Is Invincible an anime? This has been a topic of debate among fans of the series since its premiere in 2021, but there is a definitive answer.
When the first episode of Invincible aired in 2021, its closing scene marked a watershed moment for Western animation. In particular, Omni-Man’s visceral and shocking massacre of the Guardians of the Globe became a mainstream sensation, earning the show its 18+ rating in a gruesome fashion.
While macabre visuals and adult themes are not new in animation, with examples like Watership Down traumatizing kids and Studio Ghibli’s emotionally charged movies, as well as DC and Mortal Kombat’s animated features, there are acclaimed outliers like Waltz with Bashir and A Scanner Darkly.
Invincible stands out due to its TV format and visual palette, which evokes other anime shows. So, the question arises: is Invincible considered an anime?
Is Invincible an anime?
While Invincible falls under the category of animation, it does not qualify as an anime. Anime specifically refers to animated projects originating from Japan, and Invincible is an American series.
The distinction can be likened to that between champagne and prosecco—both are sparkling wines, but champagne gets its name from its French origin. Although Invincible’s art style and graphic content may draw influence from anime, its non-Japanese origin makes it ineligible to be categorized as such.
This debate is not unprecedented, with similar discussions arising around series like Avatar: The Last Airbender. The fundamental criterion is that anime comes from Japan, and unless a series is produced by a Japanese studio, it does not meet the qualifications.
One Redditor clarified, stating, “Anime is just a simplification of the word anime. The answer is both yes and no. It would be in the same class as anime but was made in the West, so it’s an animation. But they are the same thing; literally, the only difference is the country it was made in.”
This distinction doesn’t negate the ability to compare genres and highlight similarities. A Reddit thread pointed out that Invincible is “as close to a Shonen anime” as Western pop culture will get, praising its faithful adaptation of source material and bold approach to violence. One user noted, “Invincible is more superhero anime than superhero animes.”
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the debate over whether Invincible qualifies as an anime reveals the evolving landscape of animated storytelling. While Invincible is an American animated series, its art style and narrative complexity draw inspiration from anime conventions. The discussion highlights the blurred lines between traditional categories and showcases the global influence of diverse animation styles. Ultimately, whether Invincible is considered an anime is subjective, reflecting the changing perceptions of animated content in the modern entertainment landscape.
