However, the journey Invincible‘s characters embark upon in season 4 is laying the groundwork for a future revelation that will change the show forever. This is because Mark has a deeper connection to the Viltrum Empire, one that later issues of Robert Kirkman’s comic series delve into. It’s something the show will inevitably tackle thanks to its most recent flashbacks.
Invincible Season 4’s Flashbacks Set Up A Shocking Reveal About Mark’s Bloodline
Invincible season 4, episode 2 featured a flashback sequence following a young Nolan just before the Scourge Virus killed nearly all living Viltrumites. During the flashback, Nolan is seen teaching children about Emperor Argall, the former Emperor of the Viltrum Empire. He’s said to be the Emperor who led Viltrumites to galactic power, before he was killed by Thaedus.
According to Nolan, Argall’s descendants were lost, while a Great Purge that came after killed millions, resulting in what the Empire touts to be a stronger population. While Invincible season 4 puts an emphasis on this during the flashback, it’s quickly inturrupted by the Scourge Virus, which killed nearly every Viltrumite, putting the Empire’s future at great risk.
However, these flashbacks set up a major reveal in the comics: that Mark and Nolan are both descendants of Argall, thus making them the rightful heirs to the Viltrum Empire. It’s a revelation that has major consequences for how the rest of the Viltrumite storyline plays out as the comics continue, and as Mark comes into his own as a hero.
When Invincible Will Reveal The Truth, According To The Comics
The Invincible comics point the way regarding when it’s revealed Mark and Nolan are the true heirs of power amongst the Viltrumites. The TV show has a number of storylines to get through before the revelation happens. This includes The Viltrumite War arc, alongside an aftermath arc revealing the changes the major conflict brought to Earth and the galaxy.
During Invincible #102, Thragg has the upper hand on Nolan during an ambush that almost results in Debbie dying. It’s here that, before intending to kill Nolan, Thragg reveals he knows about his true heritage. This is how the comic reveals Nolan is Argall’s son, thus making him the true heir to the Viltrum Empire.
As of Invincible season 4, episode 3, the show has adapted elements of Invincible #71, the first of the eight-issue Viltrumite War arc. The show also has yet to delve into its original story involving Damien Darkblood. This signals the revelation about Mark’s heritage won’t come until season 5 or 6 at the earliest, given how many issues are left to adapt before then.
As of writing, Mark has no knowledge of his father’s work with the Coalition of Planets to stop Thragg and the Viltrumite Empire. Future episodes will see him get involved in the Coalition’s war against the Viltrumites, but even this won’t reveal his blood connection to the former Emperor. However, this future knowledge lays the groundwork for the rest of his story.
Mark being related to Emperor Argall lays the groundwork for his future: that he’s destined to become heir to the Viltrumite Empire, thus bringing an end to Thragg and his rule. The show will likely take quite some time to get here and reveal how Mark deals with this newfound knowledge. But it’s important for how his responsibilities develop in future seasons.
Since Invincible season 4 has only just mentioned Emperor Argall, it’ll be some time before the larger consequences of Mark’s relation to him show up. For now, it seems like he and Nolan have plenty to deal with regarding Thragg. However, it lays the groundwork for what the show will become, while also hinting at how the father-son duo are going to win.
- Release Date
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March 26, 2021
- Network
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Amazon Prime Video