As the new year kicks off, new seasons for many beloved tv shows are releasing across different platforms. Some shows drop new seasons annually, others taking up to two years, but nonetheless, fans will always appreciate when a new season comes out. Spring 2026 seems to be the season of the year for comic book fans, as they are getting new seasons from popular shows such as Invincible and The Boys on Amazon Prime, and Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. The timing is impeccable, as all three shows release new episodes on the same week, and for two the same day, causing fans to be even more excited. Since their releases, each show has dominated the top ten shows of today on their respective platforms, so are these shows more than just a nerd pleaser, or can non super hero viewers also enjoy these shows?
Starting off with the most known superhero amongst the three shows, Marvel’s Daredevil. This show has been around for quite some time, previously having its own show on Netflix for three seasons from 2015-2018. It was revived in 2024 as Daredevil: Born Again after Disney got back the rights to those characters in 2021. The Netflix show was highly praised as the best comic book show to be released, and was popular amongst both comic book fans and casual watchers alike. It also received multiple nominations for an Emmy Award.
The show dives deep into the cold criminal underworld of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, and how the protagonist, Matthew Murdock, also known as Daredevil, played by Charlie Cox, is single handedly trying to take it all down. Matthew was blinded in an accident as a child, but due to this his other senses were all boosted, which still allowed him to train and learn how to fight. Matt lives a double life as a lawyer, helping and fighting for the citizens of Hell’s Kitchen in court by day, but beating up criminals by night. This unique character and incredible performance by Charlie Cox really shows the quality of the show, of how it’s not just about wearing bright colored outfits and masks, but how to be there for others and give everything you can to help them. As the show goes on, his character becomes really likeable amongst the audience, as some can relate to the battles Matt Murdock experiences in the show.
This show is also highly praised for its side characters and antagonists, some believing the best portrayals of certain villains come from this show. The main antagonist, Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, played by Vincent D’Onofrio, is yet another highlight of the show. The amount of power he has amongst many people is unmatched, and you’re always guessing as to who’s working for him. With many other great characters to be introduced in the later seasons, season one of the Netflix series sets up how the rest of the story will play out, a grounded, crime drama in the streets of present day New York City.
Meanwhile on Amazon Prime, Invincible is a relatively new comic book show, with its first release being in March 2021. The animated series is based on the Image Comics comic book series, and this would be its first ever adaptation in the film industry. This new show introduces us to Mark Grayson, a high school senior waiting to inherit his powers just like his father, Nolan Grayson. Nolan is considered to be the strongest hero on the planet, however he is not even from earth at all. He comes from the planet known as Viltrum, and was sent to earth to be its sole protector. Once Mark gets his powers, he only wants to help protect people and the world, and thus begins his journey as the hero known as Invincible. The first episode is considered to be one of the best first episodes for any series, animated or live action. It ends off with a crazy cliffhanger that really hooked viewers who gave the show a chance. Many fans were left shocked after season one ended, and could not wait for more. Once season 2 released two years later, viewership tripled from season one, showing the amount of popularity the show gained since the first season ended.
As the show progresses, Mark Grayson seems to always go through something in his life. He’s constantly in some sort of conflict, whether that would be physically fighting someone, or mentally battling his ideologies, which really helps viewers connect to his character. The show also does not shy away from keeping things PG-13, as there is lots of blood shown and gore. Although some people may not like this, it does give the show a more realistic style compared to other super hero projects. There are many likeable characters in the show, and most are played by well known actors. Invincible gives the comic book genre a fresh, realistic style, while still having the same elements found in other shows. As of now, the show has fourteen episodes with over a 9.0 rating on IMDb, with six of them being over a 9.5, and two being an almost perfect 9.9 rating.
The Boys on the other hand is polar opposite compared to the previous shows. The Boys do not hold back on keeping things real, and sometimes go even beyond that. The show is very graphic, however it does set the tone for how the story is. The setting takes place in the present day, where in this world superheroes are seen and treated as celebrities rather than just heroes. However, that does not mean all superheroes are kind hearted and have a good sense of morality. These superheroes are shown to be corrupt behind the scenes, and some display a lack of care for their actions. The first episode follows a civilian named Hughie Campbell, played by Jack Quaid, who works at an electronics store. One day after work, he is standing with his girlfriend on the sidewalk in the city, where in a blink of an eye she is wiped out by the famous speedster known as A-train, who is a part of the biggest super hero team known as The Seven. After this incident happened, Hughie is exposed to the total corruption of super heros, and somehow ends up meeting a man named Billy Butcher, played by Karl Urban, a proclaimed CIA officer who is looking to take down the company who produces these supes known as Vought.
As the series goes, you are led down a rabbit hole that extends the vast majority of corruption amongst superheroes, including the introduction to the show’s main antagonist, Homelander, played by Anthony Starr. Homelander is considered to be the strongest superhero on the planet, and well when you’re the strongest, no one can stop you. The show is based off of the comic book series created by Garth Ennis and Darick Robinson, which lasted from 2008-2014. This show gives yet another different twist on the superhero genre, except this time much darker. It does a good job of displaying how power can corrupt a lot of people, even people you would least expect. Superheroes are trying to take over our society slowly but surely, and it’s up to The Boys to try and take everything down.
Although all three shows revolve around superheroes, they all are very different from each other, which could add a sense as to why all three are doing super well right now. Because each show is distinctively different from each other, viewers can bounce from one show to the other not expecting the same thing. With The Boys reaching their final season this year, something like this will most likely never happen again, so comic book fans, enjoy this while it lasts!
