Omni-Man betrayal saved series years earlier than planned

A franchise almost cut short

February 26, 2026 – Invincible nearly ended during its first year at Image Comics, according to creator Robert Kirkman. Low early sales reportedly put the superhero series on the brink of cancellation, forcing Kirkman to rethink his long-term storytelling strategy far sooner than expected.

Image Credit: Image Comics

The Omni-Man gamble

To keep the series alive, Kirkman made a bold decision: he moved Omni-Man’s shocking betrayal forward by nearly two years from his original plan. The twist — revealing that Omni-Man was not the heroic father figure he appeared to be — dramatically altered the tone of the book and instantly distinguished Invincible from traditional superhero comics.

Image Credit: Image Comics

A risky move that paid off

The early reveal injected urgency and emotional weight into the story, grabbing readers’ attention and boosting word-of-mouth buzz. What was meant to be a slow-burn narrative instead became a defining moment that re-energized sales and secured the comic’s future at Image.

Image Credit: Image Comics

Redefining superhero storytelling

Kirkman later acknowledged that the pressure forced him to abandon a safer pacing model. By exposing the truth about Omni-Man early, Invincible embraced darker themes, moral complexity, and long-term consequences — elements that would become central to its identity.

Image Credit: Image Comics

Final thoughts

Invincible’s survival story is a reminder that creative risks often emerge from necessity. By accelerating Omni-Man’s betrayal, Robert Kirkman not only saved the series from cancellation — he helped shape one of the most influential modern superhero sagas.

FAQs

Q1: Was Invincible close to being canceled?
Yes, Image Comics considered canceling it during its first year.

Q2: What saved the series?
Kirkman moved Omni-Man’s betrayal much earlier than planned.

Q3: How much earlier was the twist revealed?
Roughly two years ahead of the original storyline plan.

Q4: Why was the twist so impactful?
It subverted superhero norms and added emotional stakes.

Q5: Did the gamble work?
Yes — it boosted interest and ensured the comic’s continuation.