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Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is a very different type of story from most other comic books. It’s not only told in very nonlinear form but also told in an esoteric manner. Meaning that you have to reread it at least twice through to understand certain aspects.
That being said, the first time I read it I was quite torn. In some ways I was really getting into bits of the story. But there wer e parts that I was absolutely lost on. I really had to force myself through the first read. I didn’t pick it up again until over a year later.
BUT….. once I finally did, it was SO worth it!!! My second read was so much more enjoyable. After reading it the second time I immediately went back and read it a third time and it became even clearer.

There are two factions at play here. The Outer Church and their pursuit to enslave, torture and abuse anyone they choose. And a band of resistance fighters called The Invisibles.

The story opens in Egypt. King Mob, one of The Invisibles is seeking guidance. His team is scouting a new recruiting for their group.

Meanwhile in Liverpool we are quickly introduced to a young teenager named Dane, who is (how should I say) very rough around the edges. Dane has had a rough start in life. He lives in an apartment in Liverpool with his mom. He’s got a group of friends, who together get into a lot of….. mischief.
One night, Dane trying to impress his friends, decides to raise the stakes and set their high school ablaze. In doing so, he and his buddy Gaz are apprehended and are sentenced to serve time in a juvenile detention center, named Harmony House. What they don’t know is Harmony House is a front for the Outer Church. Boys who enter Harmony House are forever changed. Some even become food to be consumed by the Archons. Those that do survive are stripped of their identities and become servant drones.
So The Outer Church is aware that The Invisibles are seeking Dane and have their own nefarious plans for him. Now that Dane is in their grasp……
Well, you’ll just have to read the story to find out what happens.


The very first line of the story starts with- “And so we return and begin again”
This is a play on the idea that this story is built for the reread. To get the most out of it, you have to “Return and begin again.” And the more you do the more you will understand.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve reread this story in its entirety so many times that I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve read it.

If you are thinking about reading The Invisibles, I highly recommend it. Just please keep in mind that the first time reading can be a bit confusing at some parts. But any confusion will clear up upon rereading it. And making those discoveries is half the fun.more

“We’re not at war. This is a rescue mission.”

Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is a very different type of story from most other comic books. It’s not only told in very nonlinear form but also told in an esoteric manner. Meaning that you have to reread it at least twice through to understand certain aspects.
That being said, the first time I read it I was quite torn. In some ways I was really getting into bits of the story. But there were parts that I was absolutely lost on. I really had to force myself through the first read. I didn’t pick it up again until over a year later.
BUT….. once I finally did, it was SO worth it!!! My second read was so much more enjoyable. After reading it the second time I immediately went back and reread it a third time. And it made SO much more sense.

There are two factions at play here. The Outer Church and their pursuit to enslave, torture and abuse anyone they choose. And a band of resistance fighters called The Invisibles.

The story opens with the line-
“And so we return and begin again.” This is a play on the idea that one is supposed to reread this story to get the most out of it. And you really do.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve reread this story in its entirety so many times that I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve read it. And talking about it now is making me want to start another reading.

And so I return and begin again. more

“Which side are you on?”
“The side with the butter on it.”

Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is a very different type of story from most other comic books. It’s not only told in very nonlinear form but also told in an esoteric manner. Meaning that you have to reread it at least twice through to understand certain aspects.
That being said, the first time I read it I was quite to rn. In some ways I was really getting into bits of the story. But there were parts that I was absolutely lost on. I really had to force myself through the first read. I didn’t pick it up again until over a year later.
BUT….. once I finally did, it was SO worth it!!! My second read was so much more enjoyable. After reading it the second time I immediately went back and reread it a third time. And it made SO much more sense.

There are two factions at play here. The Outer Church and their pursuit to enslave, torture and abuse anyone they choose. And a band of resistance fighters called The Invisibles.

The story opens with the line-
“And so we return and begin again.” This is a play on the idea that one is supposed to reread this story to get the most out of it. And you really do.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve reread this story in its entirety so many times that I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve read it. And talking about it now is making me want to start another reading.

