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Indestructible Volume 1: Not So Much...
Meet Greg Pincus -- the planet's brand-spanking-newest Superhero. One small Greg is neither super, nor particularly heroic. But, he sure enjoys the perks that come with the job. Can Greg survive in a celebrity-obsessed world that wrongly believes he's indestructible? Jeff Kline explores this comedic take on a reluctant hero, and contemplates what is required to be considered -special- in a world where fame can come and go faster than a speeding bullet!
104 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 19, 2014
Indestructible has a cool premise: in a world where superheroes are real and are huge celebrities, what if an ordinary bloke were somehow mistaken for one of them - what would he do next? That’s what happens to Greg Pincus when he is shot during a robbery and the bullet lodges in a metal flask in his coat pocket. The footage is caught on camera and suddenly people think he’s a Man of Stone - indestructible!
And while I think that’s a great set-up, the story unfortunately never really delivers on it - or at least not completely. It’s kinda fun at first seeing Greg enjoying the celebrity lifestyle, being pursued by paparazzi and hot superhero groupies, giving autographs and occasionally having to put up with being punched in the gut (because people think he won’t feel it). But that’s really as far as the creative team go in these first four issues - the rest of the book treads water with dull things like Greg getting a showbiz agent and pursuing a love interest that doesn’t quite pan out, and then it’s over with a bizarre attack on a carnival!
Part of my reaction is because of the series run - I went in thinking this would be a four-issue mini-series but it’s become an ongoing one instead. I’m not sure if that was the original plan or if I got my wires crossed but that’s how it’s played out. Which is fine, good for Jeff Kline and co., but you can see why they chose not to round out the story arc here, opting instead to tease it out into the longer series; it just doesn’t make for a satisfying read.
The idea of people thinking an ordinary guy is a superhero is fun and original but unfortunately the cast isn’t. Greg Pincus and his flatmate Barry ARE Simon Pegg and Nick Frost - the resemblance and the way they act is identical to Shaun and Ed’s friendship in Shaun of the Dead. The League of the Defenders - the real superheroes who induct Greg into their ranks - are made up of superhero archetypes (think Justice League/Avengers analogues) none of which are memorable. The Mighty is a good superhero character though: a midget lawyer strongman - haven’t seen that before!
The book ends on a weird note with the bad guys - whom I never really felt I understood well - deciding to blow up a carnival of all places! I was expecting Greg to be found out or at least admit that he doesn’t have superpowers, but those things frustratingly taper out into open ends. I’m not sure how the series will continue the angle for long, especially as it should be fairly apparent quite quickly that Greg isn’t superpowered, but I’m also not in any hurry to find out either.
Which isn’t to say Indestructible Volume 1 is terrible - it’s not. It is enjoyable in parts, the writing and art are both good and the characters are likeable even if most are a bit bland and storytelling clichés like the “bullet hidden in the breast pocket stopped the bullet” trope get trotted out. But it is a different angle to the superhero genre that hasn’t been explored before so for that I’d say that this is worth a look.
And while I think that’s a great set-up, the story unfortunately never really delivers on it - or at least not completely. It’s kinda fun at first seeing Greg enjoying the celebrity lifestyle, being pursued by paparazzi and hot superhero groupies, giving autographs and occasionally having to put up with being punched in the gut (because people think he won’t feel it). But that’s really as far as the creative team go in these first four issues - the rest of the book treads water with dull things like Greg getting a showbiz agent and pursuing a love interest that doesn’t quite pan out, and then it’s over with a bizarre attack on a carnival!
Part of my reaction is because of the series run - I went in thinking this would be a four-issue mini-series but it’s become an ongoing one instead. I’m not sure if that was the original plan or if I got my wires crossed but that’s how it’s played out. Which is fine, good for Jeff Kline and co., but you can see why they chose not to round out the story arc here, opting instead to tease it out into the longer series; it just doesn’t make for a satisfying read.
The idea of people thinking an ordinary guy is a superhero is fun and original but unfortunately the cast isn’t. Greg Pincus and his flatmate Barry ARE Simon Pegg and Nick Frost - the resemblance and the way they act is identical to Shaun and Ed’s friendship in Shaun of the Dead. The League of the Defenders - the real superheroes who induct Greg into their ranks - are made up of superhero archetypes (think Justice League/Avengers analogues) none of which are memorable. The Mighty is a good superhero character though: a midget lawyer strongman - haven’t seen that before!
The book ends on a weird note with the bad guys - whom I never really felt I understood well - deciding to blow up a carnival of all places! I was expecting Greg to be found out or at least admit that he doesn’t have superpowers, but those things frustratingly taper out into open ends. I’m not sure how the series will continue the angle for long, especially as it should be fairly apparent quite quickly that Greg isn’t superpowered, but I’m also not in any hurry to find out either.
Which isn’t to say Indestructible Volume 1 is terrible - it’s not. It is enjoyable in parts, the writing and art are both good and the characters are likeable even if most are a bit bland and storytelling clichés like the “bullet hidden in the breast pocket stopped the bullet” trope get trotted out. But it is a different angle to the superhero genre that hasn’t been explored before so for that I’d say that this is worth a look.
July 12, 2014
'Indestructible Volume 1' tells the story of a guy in a world full of superheroes who is accidentally mistaken for one. It's a comedy of mistaken identity and hero fantasy that isn't too bad.
Greg Pincus is a loser in just about everyone's eyes. His family seems to ignore him. When he leaves dinner for a date with a mysterious and sexy woman, the night ends with her having his car keys and Greg getting shut out. He goes home only to find out his roommate has an errand for him. During the errand, he finds himself in the middle of a crime in progress and emerging as a new superhero. The problem is he's not. Everyone around him looks at him differently. He tries to come clean but no one will let him. Meanwhile, a gang of criminals is planning a heist. Will Greg's new fame get him killed?
