The following contains spoilers for Invincible season 3 episode 3, “You Want a Real Costume, Right?”, now streaming on Prime VideoInvincibleseason 3 gave two of the show’s minor villains a surprisingly heartbreaking storyline. For most ofInvincible, the sheer scope of the superhero universe has been steadily developed further and further. WhileInvincible’s main cast of charactershave grown into unique takes on classic superhero archetypes, many of the show’s supporting cast and minor characters remain relatively straightforward in their riffs on superhero tropes.
This extends beyond the heroes, with many of the show’s villains also being fairly one-note (but consistently fun) takes on superhero archetypes. Many of the minor villains have been shown to be simply punching bags for the heroes, with little actual personality or dialogue. The themes ofseason 3 ofInvincibleinherently challenges that preconception, with the third episode in the season even shifting focus entirely to two minor characters so it can show off how tragic they really are.
Magmaniac And Tether Tyrant Finally Got Some Characterization
Image via Prime Video
Invincible’s season 3 episode 3 spends a surprising amount of time focusing on Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant, providing some surprising depth and thematic power to the two minor villains. Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant were introduced in season 1 ofInvincibleas two of the minor henchmen ofInvinciblevillain Machine Head. Although they were capable villains, they weren’t able to stand up to the full Guardians of the Globe roster.The two didn’t receive much characterization during this appearance, simply playing their parts as minor villains that get punched by the heroes.
Finally, Invincible Season 3 Drops One Of Its Most Overused Superhero Tropes
Invincible has consistently pushed the boundaries of superhero shows, and season 3 has gotten even better after dropping its most overused trope.
However, “You Want a Real Costume, Right?” opens with an extended look into their lives. It’s apparent that while Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant are uniquely dangerous as villains, they are also people. The two are shown living together and struggling to make ends meet, turning to crime not out of some power fantasy or vicious personality but due to desperation. Their attempts to go straight and find stable work at a restaurant doesn’t end up lasting long, and the pair are eventually forced to return to a life of crime.The episode portrays this as a deeply somber storyline.
Invincible Season 3 Confirmed Magmaniac & Tether Tyrant Are In A Relationship
Invincible Gives Two Minor Villains A Genuine Love Story
One of the new elements added to the episode is the relationship between Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant. While the two were established as close friends in the original comic,the animated adaptation tweaks the connection and turns it romantic. This gives their bond more weight and underscores how the pair struggle to make a life for themselves. This makes their eventual tragic fate all the more saddening, as the two seemed to find happiness with each other in a simple life. However, their tempers lead them to lose their jobs in a restaurant, which leads to their eventual eviction.
In many ways, they have similar chemistry as the romances at the heart ofInvincible.
The romance between Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant is never portrayed as anything but a loving and understanding one. In many ways, they have similar chemistry as the romances at the heart ofInvincible. Unlike Mark and Eve or William and Rick,the pair don’t get the chance to have a happy ending. The two are shown to be alone in the world and unable to provide even for just themselves, forcing them to return to crime and simply be seen as criminals in the eyes of heroes like Invincible and his brother Oliver.
Magmaniac & Tether Tyrant’s New Backstory Makes Them More Sympathetic
Magmaniac And Tether Tyrant’s Short Story Played Into The Show’s Themes For Season 3
Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant being given a sympathetic backstory and set of motivationsplays intoInvincibleseason 3’s overarching themes about redemption and moral grey areas. While Magmanic and Tether Tyrant are not portrayed as heroes and their decisions are still frowned upon, they are given greater motivation than just wanting to cause chaos for the sake of it. The two are shown struggling to afford an apartment, which is made harder by their former criminal actions as well as their super powers. The opening suggests the two are more than capable and deserving of a chance to earn redemption.
Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant do not speak in the episode, and have not yet spoken inInvincible.
However, the hardships of the world stop them from finding that new path forward. Instead, both men are left on the street with no more possessions,forced to become the villains they initially stopped acting as if they want any chance of having a life for themselves. It plays intoInvincible’s themes about morally grey areas and the difficulty in classifying someone as purely evil or heroic. It’s a quietly powerful exploration of the desperation that can fuel harsh actions, and highlights the depth of character that’s been afforded to even the most throwaway of characters inInvincible.