And so I return and begin again. more

“You look like someone with an interesting story to tell…” {KHOOM}


Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is a very different type of story from most other comic books. It’s not only told in very nonlinear form but also told in an esoteric manner. Meaning that you have to reread it at least twice through to understand certain aspects.
That being said, the first time I read it I was quite torn. In some ways I was really getting into bits of the story. But there were parts that I was absolutely lost on. I really had to force myself through the first read. I didn’t pick it up again until over a year later.
BUT….. once I finally did, it was SO worth it!!! My second read was so much more enjoyable. After reading it the second time I immediately went back and reread it a third time. And it made SO much more sense.

There are two factions at play here. The Outer Church and their pursuit to enslave, torture and abuse anyone they choose. And a band of resistance fighters called The Invisibles.

The story opens with the line-
“And so we return and begin again.” This is a play on the idea that one is supposed to reread this story to get the most out of it. And you really do.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve reread this story in its entirety so many times that I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve read it. And talking about it now is making me want to start another reading.

And so I return and begin again. more

“I suppose if the Buddha grew up poor in Liverpool and swore a lot, he might be a bit like Jack.”


Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is a very different type of story from most other comic books. It’s not only told in very nonlinear form but also told in an esoteric manner. Meaning that you have to reread it at least twice through to understand certain aspects.
That being said, the first time I read it I was quite torn. In some ways I was really getting into bits of the story. But there were parts that I was absolutely lost on. I really had to force myself through the first read. I didn’t pick it up again until over a year later.
BUT….. once I finally did, it was SO worth it!!! My second read was so much more enjoyable. After reading it the second time I immediately went back and reread it a third time. And it made SO much more sense.

There are two factions at play here. The Outer Church and their pursuit to enslave, torture and abuse anyone they choose. And a band of resistance fighters called The Invisibles.

The story opens with the line-
“And so we return and begin again.” This is a play on the idea that one is supposed to reread this story to get the most out of it. And you really do.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve reread this story in its entirety so many times that I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve read it. And talking about it now is making me want to start another reading.

And so I return and begin again. more

“You really must work on those pickup lines if you want to score, darling.”

Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is a very different type of story from most other comic books. It’s not only told in very nonlinear form but also told in an esoteric manner. Meaning that you have to reread it at least twice through to understand certain aspects.
That being said, the first time I read it I was quite torn. In some ways I was really getting into bits of the story. But there were parts that I was absolutely lost on. I really had to force myself through the first read. I didn’t pick it up again until over a year later.
BUT….. once I finally did, it was SO worth it!!! My second read was so much more enjoyable. After reading it the second time I immediately went back and reread it a third time. And it made SO much more sense.

There are two factions at play here. The Outer Church and their pursuit to enslave, torture and abuse anyone they choose. And a band of resistance fighters called The Invisibles.

The story opens with the line-
“And so we return and begin again.” This is a play on the idea that one is supposed to reread this story to get the most out of it. And you really do.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve reread this story in its entirety so many times that I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve read it. And talking about it now is making me want to start another reading.

And so I return and begin again. more

“Edith says to call him Boody…..”


Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is a very different type of story from most other comic books. It’s not only told in very nonlinear form but also told in an esoteric manner. Meaning that you have to reread it at least twice through to understand certain aspects.
That being said, the first time I read it I was quite torn. In some ways I was r eally getting into bits of the story. But there were parts that I was absolutely lost on. I really had to force myself through the first read. I didn’t pick it up again until over a year later.
BUT….. once I finally did, it was SO worth it!!! My second read was so much more enjoyable. After reading it the second time I immediately went back and reread it a third time. And it made SO much more sense.

There are two factions at play here. The Outer Church and their pursuit to enslave, torture and abuse anyone they choose. And a band of resistance fighters called The Invisibles.

The story opens with the line-
“And so we return and begin again.” This is a play on the idea that one is supposed to reread this story to get the most out of it. And you really do.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve reread this story in its entirety so many times that I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve read it. And talking about it now is making me want to start another reading.

And so I return and begin again. more

“We’re not our sadness. We’re not our happiness or our pain. But our language hypnotizes us and traps us in little boxes.”


Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles is a very different type of story from most other comic books. It’s not only told in very nonlinear form but also told in an esoteric manner. Meaning that you have to reread it at least twice through to understand certain aspect s.
That being said, the first time I read it I was quite torn. In some ways I was really getting into bits of the story. But there were parts that I was absolutely lost on. I really had to force myself through the first read. I didn’t pick it up again until over a year later.
BUT….. once I finally did, it was SO worth it!!! My second read was so much more enjoyable. After reading it the second time I immediately went back and reread it a third time. And it made SO much more sense.

There are two factions at play here. The Outer Church and their pursuit to enslave, torture and abuse anyone they choose. And a band of resistance fighters called The Invisibles.

The story opens with the line-
“And so we return and begin again.” This is a play on the idea that one is supposed to reread this story to get the most out of it. And you really do.
It’s gotten to the point where I’ve reread this story in its entirety so many times that I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve read it. And talking about it now is making me want to start another reading.

And so I return and begin again. more

Fraction obviously didn’t read any of Damian character development in the pat 3+ years

There were things I liked. Steph learning Tim was going on a date with Bernard. She reacted normally for once. Basically she had to tell herself it was cool. Now that’s real. You’re a girl and your boyfriend leaves you for a guy. You’re not allowed to pout because that’s homophobic, but it really hurts and is humiliating.

But, again, this run jumps all over the place. The plot takes a p age from Daredevil Born Again. The mayor has armed cop stormtrooper going after the vigilantes. They are going to raid all the bat bunkers, something no villain has ever been able to do because no one figured out where they are. Bruce gets lectured by non corporeal Alfred.

This shows the futility of killing the character. DC never figured out how to fill the Alfred shaped hole in the bat books, and ended up having to create Alfred light. But this Alfred actually gives better advice than the real Alfred.

Fraction actually shows Bruce, for once, worrying about parenting Damian, so points for that. To save all the bat kids from the task force, Babs gives herself up. And Bruce blows up Wayne Manor, I guess to hide Batcave Prime.

Something like that should hurt. This is the house of Bruce’s sainted father and mother, yet no reaction to losing portraits of the folks, family heirlooms, etc. Bruce knows they know his identity yet this doesn’t make the news. The public knowing Bats’ identity is the ultimate checkmate, but that card isn’t played? A lot of subplots from previous issues were not addressed. This works for the trades but really hurts a monthly book’s pace.

My ultimate complaint is that Fraction’s bat story really shows Bruce as incompetent. Things happen and Bruce does nothing to stop them. Poison Ivy is mayor!??! Savage goes full Nazi!? Bat bunkers are found and destroyed and Bruce does nothing?

This is the old things go bad and Bruce, from a place of no way up, somehow rallies the troops and wins. A couple of problems first that has been done to death. Plague, earthquake, Gotham cut off, Bane takes over city, the Joker War, you get my point. These stories laid a lot of blood on Bats’ hands. They happened in response to Batman, and he couldn’t stop them. It’s been done to death.

Second, we all know Wayne Manor won’t be gone forever. We know Real Alfred will come back somehow. These are foundational aspects of Batman. They aren’t going away. So why do stories that have no effect. They just become pawns in a plot point with no character.

And this story is just part of a mega event, which means designed by committee and that usually means lack of focus and watered down stories.

Not a good thing. Or I could be wrong.more

I'm so sick and tired of this type of story telling by Matt Fraction.
Fraction is pretty much a poor mans Tom King, They pick up , discard , restart story elements at a whim with little to no build up all for the sake of "wow moments". They both also have the habit of disregarding any and all character development before them. How many times has Wayne manor been blown up at this point? I lost out at 4-6 times. How many times has Batman been on the run from the police?

