Invincible #103
Written by Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by Ryan Ottley
Inked by Cliff Rathburn
Colored by John Rauch
Lettered by Rus Wooton
Cover by Ryan Ottley and John Rauch
Image Comics
Release Date: June 19, 2013
Cover Price: $2.99

As per usual, Invincible‘s team of Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, and Cliff Rathburn deliver the goods with super-powered punch-to-the-gut dialogue and illustrated revelations combined with wide-eyed, jaw-dropping moments. Fresh off its 100th issue, Invincible returns this month with #103 and an all new story-arc. With many of the characters facing major unforeseen changes and returning villains entering the mix, this new era in Invincible is sure to stir up excitement, turmoil and bring forth a slew of untouched ethical dilemmas.

The newly engaged Mark and Eve must deal with the possible negative effects on their unborn child due to their superpowers. Also unbeknownst to them, Angstrom Levy””the maniacal portal-creating super-villain who was revealed to be back in their dimension in issue 100″”is not too thrilled to find out that Invincible is still alive. Meanwhile, on the last Viltrumite warship on the moon, Lord Regent Nolan explains his punishment for the former leader of the Viltrumites, Thragg.

There was a time when I thought Invincible was losing steam. It seemed to me that Kirkman’s major focus had become his other hit comic, The Walking Dead, and that Invincible was beginning to misplace its proverbial powers. Thankfully, that time was short-lived and the Invincible I knew has returned, perhaps even stronger than ever! With this jam-packed new issue comes the return of my favorite villain of the Kirkmanverse: Angstrom Levy. While he’s only in it briefly, Kirkman’s inclusion of the sadistic aggressor is enough to acknowledge that the next few months of Invincible comics will surely produce intense physical and internal battles for Mark Grayson. Thank you, Mr. Kirkman.

What can I say about the artistic team of Ottley and Rathburn that hasn’t been said before? These two continue to depict impressively-drawn epic battles that rival those seen on screen, veracious portrayals of every facet of the emotional spectrum and beautiful colors flowing in and out of every panel; and, they get better with every issue, never taking the lazy way out because they’ve been on the title since the beginning, but always making an impactful impression.

I loved this issue. For fans of the comic, Invincible #103 appears to be the start of some great new storylines. If you’re a new Invincible reader, check this one out and then have an out-of-this-world-experience indulging in the 102 issues that came before. You won’t regret it.