It plays like the kind of comedies that appeal to much younger folks than I am. I found it funny, but not as funny as it could have been. Greg's roommate was truly annoying, and I really have no idea why or how he got the date with Stingray. It's not bad, and I'd like to see how long they can string it along with everyone thinking Greg is a hero. The art by Javi Garron is a bit caricatured, but that fits the sort of loopy story going on. I liked it, but I didn't really love it.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Greg Pincus is a loser in just about everyone's eyes. His family seems to ignore him. When he leaves dinner for a date with a mysterious and sexy woman, the night ends with her having his car keys and Greg getting shut out. He goes home only to find out his roommate has an errand for him. During the errand, he finds himself in the middle of a crime in progress and emerging as a new superhero. The problem is he's not. Everyone around him looks at him differently. He tries to come clean but no one will let him. Meanwhile, a gang of criminals is planning a heist. Will Greg's new fame get him killed?
It plays like the kind of comedies that appeal to much younger folks than I am. I found it funny, but not as funny as it could have been. Greg's roommate was truly annoying, and I really have no idea why or how he got the date with Stingray. It's not bad, and I'd like to see how long they can string it along with everyone thinking Greg is a hero. The art by Javi Garron is a bit caricatured, but that fits the sort of loopy story going on. I liked it, but I didn't really love it.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
May 9, 2014
Read as digital ARC.
For the most part, I read two kinds of superhero stories. There are the stories that have it easy, because I already know all the characters (Batman, Superman, Flash, etc), and so I automatically care about what happens, and then there are the stories that have to start from scratch. Indestructible started from scratch with a plan.
In my search for worthy superhero stories, I see a lot of repeats. For text stories in particular, I am thoroughly sick of spending an entire novel watching someone learn how to use their new powers. Never fear, our friend Greg has no powers to master, and he is free to stumble around his world with misunderstandings bouncing him around like ball in a pinball machine.
The creators know that when it comes to superhero stories, you gotta have a gimmick and--voilà--Greg is in the fame game: agents, offers to join teams, fans, Greg digging himself deeper--it's good stuff. Also, there's more going on behind the scenes, and I can't wait to find out what it is.
For the most part, I read two kinds of superhero stories. There are the stories that have it easy, because I already know all the characters (Batman, Superman, Flash, etc), and so I automatically care about what happens, and then there are the stories that have to start from scratch. Indestructible started from scratch with a plan.
In my search for worthy superhero stories, I see a lot of repeats. For text stories in particular, I am thoroughly sick of spending an entire novel watching someone learn how to use their new powers. Never fear, our friend Greg has no powers to master, and he is free to stumble around his world with misunderstandings bouncing him around like ball in a pinball machine.
The creators know that when it comes to superhero stories, you gotta have a gimmick and--voilà--Greg is in the fame game: agents, offers to join teams, fans, Greg digging himself deeper--it's good stuff. Also, there's more going on behind the scenes, and I can't wait to find out what it is.
May 6, 2014
This book is hilarious, it takes place in a world where there are mutants who become superheroes and villains of course because we can't have heroes without villains. Anyway, Greg Pincus is your average guy, who by sheer luck survives being shot at point-blank [had a flask in the pocket], in his dazed/shocked state he stumbles home.
Well video of his "heroics" makes him the latest superhero sensation, only problem is he has no powers and people won't listen, everyone insist he is a hero. From the police to his dumb as hell roommate/only friends [if I were him I'd look for a replacement, not a good fried] everyone wants something. The ending of Volume 1 makes you want Volume 2 because this is an amusing read and you want to know how it will work out for the powerless wonder.
Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book
Well video of his "heroics" makes him the latest superhero sensation, only problem is he has no powers and people won't listen, everyone insist he is a hero. From the police to his dumb as hell roommate/only friends [if I were him I'd look for a replacement, not a good fried] everyone wants something. The ending of Volume 1 makes you want Volume 2 because this is an amusing read and you want to know how it will work out for the powerless wonder.
Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book
June 9, 2014
Due to a series of chance happenings, Greg was shot in the chest, but the bullet was stopped by the Madden game disc in his pocket. People now think that he is a superhero. What could possibly go wrong here? Lots! Publicity, job issues, getting invited to join a superhero team, family relationships, etc. The fun is in seeing what and when something will go wrong (as in his superhero moniker). Enjoy until it all falls apart!
March 2, 2015
This is a really funny book. It does a delightful job of turning the superhero origin story on its "reluctant hero" ear. The characters are over the top in all of the best ways; for example, Greg is a nobody, and when something extraordinarily lucky happens to him, nobody believes the true story. If you ever get tired of how super-serious superhero stories can be, pick this book up.
May 12, 2014
Review to follow.
And I warn you...it's NOT going to be pretty, as this seriously got my heckles up. Not with the storyline or anything like that, but just that this is what happens when a TV exec decides to go into the comic industry.
And I warn you...it's NOT going to be pretty, as this seriously got my heckles up. Not with the storyline or anything like that, but just that this is what happens when a TV exec decides to go into the comic industry.
September 7, 2016
Note: I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley.
January 7, 2015
A wonderfully witty, engaging read. Also a great look at superhero tropes and the fickle nature of celebrity. Would definitely recommend for all comic book fans.
March 13, 2015
I can see the appeal of this particular series, but honestly it didn't hit a chord with me enough to want to continue with it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews