Unfortunately in this world of superheroes, there is a monopoly on this premise which is generally held by DC Comics and Marvel Comics. These companies hold some of the world's most recognised superhero characters that include Superman and Spider-man. However if you verge away from these companies and investigate some of the smaller companies like Image, you'll find a richly diverse world of characters that are just as well written and illustrated as the bigger companies.

the One example is Invincible who was created by the creator of The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman and co-creator Cory Walker which collects a handful of issues of this excellent comic book series in one accessible volume. Joining Kirkman are artist's Cory Walker and colourist Ryan Ottley who helps bring this superhero to life and unlike the boy scout Superman, the brooding Batman or billionaire mogul Tony Stark as Iron Man, Invincible is a much more down to Earth character.

With that said, the artwork is a joy to view with some great attention to detail with its stylised strokes and minimalistic colouring. This style does help define the character Invincible. With larger than life colours and some great panels, Invincible is definitely an impressive comic in terms of both art and story. But who is the Invincible?

The superhero in question is Mark Grayson who is the central character to series, a teenager who has the perfect normal life. He goes to high school, chases girl and works in a fast food restaurant to earn some money. Mark Grayson and his family are your typical suburban family or so it would seem on the outside. Mark's father is a successful novelist but unbeknown to the world, he is actually the superhero known as Omni-Man who could almost be considered the Superman archetype.

Of course being related to one of the world's most powerful heroes does have its benefits and when Mark begins to manifest some of his father's superpowers, he decides to join the superhero ranks and even has a costume made for him. He becomes the new superhero on the block and is named "Invincible". Mark soon begins a new career as a super hero as he attempts to better the world by challenging the criminals and villains of this city.

As opposed to the traditional superhero comics, Kirkman and Walker really have a knack of thoroughly anchoring their characters to the real world and watching Mark grow as a superhero is a treat, especially seeing the relationship with his father, Omni-man unfold. It's the small touches like these that make Invincible so real and grounded.

In conclusion, If you're after something a little different and left out of centre, than I would recommend that you investigate Invincible Volume One: Family Matters as it looks on the superhero genre in a totally new light with some great homage to the classic silver age material. The only drawback is that it is quite an easy read and before you know it, you'll be clamouring for more of the Invincible.