As this is the first review to appear on A Comic Bomb, I wanted to start with something really special. The hundreth issue of Invincible certainly doesn’t disappoint…

This issue is the concluding third chapter of “The Death Of Everyone” storyline, so if you’re not reading Invincible yet I’d also advise you to look for issues 98 and 99. Actually, if you’re a fan of superhero comics and you’re not reading Invincible, do yourself a favour and pick up the trades. Robert Kirkman has created a whole universe of characters who adhere to, subvert and lovingly pastiche every superhero trope there is. The tagline “the best superhero comic book in the universe” isn’t merely hyperbole.

Issue 100 opens with a devastating image certain to have made any fan of the series recoil in horror – the term “splash page” is apt in more ways than one. Nothing is ever what it seems in this book, and this storyline as a whole has provided a reflective study of what Mark Grayson has let himself become through his stubborn insistence that he is right and trying to do what he thinks is best. The result of his actions will haunt everyone for a long time. The fallout won’t simply be swept under the carpet, there’s no magic reset button – everything won’t simply be okay. As readers we’ve seen his attitude shift many times throughout the run, and Mark is constantly evolving, learning from his mistakes and growing as a person. Plot is driven by character and decisions feel realistic. It’s refreshing to see villains being beaten through calm reasoned conversation as often as they are with violence, and that’s part of what makes Invincible so unique.

What Kirkman has achieved with this issue is a perfect parody of the comic book “event.” Teasing for months about characters’ potential mortality, but also delivering on the promise with a huge emotional punch whilst providing a satisfying resolution which doesn’t feel cheap or rushed. There have been many big “events” in recent years from Marvel and DC which have lasted months and months, dragged out and spread into multiple titles, ultimately serving only to move on to the next event without resolving anything. In the last 3 issues of Invincible we’ve been shown how it should be done. By the end of #100 we’re left with a new status quo, a shock reveal, and enough ongoing story elements to drive the series to #200…

This is one of the most fun, unpredictable and entertaining comics available today. There are eight different covers in total to choose from – my personal favourites are the wraparound cover by regular artist Ryan Ottley (a beautiful homage to the Walking Dead’s hundredth issue wraparound) and the variant by original Invincible artist Corey Walker – and if you can’t get them all, make sure you get at least one…