Issues 5-6 were really fun and good. Those 2 issues are stand outs as they actually tell a blended story. Since then let's follow the story.
#7 Joker in a tank convo- how that happened, why, how long ... none of it answered. Its started for a wow moment and ends on one. It ends on Joker saying " someone's coming to kill you Bruce". very cool but Sorry it's then abandoned just like the minotaur.
#8 is a coffee convo about Vandal Savage with Alan Scott. The Joker story? gone. the Minotaur? Gone. Ninjas from issue 5-6 ? gone. Someone coming to kill Bruce? Gone. this starts and ends with a convo over coffee and villains plotting.
#9 Batman is going to destroy all the Bat hideouts. why? its a hideout. did Vandal magically get knowledge of where Batman hides all his stuff? if so when? we just have to accept something happened. Batman did street construction and put bollards in the streets of Gotham. Vandal didn't see those but found Batman's hideouts? We get a rehash as if we are back to square 1 with Bruce and Damian's relationship. Also Batman tells A.I Alfred he's glad he's dead and Alfred says I'll see you in Hell. WTF? so all the storylines I mentioned before- everything just gone again. Barbara is arrested and Wayne Manor is blown up. another set of "wow moments"
this book is an incoherent mess. Fraction cannot make up his mind on what story he wants to tell and when.
Batman deserves better than this mess.
I'm giving it a higher grade based on the art by Ryan Sook who did a nice job.

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It's amusing and I'm excited as the next guy to see Spidey and Supes have adventures together, and even though the artwork and colors are awesome I have to admit it feels totally pointless. You'd think uniting the two biggest characters of the two biggest comic book companies would give birth to something more memorable than a bunch of vignettes that go nowhere...quite honestly, some of then feel unfinished. The one highlight of this comic is seeing Jim Lee return to drawing one of the X-Men in a little story that has Mary Jane and Louis reminiscing about what it means to be the significant other of Spidey and Supes...it felt a little bit like 1993 all over again.

This is the first issue of this two issue crossover and it was done by DC. Let's hope that Marvel's issue is a little better, but I doubt it. Did I mention I hate these issues filled with pointless little ditties that go no where? Specially because they just do it to jack up the price? And I think I hit the nail on the head right there, though amusing to see Spidey swinging through the skies with Superman by his side...it all feels like a cash grab. Whatever happened to making an event matter? Shake the pillars of heaven next time guys! Make it worth our while and money!more

I felt like we were on such a roll with the last few issues that when this one started, I wasn't feeling the ghost cat thing. By time the issue ended, it had me hooked and ready for the next.

The art was perfect!! Top notch!! No complaints at all.

Most of the issue was well written.
But one element in the story was very poorly handled.

SPOILERS AHEAD

SPOILERS AHEAD

SPOILERS AHEAD

I’m sorry. But I absolutely HATE what Tony Fleecs did to poor Leland. It was cheap and manipulative. I was waiting for Leland to actually get s ome real character development, since he’s been getting more appearances in the past few issues. But this what they did to him was disgraceful.

If Tony Fleecs really wanted to shock us, he would have instead of taking out Leland, he would have sacrificed another character that has been with us longer, like Chloe, Gigi or even one of Gigi’s kittens.


This was pretty much the same thing that happened earlier in the series with poor Scratch and Jonas. As well as the multitude of nameless cats that were slaughtered in the Lady’s House or the other Pet City cats.

Also, this Stray Dogs crossover feels very forced. Like what are the odds that all those dogs were separated at the end of that series but now are all together again. Plus how much do you want to bet that the main dogs from that series come out of this event completely unscathed.


****edit****
How much do you want to bet that the three “10” scores that showed up immediately and simultaneously after I left my critical score were all done by the same person using various burner accounts

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I really love a dialogue-less comic. Especially when done proper.
The story is told with all actions and emotions, with the occasional text from wall signs or computer screen Ghost walks by them. This issue really shows the creative teams excellent understanding of cats. Especially Trish Forstner, as she brilliantly captures the inquisitive and earnest expressions on Ghost's face.

I had to re-read this immediately after, to get a better feeling of the flow of the story. My first reading, I was too focused on scouring each panel for hidden clues and details adding extra layers to the storytelling. The emails we could see on the open computers show characters that I'm sure will play significant rolls in the later issues.

Love this comic immensely! The only gripe are the scenes when something bad happens to one of the animals. And there was a particularly heartbreaking scene in this issue, that was masterfully conveyed. Maybe a little TOO well conveyed!!!!

All and all, this is a series that is definitely worth reading. I'm just glad I jumped on while the single issues were all still fairly readily available. Been hooked ever since.more