15 comic books to read if you're loving Invincible

One of the best superheroes shows going on right now is Invincible. The animated Prime Video series is based on Robert Kirkman’s Image Comics series, focusing on Mark Grayson, the son of Omni-Man, the world’s greatest hero. When he comes into his own superpowers, Mark is happy to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

That joy ends when Mark discovers his father’s dark secret: he was paving the way for an alien conquest of Earth. After a brutal fight with his dad, Mark tries to be a hero while handling the usual teenage angst.

The show nails the comic’s tone in shifting from typical superhero adventures to some shockingly dark and violent moments to surprisingly grounded family drama. There are a lot of comics about teen heroes, yet few as crazy as Invincible. If you’re a fan of the show, these 15 comics may be just the thing to tide you over between episodes!

1. Astounding Wolf-Man

If you love Invincible, you should check out Kirkman’s other title, Astounding Wolf-Man. It’s set in the same universe and even had a couple of crossovers with Invincible.

Gary Hampton is a successful businessman who turns into a werewolf after an attack. He tries to manage his curse while using his powers as a superhero.

Like many of Kirkman’s books, the comic has a lot of twists and turns, such as Gary discovering that his supposed mentor has a dark agenda. The action is great thanks to artist Jason Howard. At just 25 issues, Astounding Wolf-Man is a fast and fun read mixing superheroes with horror.

2. Superman, Son of Kal-El

A big move by DC Comics was having Superman and Lois Lane raise a son, Jon. Thanks to some of the usual time-travel shenanigans so common in comics, the boy grew into his teenage years fast and earned his own title.

This comic explores the obvious issues of growing up as the son of the world’s greatest hero, handling his growing powers and still trying to be a regular teenager. Obviously, Jon's journey reflects Mark's on Invincible, but isn't as horrifically violent and traumatizing.

Jon has grown a lot over the years, yet is still lovable with his bright outlook on life. His team-ups with the Robin, aka Damien, are always wonderful to read. The comic takes a brighter view of a superpowered father/son dynamic.

3. Ultimate Spider-Man

As the first major teen hero of the Marvel Universe, Spider-Man was a groundbreaker. In 2000, he got a vibrant new life, kicking off Marvel’s Ultimate line of comics. Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mark Bagley delivered a stunning run of 111 issues together that retold Peter Parker’s origins and put new spins on his classic roster of friends and foes.

Bendis nailed Peter, his problems and his conflicts perfectly, balancing romances with Mary Jane, Kitty Pryde, and others, with those trademark quips abounding. The comic lasted a long time and introduced Miles Morales, yet its first run is one of the best Spider-Man books ever, and one that Invincible fans should be able to relate to.

4. Savage Dragon

Savage Dragon is the longest-running Image Comics title and was a big influence on Invincible. Its longevity is all the more remarkable given almost all of the 275 issues (and counting) have been written and drawn by creator Erik Larsen. The title character is a strange, lizard-like, superstrong creature who becomes a Chicago cop and hero.

The book is ferocious in its violence, with regular characters shockingly killed off without warning, just like in Invincible. It also has the same over-the-top gore, some dark comedy, and social satire. Savagae Dragon is a tricky comic to just jump into, but its stunningly long run is a remarkable achievement by Larsen and it deserves to be on this list.

5. Radiant Black

Robert Kirkman himself has hailed this comic as perfect for any Invincible fan. That’s high praise that's borne out by the book itself.

Nathan Burnett is a struggling writer making ends meet with odd jobs when a dose of cosmic energy gives him powers. He naturally falls into being a superhero while still trying to get a steady writing gig going. However, the aliens behind these powers aren’t happy some human has them and are headed to Earth to do something about it.

The comic balances Nathan’s daily struggles with the rush of having superpowers, with some nice twists along the way. Radiant Black can be dark as Nathan tangles with the aliens and bigger threats down the line. Kirkman’s approval is reason enough to check this book out for a wonderful read. 

6. Noble Causes

A family of superheroes sounds fun, but this 40-issue Image title puts a more realistic spin on the concept. The Nobles are a clan of heroes that includes a super-scientist, his sorceress wife and their children. The super-battles are secondary to the family conflicts, with the siblings often jealous of each other, so it can play like a superpowered version of Succession.

The series addresses how screwed up some people with powers can be, and that’s without the pressure of the media and public following their every move. Noble Causes isn't as famous as some other books, but the super-powered soap antics make this title an underrated gem.

7. Runaways

Invincible fans will surely find a lot to like in this beloved Marvel title. A pack of teenage friends discover their parents are dyed-in-the-wool super criminals running an organization called the Pride. They go on the run while slowly uncovering their own abilities; one is half-alien, another a witch and another has a pet dinosaur.

Runaways is set in the Marvel Universe, so plenty of famous heroes show up. The book is at its best when handling the dynamics of the teens, including a fun storyline where a group of former teen heroes want to stop them. There are some astonishing twists. The comic even inspired a Hulu TV series.

8. Starman

This 1994-2001 DC Comics series is an absolute masterpiece. Ted Knight was the Golden Age hero Starman, who finally retired because of his age. After his older son is killed, the mantle of Starman falls on his younger son Jack, an irreverent junk store owner.

