How Invincible’s “Amber Debate” Questions The Secret Identity Trope

It’s not terribly often that we get a non-Big Two superhero property that Hollywood doesn’t completely fumble the bag with. But it shouldn’t be surprising that Invincible managed to come out on top and keep audiences equal parts entertained and mortified. Fans and newcomers alike were left shook by both the big reveal of the season finale and the violence that followed. But one plot line that left a lot of debate in its wake is the hot/cold romance between Mark and Amber. Quick Recap Mark had taken an interest in Amber at school before his dormant superpowers awakened and caught her attention by standing up to a school bully (despite him still getting beaten up for his trouble). They start dating even after Mark’s power emerges and he becomes the fledgling hero, Invincible. However, balancing his double life took a toll on any chance he had to getting closer to Amber. Eventually, he revealed himself to her as Invincible to explain his seemingly flaky nature. Unfortunately, it turned out she’d deduced his secret identity weeks prior and was unmoved by his gesture, breaking up with him completely. The breakdown that led to the breakup There are two sides to this particular debate that sort of talk past each other. On one side, there’s the argument that Mark deserved to get dumped for being dishonest about being Invincible and thoughtless in standing Amber up countless times. On the other, there’s the idea that Amber is being dramatic and unfair. And the truth is….neither is co…