"You Can't Just Be A Superhero Show": Robert Kirkman Addresses "Superhero Fatigue" Ahead Of Invincible Season 3

Robert Kirkman has addressed "superhero fatigue" ahead of Invincible season 3, offering his thoughts on the concept and how it impacts the genre. Invincible season 3 will 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 like Daredevil: Born Again and Peacemaker season 2, as well as theatrical films like Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps, all signaling a revitalization for multiple major franchises.

Speaking with Variety, Kirkman addressed the idea of "superhero fatigue" ahead of Invincible season 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 & Wolverine was released in 2024, becoming the second highest-grossing film of the year by earning $1.338 billion at the box office. Prime Video's The Boys spinoffs are a result of its viewership success with season 4 of the flagship show and Gen V season 1. These recent triumphs in the genre show that superheroes are still considerably popular, and can draw in large audiences if handled properly.

While the cast of Invinciblehas 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.

Invincible has 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?

Mark Grayson smiling while flying with Invincible imagery in the background

Kirkman's viewpoint makes sense given the trends seen in the genre in recent years, with successes like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Deadpool & Wolverine evidence 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 in Invincible season 3's reception as well, the show's critical acclaim already indicating how successful it will be.

Source: Variety