The animated series “Invincible” features a character named Amber Justine Bennett, voiced by Zazie Beetz. Amber is a strong, outspoken individual with a deep-seated passion for social justice. She is the love interest of Mark Grayson, her fellow student, and is employed at a soup kitchen, demonstrating her commitment to activism. Her aversion to dishonesty is a key characteristic that drives the narrative of the series.
Amber’s relationship with Mark, which is frequently strained by his secret life as the superhero Invincible, is a central theme in the series. Despite her initial frustration with Mark’s constant disappearances and lack of transparency, Amber remains supportive. She even deduces Mark’s superhero identity but keeps this knowledge to herself. Their relationship endures a significant break-up and reconciliation, adding complexity to the narrative.
In the original comic books upon which the series is based, Amber is depicted as Caucasian. However, the television adaptation introduces her as an African-American character. This shift in racial portrayal has been met with criticism from some viewers who believe that it perpetuates negative racial stereotypes. They argue that the changes to Amber’s personality and race may have unintentionally reinforced negative biases towards African-American characters.
In the first season of the show, Amber’s character is often seen as harsh and inflexible, leading some viewers to label her as manipulative or selfish. Responding to these criticisms, Simon Racioppa, the show’s co-runner, insisted that the changes to Amber’s character were not intended to promote stereotypes. However, her character continued to face harsh critique.
In the second season, Amber’s character undergoes a noticeable transformation. Racioppa explains this shift as a natural progression in her character development, rather than a response to fan backlash. After struggling with feelings of betrayal and defensiveness in the first season, Amber’s character evolves as she learns the truth about Mark’s secret life, marking a turning point in their relationship.
In conclusion, Amber’s character in the “Invincible” series is a complex and evolving one, with her portrayal and character development sparking discussions about representation and stereotypes. Despite the backlash, her narrative continues to play a crucial role in the series, adding depth to the storyline and the characters’ personal and superhero lives.
