Robert Kirkman has addressed “superhero fatigue” ahead ofInvincibleseason 3, offering his thoughts on the concept and how it impacts the genre.Invincibleseason 3will continue adapting Kirkman’s comic of the same name, as Mark (Steven Yeun) takes on more responsibilities as a superhero. The season’s arrival comes ahead of many major releases for the genre this year. This includes major TV releases likeDaredevil: Born AgainandPeacemakerseason 2, as well as theatrical films likeSupermanandFantastic Four: First Steps, all signaling a revitalization for multiple major franchises.
Speaking withVariety, Kirkman addressed the idea of “superhero fatigue” ahead ofInvincibleseason 3, saying he doesn’t believe it’s a real thing. Instead, the series creator believes the commonality of superhero stories means the genre is no longer as “fresh” and “new” as it once was. However,this prospect excites him because it allows for experimentation, finding ways of making new stories stand out from those that have come before. Check out what Kirkman had to say below:
I don’t think superhero fatigue is a real thing, but I do think that the genre of superhero storytelling has become so ubiquitous that it’s gotten to a point where it’s not fresh and it’s not new. You can’t just be a superhero show and not have anything special about you anymore because I think the novelty has worn off. But that’s really exciting to me, because now it means that everyone is so familiar with superheroes that you can push things in interesting directions.
What Kirkman’s Statement On Superhero Fatigue Means For Invincible Season 3
His Viewpoint Has Been Reflected In Recent Superhero Successes
Kirkman’s viewpoint on the concept of superhero fatigue isn’t surprising, something that recent history has already proven.Deadpool & Wolverinewas released in 2024, becoming the second highest-grossing film of the yearby earning $1.338 billion at the box office. Prime Video’sThe Boysspinoffsare a result of its viewership success with season 4 of the flagship show andGen Vseason 1. These recent triumphs in the genre show that superheroes are still considerably popular, and can draw in large audiences if handled properly.
10 Things To Remember From Invincible Seasons 1 & 2 Before You Watch Season 3
Invincible returns in 2025 with season 3, meaning the events of seasons 1 and 2 will need to be fresh in the mind as the story continues.
While thecast ofInvinciblehas plenty of recognizable voices and the story uses familiar tropes, the show stands apart because of its willingness to differentiate itself through its presentation. Not only is the series more character-driven and about the lives of its heroes,but it also subverts various tropes, like having more sympathetic, complex villains, and leaning into ideas like aliens and the multiverse in creative ways. The series stands apart from similar stories, making it a reflection of Kirkman’s intention when it comes to making superhero stories more unique.
Invinciblehas already been renewed for season 4, ahead of its season 3 premiere.
Our Take On Kirkman’s Superhero Fatigue Viewpoint
What Does It Mean For The Genre As A Whole?
Kirkman’s viewpoint makes sense given the trends seen in the genre in recent years,with successes likeSpider-Man: No Way HomeandDeadpool & Wolverineevidence that superheroes are still popular. With a multitude of new entries in the genre coming later this year, however, it’s unclear how many of them will be able to differentiate themselves enough to become successful. His observations are likely to be reflected inInvincibleseason 3’s reception as well, the show’s critical acclaim already indicating how successful it will be.
Invincible
Cast
Based on the comic book character by Robert Kirkman, Invincible follows Mark Grayson, a seventeen-year-old who leads a seemingly average life save for the fact that he lives behind the shadow of his superhero father, Omni-Man. Mark goes on to develop superhuman abilities, but he must also learn that his father’s legacy isn’t as glitzy and glamorous as he’s been led to believe.
