Invincible masterfully blends heartfelt superhero storytelling with comedic elements across its three seasons. The show is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, particularly thanks to its quirky side characters and their often outrageous interactions. Among the many humorous aspects, the series excels in delivering memorable running gags that are both clever and entertaining. Here, we’ll explore five of the funniest running gags that have consistently brought laughter to viewers throughout the show’s run.
With the conclusion of season 3, fans witnessed Mark confront one of the most formidable Viltrumites, Conquest, in an action-packed finale. This season marked a darker chapter for Mark, as reflected in his distinct blue suit, which symbolizes the personal losses he faced during the Invincible War and against other villains. Yet, even amid this darker narrative, season 3 remained committed to showcasing the beloved running gags, allowing for numerous comedic interludes amidst the chaos.
5 The “Invincible”Title Card Gag
Invincible’s Most Recognizable Gag
Among the various running gags, the title card moment stands out as the most iconic aspect of Invincible. Each episode features a title card that appears after a character proclaims Mark Grayson’s superhero name, creating an amusing pause before the action resumes. The comedic potential of this gag is often driven by the surrounding context, allowing for some truly hilarious scenarios.
What makes the title card gag particularly engaging is its versatility. It fits seamlessly into both lighthearted and serious narratives, maintaining its appeal without undermining the episode’s tension. This unique element is exclusive to the show, as the original Invincible comics do not employ title cards, thus cementing it as a signature characteristic of the Amazon Prime Video adaptation.
4 Doc Seismic’s Role as a Comedic Villain
One of Invincible’s Most Ridiculous Antagonists
Doc Seismic, despite his minor role in the overarching story, has become a recurring source of humor in Invincible. His cliché mad scientist persona and peculiar subterranean schemes have made him a target of ridicule among superheroes. Although his threat level was not taken seriously in the earlier seasons, his portrayal in season 3 introduced a surprising twist that transformed him into a legitimate adversary, providing both tension and humor in equal measure.
3 Elephant’s Role as a Training Tool
By Mark & Oliver
Elephant, an unexpectedly goofy villain, dons an elephant costume while engaging in criminal activities. His use as a sparring partner highlights the absurdity of his character. In season 1, Mark practiced his skills against Elephant, a trend that continued in season 3 during Oliver’s training. The moment when Elephant realizes he is not perceived as a credible threat encapsulates the show’s unique blend of comedy and pathos, reinforcing his comedic status in the Invincible universe.
2 Voiceover Narration During Intimate Moments
& Sometimes When It Features Allen
Season 2 introduced a hilarious narrative device featuring Paul F. Tompkins as an unseen narrator. This gag vividly comes to life when the scene shifts away from Mark as he engages in intimate moments, humorously emphasizing the show’s need for privacy. The narrative returns to Allen the Alien, only to create a comical switch in focus when the intimacy resumes. This clever storytelling technique reappeared in season 3, enhancing the ongoing joke and adding a comedic layer to Mark’s encounters.
1 The Tomb Of Ka-Hor
What Purpose Does This Mummy Serve?
Arguably the quirkiest gag in Invincible is the recurring presence of Ka-Hor, a ghostly mummy seeking to escape his tomb. His attempts to break free are consistently thwarted in humorous, nonsensical ways. Ka-Hor’s interactions—or lack thereof—with the main cast serve solely as non-sequitur jokes, making these appearances some of the strangest yet highly entertaining moments in the show.