Summary (TL;DR)
The White House is attacked by the Mauler Twins, and the Guardians of the Globe and Omni-Man save the day. Mark Grayson, the son of Omni-Man, is desperate for his superpowers to kick in but faces challenges at school and work. When his powers finally emerge, he begins training with his father. Mark adopts the superhero name “Invincible.” Meanwhile, the Guardians of the Globe are lured into a trap set by Omni-Man, who turns against them and brutally defeats them.
A Trip to London
The story unfolds with two security guards stationed outside the White House, engaged in a conversation. Steve, one of the guards, excitedly shares his plans to embark on a two-week trip to London with his family. This special journey is to celebrate his step-son Steve’s newfound path to success.
As the two guards chat, the ground suddenly splits open, revealing an unexpected threat. Emerging from the earth’s depths are the menacing Mauler Twins, hell-bent on assassinating the President. Their sinister plan goes awry when they surface outside the White House, drawing immediate gunfire.
In the face of this peril, Steve musters the courage to confront one of the Twins, firing his weapon and damaging the assailant’s eye. However, danger looms as the Twin turns its malevolent gaze toward Steve, ready to exact revenge. Just in the nick of time, the Guardians of the Globe arrive, taking action to evacuate the endangered civilians before engaging in a fierce battle with the Mauler Twins.
Family Boundaries and Jealousy
Meanwhile, Mark Grayson, the son of Omni-Man, finds himself engrossed in a comic book within the confines of his bathroom. His mother, Debbie, interrupts him, disregarding his plea for privacy with a touch of sarcasm, reminiscing about her intimate knowledge of his childhood.
Nolan, Mark’s father, returns home to a warm greeting from Debbie, who playfully teases him about “getting him out” of his superhero suit. Mark, once again, asserts the importance of personal boundaries, but his concerns are brushed aside. It becomes evident that Debbie has a persistent problem respecting Mark’s boundaries.
Mark’s jealousy surfaces when his parents mention an upcoming trip to Berlin, leaving him behind due to school obligations. Nolan responds that Mark can go to Berlin once he manifests his superhuman powers.
Desires and Disappointments
Mark eagerly longs to inherit his father’s extraordinary abilities and follow in his superhero footsteps. However, he has yet to exhibit any signs of having superpowers. In the meantime, he works at a burger joint and attends high school, harboring a crush on a girl named Amber while enduring the bullying of a classmate named Todd.
At school, Mark’s friend William Clockwell discusses the White House incident, expressing doubts about the security breach. Mark defends the superheroes, arguing that they prevented a catastrophe. William, in jest, dubs him an “Omni-Maniac.”
During their conversation, Todd harasses Amber, prompting Mark to intervene. Although he stands up for her, Todd’s physical superiority allows him to throw a punch that leaves Mark humiliated. To Mark’s frustration, his powers remain elusive.
Powers Unleashed
One night, Mark grapples with the difficulty of taking out the trash at his workplace. While struggling with the first bag, his second attempt unwittingly propels the bag into space. At long last, his superpowers manifest.
Over dinner, Mark shares the news of his newfound abilities with his parents. Although Nolan initially remains stoic, he eventually agrees to train Mark. Mark’s anticipation keeps him awake as he recalls his father’s origin from the planet Viltrum, where everyone possesses extraordinary powers and abilities. Nolan left his home planet to safeguard Earth, a duty Mark is eager to embrace.
Mark tests his newfound abilities by leaping off the roof and taking to the skies. However, he quickly encounters an airplane, leading to an unintended ascent into the upper atmosphere and a subsequent fall back to Earth, where he miraculously survives.
Training and Growth
The next morning, Mark, exhausted but determined, commences his training under his father’s guidance. They practice flying and engage in combat. Nolan’s powerful punch leaves Mark bruised, teaching him that adversaries don’t fight fairly, and he must always be prepared.
Later that day at school, Todd confronts Mark once more. This time, Mark invites Todd to strike him, demonstrating his newfound resilience. Todd retreats, labeling Mark a “freak.”
Still filled with adrenaline, Mark dons a makeshift suit and seeks out criminal activity. He intervenes in a robbery but attracts his father’s criticism when Omni-Man arrives. Nolan is concerned about the destruction Mark caused, whereas Mark wants Nolan to hit him. Nolan refrains from striking his son.
A Name and a Purpose
Mark remains agitated, yearning to emulate his father’s super heroic legacy. His impulsive actions belie the years of experience Nolan has accumulated. To help Mark find his identity, Nolan takes him to a tailor, Art Rosenbaum, who designs superhero costumes. Art suggests choosing a name to inspire his suit.
After some contemplation, Mark decides on the name “Invincible.” This choice brightens his outlook.
A Sinister Plot Unfolds
Simultaneously, members of the Guardians of the Globe receive an urgent message, summoning them to their headquarters. The roster includes Green Ghost, Martian Man, Red Rush, The Immortal, Aquarus, War Woman, and Darkwing. Upon their arrival, they discover that none of them sent the alert, and they sense a trap.
Omni-Man reveals himself as the threat and attacks the Guardians, taking them by surprise. In a desperate attempt to save The Immortal, Red Rush intervenes. They think Omni-Man is under someone else’s control. The ensuing battle proves futile as Omni-Man overpowers them, leading to a devastating outcome. The Guardians of the Globe do not survive, and Omni-Man stands triumphant, though gravely injured.
