You Want A Real Costume, Right?

 

You Want A Real Costume, Right?

Overview

Mark finds it difficult to explain superheroism to Oliver.  Debbie investigates a new partnership and a modified family structure.

The plot

The day opens with a striking montage that sets the tone for the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. In a gritty sequence, two troubled young men—gay lovers desperate for change—attempt a bank heist. Their initial robbery is thwarted by Bulletproof, an intervention that briefly inspires them to reform and live a cleaner life. Yet fate deals them a harsh hand as homelessness pushes them back into old habits, and when they rob the same bank once more, Mark Grayson—Invincible—arrives on the scene. In the ensuing brawl, Oliver, his eager younger half-brother, steps in to help, highlighting just how perilously thin the line is between redemption and relapse.

Shortly after, Mark makes the decision to make Oliver a real hero.  The two meet at Art Rosenbaum's tailor shop to refine their approach to justice.  Full of youthful ambition, Oliver declares that he wants to be known as Kid Omni-Man. This name both thrills and worries Mark because of its unpleasant connotation with their infamous father, Nolan.  Mark is still wary when Art shows him a sleek, new outfit that reflects a more somber, mature character.

A breaking news alert that a superpowered attack is taking place at Payton Penitentiary abruptly interrupts their training session.  Mark demands that his brother stay an observer while Oliver is bursting with the desire to join the battle; this is a lesson in self-control that will soon be put to the test, no matter how well-meaning.

On the ground, however, life is moving in multiple directions.  Eve is making her own way at Upstate University.  She leaves class with her classmate Helen, who she is studying architecture and engineering part-time to better understand and hone her creative abilities.  Amber, who is shocked to see Eve among the students, interrupts their informal conversation about a challenging lecture.  Eve discusses her unusual double life—juggling superheroics and academic endeavors—and even touches on personal issues in a friendly, open conversation. 

Eve tells Amber that Debbie and Oliver are doing well after Mark's courageous rescue from Angstrom Levy when Amber asks about them. She also mentions in passing that Mark has been battling issues (such as a resentful argument with Cecil) that have caused him to become lonely.  Soon after, Amber surprises Eve by telling her that she already knows about Eve and Mark's relationship, which was a rumor that William had spread. Despite Amber's admission that she is currently seeing someone named Kyle, the two share a moment of relief and companionship.

The former Teen Team—now the renegade Guardians—are busy establishing their new headquarters back in the world of heroes, both past and present.  Rex Splode proudly takes Shrinking Rae on a tour of a simple home he bought, making jokes about how it lacks ostentatious features like a pool or a mountain.  Although it is currently their home base, Rudy adds that since the deed is in his name, Rex will benefit when they eventually sell the property.  Old ties and scars reappear as the team comes together: Rex's awkward memories of his former room, his horrific history of being sold to the government for experiments, and nostalgic allusions to the Teen Team's carefree times as immortalized in a long-forgotten picture.

Rudy cordially welcomes Eve to stay after she leaves her city apartment to try to patch up family relations.  However, Eve politely declines Rex's playful suggestion that she rejoin the team, stating that doing so would destroy the magic of the original Guardians.  Even as Rudy acknowledges his own intentions to return to live with his parents, Eve maintains her resolve in the face of taunting remarks about her apparent closeness to Mark.

Liu, speaking on behalf of The Order, approaches Titan and demands that he bring back Multi-Paul, their assassin who is currently in jail.  Titan declines, claiming he has no duty to The Order and is only interested in maintaining control over the city.  Liu maintains that Titan inherited his duties to The Order by assuming control of Machine Head's empire.  Titan contends that Multi-Paul's predicament was personal.  Titan's associate Isotope counsels him to work with The Order, threatening to replace him and destroy his family if he doesn't. He explains that even Machine Head cooperated and that the Order has split the world among themselves. Titan is hesitant because he worries about the attention that would be generated if Multi-Paul broke out. They have no other option, Isotope explains, and he is unable to teleport Multi-Paul out due to an energy field. Titan grudgingly consents to assist, instructing Isotope to let Liu know that he will take care of it but that he does not wish to see Liu in his city ever again. Although he knows better than to tell Liu that, Isotope consents to deliver the message.

Mark and Oliver's mission leads them to a violent altercation at the penitentiary, far above the normal chaos.  Oliver's impatience causes him to charge in, resulting in a painful injury and a harsh reprimand from his older brother, while Mark fights villains like Kursk and Furnace during a prison break—a conflict made more difficult by The Order's internal strife with figures like Multi-Paul and an irate Mr. Liu.  Soon after, while traveling home, they run into Debbie and her new date, Paul. Their encounter unexpectedly reveals details of their hidden identities to the public, even leading to Mark being given the amusing moniker "Invinciboy."

Eve and Mark eventually have a private moment that same evening on a peaceful rooftop beneath a sky full of unsaid burdens.  Eve, who just gave her parents a deadline to accept her abilities, hears Mark talk about the stress of balancing his personal life and his heroic duties.  The comfort of having each other makes the struggle worthwhile, he reveals in their conversation, despite the overwhelming chaos and moral quandaries he faces. His mother's own desire for connection echoes this sentiment.

The trials of the night are far from over.  Mark is pulled into yet another conflict as the renegade Guardians face a fresh threat in the form of the villains Mauler 1 and Mauler 2, who intend to intensify their illicit activity by detonating a nuclear weapon.  He steps in to avert the impending catastrophe because he is determined to assist regardless of team affiliations.  Oliver follows into battle in spite of his best efforts.  Tragically, Oliver is left to deal with the Mauler Twins by himself after Mark successfully defuses the nuke in the vastness of space.  Mark is forced to face the terrible realities of power without restraint when Oliver loses control due to the brutal intensity of the fight and kills both twins in a bloody shower.

Going back to the aftermath, a troubled Mark tries to instill morality in Oliver.  Mark is left wondering about everything because of the younger hero's actions, which are perceived as reflecting their notorious father's heartless outlook.  He finds himself at a crossroads, torn between guiding Oliver and facing his own moral limitations, his heart heavy with the knowledge that even the best intentions can lead to unspeakable consequences.

And a final, menacing twist appears just when it appears that the night has exposed every shadow.  Mark is thinking about the future when he notices a vigilant figure waiting outside—it's Angstrom Levy, who is silently waiting and watching everything that happens.  The stakes are raised for everyone involved by this disturbing discovery, and both heroes and villains are left wondering what the next chapter in their tumultuous lives will hold.