Invincible Season 4 Episode 4: Mark Goes to Hell & Omni-Man Returns
The fourth episode of Invincible Season 4, “Hurm,” sends the titular superhero to Hell, introducing a detour into supernatural elements and resurrecting a familiar antagonist, Damien Darkblood. The episode begins with Mark Grayson grappling with his violent tendencies and seeking a return to his original costume, while simultaneously setting in motion a series of events that pull him into the UnderRealm.
Damien Darkblood’s Return and the Struggle for Hell
Mark visits Art, the costume designer played by Mark Hamill, seeking to revert to his classic yellow and blue suit, expressing guilt over his increasingly brutal methods. As he receives a call regarding Invincible Inc., the narrative shifts dramatically to Hell, where Damien Darkblood, voiced by Clancy Brown, and his sister Domina, portrayed by Kate Mulgrew, are engaged in a conflict with Volcanikka, a lava-skinned warrior. Volcanikka seeks a powerful artifact, the Vial, with the intent of unleashing Hell on Earth.
The battle proves costly for the Darkblood Clan. Domina is seemingly killed in combat, prompting Damien to seek assistance from their father, the Great Beast – revealed to be Satan, played by Bruce Campbell. Satan, weakened and unable to fully resurrect the Darkblood Clan, requires a catalyst. Damien conducts a ritual utilizing a vial containing Omni-Man’s blood, inadvertently summoning Mark Grayson instead of his father.
Mark’s Descent and Revelation About Hell
Arriving in Hell, Mark is quickly embroiled in the conflict. Damien explains that he was summoned to aid Satan in reclaiming his throne from Volcanikka. Despite his initial reluctance, Mark agrees to help, learning that the conventional understanding of Hell and Satan is a myth propagated by “surface dwellers.” Damien asserts that humans exist because of Satan, a theological twist that adds a new dimension to the series’ lore.
Mark and Damien embark on a quest to retrieve Satan’s Molten Crown, during which Damien reveals that Mark’s arrival was not a natural occurrence, but a result of Cecil Stedman’s intervention. The journey leads them through a seemingly bottomless pit, where Mark questions Damien about his helmet and learns that Heaven does not exist. Mark successfully retrieves the crown and restores Satan to his full power, who then resurrects Domina and prepares to confront Volcanikka.
The Battle for the UnderRealm and Omni-Man’s Return
The ensuing battle sees Volcanikka and her Magmaites overwhelm much of the Darkblood Clan. Mark ultimately defeats Volcanikka, though she warns that her defeat is not permanent. Satan expresses gratitude to Mark and prepares to send him back to Earth.
Back on Earth, Eve informs William Clockwell about her pregnancy, revealing her uncertainty about motherhood. Simultaneously, Nolan Grayson and Allen the Alien arrive at the Grayson home, signaling the imminent start of the Viltrumite War. A post-credits scene shows Damien Darkblood’s return to Earth, and Volcanikka’s continued pursuit of conflict.
The episode marks a significant departure from the season’s established narrative, introducing a self-contained storyline that, while entertaining, feels somewhat disconnected from the overarching plot. The introduction of theological elements and the extended focus on Hell may not resonate with all viewers, particularly given the series’ established focus on superhero action and intergalactic conflict.