After two adrenaline-fueled episodes, Invincible slows down (but just a little) in episode 3, “You Want a Real Costume, Right?” By “slows down,” I mean it still delivers jaw-dropping action and deep emotional conflicts and gives our characters a chance to breathe. This episode tackles the evolving moral dilemmas of Mark Grayson, the messiness of reforming villains, and a very uneasy future for Oliver. Mark gets a brand-new, darker suit—because nothing screams “I’m struggling with my identity” quite like a costume change.
We kick off with a surprising and heartfelt montage featuring Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant, two small-time villains who attempt to go straight after a botched bank heist. In classic Invincible fashion, their attempts at living an honest life fail miserably, and they’re forced back into crime, leading to a brutal encounter with Mark and Oliver. The kicker? Tether Tyrant hesitates before attacking Oliver, recognizing he’s just a kid—highlighting precisely the moral conundrum Mark has been wrestling with. Can people change, or is violence the only answer?
Meanwhile, Oliver is out here playing “Baby’s First Omni-Man,” refusing to grasp the difference between being strong and being right. Mark tries to keep him in check, but let’s be honest—this kid is a Viltrumite missile with no brakes. By the time the Mauler Twins launch their latest (and final) scheme, Oliver proves he’s more his father’s son than Mark ever was, delivering some genuinely gruesome kills. And the way he shrugs it off? Yikes. If Mark doesn’t get through to him soon, we’re looking at a serious problem down the road.
Credits: Prime Video
While Mark struggles with Oliver’s homicidal tendencies, the rest of the cast is dealing with their own battles. Eve is trying (and failing) to mend things with her parents, Amber is surprisingly chill about Mark moving on, and Debbie has fully committed to her new relationship with Paul—so much so that she casually drops the “Oh yeah, my ex-husband was an alien warlord, and my son is basically Superman” bomb on him. Paul, to his credit, doesn’t immediately run for the hills, but something tells me this revelation is far from over.
And let’s be real, the real threat is still out there: Angstrom Levy. This episode gives us a not-so-subtle reminder that someone (and we all know who) is watching the Graysons very closely, which doesn’t bode well for what’s to come. Mark’s a little late to the party when he spots that floating surveillance orb – whoever’s behind it already has all the intel they need.
Season 3 Episode 3 of Invincible delivers a potent mix of emotional depth and thrilling action. Oliver’s descent into remorselessness is genuinely chilling and promises to be a standout character arc this season. The tragic story of Magmaniac and Tether Tyrant adds a layer of complexity to the villain landscape, while Mark’s new suit subtly hints at his inner turmoil. Eve’s journey of self-discovery continues to be a compelling emotional core for the show.
On the less positive side, the Guardians felt underutilized, though this is understandable given the episode’s many other threads. Paul’s unusually calm demeanor raises some questions: is he simply incredibly understanding, or is there something more we’re not seeing? Finally, the truly terrifying elements of Oliver’s increasingly dangerous path, Angstrom Levy’s unsettling, silent observation, and the gradual erosion of Mark’s moral compass create a sense of unease and anticipation for what’s to come.
‘Invincible’ Season 3 Episode 3: Tightens the Noose
“You Want a Real Costume, Right?” isn’t just about Mark’s new look—it’s about identity, morality, and the terrifying reality of unchecked power. The show continues to masterfully balance superhero spectacle with deeply human struggles, proving once again why it’s one of the best in the game. With Oliver spiraling, Angstrom Levy looming, and Mark desperately trying to hold it all together, Invincible Season 3 is only getting started.