Author James Robinson crafts a fantastic story about Jack coming into his own as a reluctant hero. The book features a beautifully written bond between father and son. The supporting cast is terrific, especially the immortal villain the Shade, who becomes an unlikely ally. Even better is how Robinson expertly lays the seeds for plots that pay off years down the road.

With terrific writing, several top artists, and one of the best endings a comic could ask for, any superhero fan needs to read Starman. 

9. Jupiter’s Legacy

The Netflix show based on this comic may have lasted only one season, but the Jupiter's Legacy book is a terrific read. The main storyline is about a super-powered family and what happens when a couple of members think they know how to “save” the world. It then shifts to a generational tale as we explore the origins of these heroes. There are also sequels that build on the story.

Mark Millar delivers a powerful storyline with his typical unique style. Jupiter's Legacy can get violent, especially in the later miniseries as things get worse for this family and the mysteries behind their powers are revealed. Still, it’s a fun read and there's a lot in it that Invincible fans can enjoy.

10. Astro City

Kurt Busiek’s Astro City is a masterful comic. Busiek has a gift of introducing a brand-new character and making it feel like you’ve been reading about them for years. The tales range from “man on the street” accounts of ordinary people to the lives of heroes, with a few younger ones getting a spotlight. The best stretch is the “Confessions” story arc, where a teenager becomes the sidekick of the mysterious Confessor in a tale that mixes the supernatural and aliens.

Other stories address teen heroes, a woman following her mother’s unique legacy, a teenage supervillain playing games with his nemesis, and more. It’s hard to summarize what makes the book so special, but once you’re in the world of Astro City, you never want to leave.

11. Squadron Supreme 

Much of Invincible is about heroes pushing the boundaries to try and save the world. This landmark 1985-86 Marvel Comics series takes it to the next level. The Squadron Supreme is a not-too-subtle Marvel take on the Justice League residing on an alternate Earth. After an alien invader leaves their world in disarray, the Squadron decides to take the planet over in order to fix things.

It’s not long before the Squadron learns the old adage that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Their attempts at “fixing” the world include brainwashing villains and doing away with human rights. Nighthawk is soon leading a resistance that culminates in a brutal battle.

Squadron Supreme may be the greatest work of the late, great writer Mark Gruenwald. It influenced scores of other books, including Invincible. Read it to see just why the best superheroes don’t try to interfere too much in the world’s affairs.

12. Irredeemable/Incorruptible

Mark Waid offers one of the darkest takes ever on a Superman character in Irredeemable. One day, with no warning, the Plutonian, the world’s greatest hero, goes mad. He’s soon burning down cities and playing twisted games that leave enemies and allies alike jarred. The book is chilling, showing what happens when this powerful being snaps. The attempts to stop him are terrifying yet captivating.

The companion book, Incorruptible, focuses on the Plutonian’s foe, the super-powered thug Max Damage. Rocked by the Plutonian’s rampage, Max decides that if the Plutonian is now a villain, then Max has to become a hero. His struggle to do the right thing is difficult, yet you root for him. Both books are terrific reads that show how easily a hero and villain can flip, and the ferocious violence matches Invincible at its wildest.

13. Black Hammer

Imagine a superhero comic crossed with The Twilight Zone and you’ve got Black Hammer. A decade after saving their city from destruction, a handful of heroes are trapped in a strange town. The titular Black Hammer dies trying to escape and the others attempt to make new lives while figuring out just where they are.

The series is a great commentary on superhero comics, exploring their various trends and tropes. It’s not done in a mocking way, but more celebratory, even as it notes the genre's habits. Mix that with the sci-fi/horror themes and captivating characters and you've got a book that's often hard to summarize yet well worth reading for a new take on the classic superhero genre.

14. Kick-Ass

While it was the basis for two hit movies, Mark Millar’s comic is even wilder. Kick-Ass addresses the realities of becoming a superhero as teenager Dave tries to become the masked vigilante. While he tries, the book is even more brutal than the movie in how often Dave gets his own rear end kicked hard, coming out from his battles looking much worse for wear.

The superhero Hit-Girl is even crazier, the tone is darker and more sardonic (no happy ending for Dave and his crush), and the satire is sharper. The sequels and spin-offs about Hit Girl up the wildness quotient. The original comic is a crazy take on a teen hero as only Mark Millar can give it to us.

15. Miracleman

Alan Moore’s groundbreaking comic has inspired pretty much every “grim and gritty” comic since its initial publication in 1985. Reviving an older book, Miracleman centers on a man rediscovering the secret word that turns him into a superbeing. While at first a hero, the book takes a dark turn, addressing social issues of the 1980s and getting scarier as it goes on. 

A stunning story arc has Kid Miracleman going on a rampage, leading to a clash that’s brutal to read. The comic is infamous for being held up by numerous rights issues, but thankfully, it’s available now in collections, meaning fans can marvel at the tale that set the tone for so many books and shows like Invincible.

Invincible streaming on Prime Video. 

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