has been a welcome addition to the show and has helped make her story much more interesting, but Prime Video didn’t forget the original version of the character.One of season 3’s most underrated stories has been Rex’s attempt to become a better person, trying to let go of his obnoxious and egotistical traits by being kinder and helping others. Rae has been a big part of this transition, as the two have become closer, resulting in Rex cooking for her after she mentioned wanting a normal cooked dinner, something Rex surprisingly pulled off.
Canonically, Rex’s spelling mistake was likely just part of his clumsy nature, but the creators probably used this as an opportunity to referenceInvincible’s original Shrinking Ray.
However, his handwritten note contained a comic book reference, as his dinner invitation shows the name “Ray” scored out and replaced by “Rae”. Canonically, Rex’s spelling mistake was likely just part of his clumsy nature, but the creators probably used this as an opportunity to referenceInvincible’s original Shrinking Ray. Given that Rae and Rex’s dinner is an incredibly wholesome scene, this sweet moment also managing to pull off a hilarious homage to the comics is a testament to the show’s exceptional writing.
Invincible Repeats A Great Joke From Season 2 & It’s Even Funnier The Second Time
Invincible’s humor is one of the show’s strongest aspects, and the continuation of a season 2 gag was even more effective the second time around.
Invinciblehas continued to flesh out Rex Splode’s originsthrough Rae as they both talked about their childhoods and their bond has been an unexpected highlight of season 3. Additionally, their relationship has also allowed Rex to continue his hilarious shenanigans, and this simple note turned out to be a well-executed gag that comic book readers will likely have picked up on, making it a clever nod that fits seamlessly into the story.
Shrinking Rae Is Getting Way More Development Than The Comics Gave Shrinking Ray
Rather than simply gender-swap Rae for the sake of it and give her largely the same story,Prime Video’s take onInvinciblehas offered the superhero a much more fleshed-out story than Shrinking Ray. During Rae’s brutal fight with the Lizard League, she appeared to be killed off by Komodo Dragon, who prevented her from expanding inside his mouth by biting down on her. Shrinking Ray dies during this battle in the comics, as the villain swallows him, marking the end of his story, butInvincibleseason 2 revealed Shrinking Rae was still alive, despite her severe injuries.
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This put the character in completely unknown territory, with season 3 further developing her arc. Recent episodes have revealed that she was pressured by her parents to become a hero and didn’t have a normal childhood, something Rex could somewhat relate to. As a result, the two have become surprisingly close friends, withInvincibleeven teasing a possible romance. Her comic fate means a swift death could still happen at any moment, but her increased screen time and deeper personality is something that Shrinking Ray never really got in the comics, proving the series has improved upon the character’s story.
