The Invisibles: A User’s Guide To Anarchy And Discord

An overview of the influences, elements and the story of the series, The Invisibles. One simplified interpretation of the ending is examined. Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by various. Published by Vertigo Comics between 1994 and 2000.
0:00 - The Prelude
00:45 - The Introduction
3:26 - The Context
10:06 - The Setting
14:24 - The Series
20:34 - The Conclusion
22:55 - The Reprise
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SOURCES:
Anarchy For The Masses by Patrick Neighly and Kereth Cowe-Spigai. Mad Yak Press. January 2003.
Grant Morrison Explains His Spiritual Experience. (Excerpt from Fatman On Batman, episode #26.)
• Grant Morrison's Spiri...
#TheInvisibles #GrantMorrison #ModernAge #VertigoComics

[@jessicaanderson288]

The focus on all of the influences to give the series context rather then treating the weirdest elements as just morrisonian weirdness is super refreshing

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you. I didn't see the point in spending 24 minutes saying, "Weird, right? I don't get it." It's not like it's pure nonsense or anything.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

@You murdered that guy : Thank you! And thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@paulnash9851]

This channel is criminally under-subscribed + under-rated. Consistent excellence. I salute you + your output sir !...

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you and cootchie, cootchie!

[@thisismyhome]

Indeed!!

[@machinelfgaming]

When he goes big, I'll be able to say I was there at the beginning, and try not to be entitled

[@andrewjerome8729]

Took over 16 years, but we have finally received a great video on Morrison's masterwork.

[@NotEntirelyThere]

🤯

[@leonidasnoble6939]

I’m surprised Amazon hasn’t sent you a “Thank You” card yet, for all the trades I’ve ordered from them.

[@bounty_hunter101]

Love how you describe the invisibles as both "The true lens for reality" and "a blatant example of counterculture propaganda". I do like how you ultimately left it up to the viewer to decide. The visual flourishes were nice too. Overall, a thorough and deserving introduction to the invisibles.

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

One of the best works of Grant Morrison, so great that The Matrix straight up stole it and never gave Morrison any credit😤.

[@0oidiedinatimemachineo024]

I watched the Matrix recently after not seeing it for years and I was thinking exactly this theres TONS of parts in the Matrix that to me are so fucking obviously inspired by Invisibles lol. Apparently the Wachowskis have acknowledged all kinds of other influences on those movies but yeah I don't think they have ever given Invisibles credit for some reason lol

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

@@0oidiedinatimemachineo024 truth, but Grant is a gentleman he never got too offended by it, although he showed some despair towards it, after all it was his idea.

[@argentumsurfer4155]

Only the first movie though... I read somewhere Grant asked them to steal further for the sequels...

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

@@argentumsurfer4155 😆

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

@@argentumsurfer4155 thats why the sequels flopped

[@aidanklobuchar1798]

Ok, we have "The Empire never ended." and "Immanentize the Eschaton" in the first 30 seconds or so. This is going to be good.

[@jacob_ian_decoursey_the_author]

Will you follow this up with Morrison’s THE FILTH?

[@StrangeBrainParts]

That seems like the natural follow-up, since that's the final portion of the Hypersigil I have to cover. I do have to cleanse the palette first, so to speak. :)

[@leonardoferreira2372]

While not the best comic I have ever read, I consider Invisibles my favorite comic, by the sheer breadth of its references, the immense and well-connected scope of references it presents to the reader. Morrison's works tend to hint at things just outside the reader's perception, whether because of current knowledge, life experience or spiritual development which makes it feel simultaneously anticlimatic and stunning in a narrative sense; and Invisibles is the prime example of that, an impossible object that always gives the more you play with it. As a young man it was a revelatory experience in the sense that it introduced me to so much stuff (the Illuminattus trilogy, hermeticism, chaos magick, and more conspiracies I could wrap my head around) that shaped my worldview and creative output that I am perpetually forgiving of its many rough edges and pretension.And it still has layers to peel, given that despite being a Philip K. Dick fan, I had never heard the full account of his revelatory experience. It is also a very compelling story in its own right, with "Best Man Fall" being probably one of my favorite single issues, and the reference to it at the very end of the comic moved me to tears. Also, congrats on the video! Your output is consistently excellent, but this one I had to stop and watch it, not only for how the visuals complement the symbolic ideas of the comic, but also all the little details and Easter Eggs.

[@zerodreamidea]

The empire is the lie we tell ourselves that humanity has significance. Every organization that exists has been created to overcome our mortality. From religions to governments to corporations. It's merely people trying to self validate, control, be controlled, and leave a "legacy" behind. I read a quote that said traditions are peer pressure from dead people. That is all "the empire" will ever truly be. Also, I just realized that the fiction suit can also be worn by the reader as well. The reader inserts oneself into any given story as an observer and imagines participating within the events. While Grant Morrison claims that he is wearing only the fiction suit of KIng Mob... however, in essence, he is wearing the fiction suits of all the characters within the story. He identifies most with King Mob and/or favors that character. When "the end days" arrive, it won't be because of any god. The end is inevitable.

Straight up💯

[@TheUglyMask]

Wow, good job. Whatever is wrong with Grant's brain is wrong with mine (nothing about invisibles is confusing or weird for me) and I still loved this video. Stellar work.

[@BCWasbrough]

I once lamented with a close friend that my girlfriend at the time just couldn't get into The Invisibles, despite it being my favorite comic, and her being a big fan of comics as well. His reply was as enlightening as it was damning. "Maybe she's just normal? It's not exactly a story normal people process easily."

[@TheUglyMask]

@@BCWasbrough Yeah. The college is invisible. They're not secrets because we won't share them but because we can't share them. 'kinda sucks sometimes.

[@WalterLiddy]

Craaazy stuff but well explained and presented here. This channel is consistently superior in every respect. It might not get the most views, but like the content, they're quality views. Reach the audience you care about.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you and cootchie, cootchie. I do what I can, always hope for the best and try to be consistent.

[@OneMoreEpitaph]

You really went all out here, it's fantastic!

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you! I definitely tried to honour the material.

[@JustinKPrim]

Thank you this is an awesome video. I have been hoping for someone to do a thematic exploration of the Invisibles and you did it with class and style.

[@castironchaos]

The font of the title always reminded me of the title for the classic 60s TV series "The Invaders." Not exact, but close.

[@tomwilliamson9810]

Your reviews never cease to amaze me and I don't say that lightly. Your reviews are deep dives into the source material is noteworthy, all of which are the best reviews I've seen to date on the comics you've covered. That one of The Coyote Gospel was so good. Thanks for what you are doing. This channel is by far my favorite on all of KZbin, not just comic book releated ones. I plan on joining the Doom Patroller tier.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you for the humbling praise. As I always say, I just try and do my best to honour the material being discussed (which deserves the majority of the praise) and the medium I enjoy.

[@bdi_vd3677]

I agree with the statement. Great review.

[@mattresbert]

Brilliant stuff I'll just reread it all to come back and say Brilliant I've spent years mulling The Invisibles over. I'll probably spend a few more

[@dukerabbit13]

The Conclusion sounded like a game of exquisite corpse

[@williamhamilton1154]

Killer editing on this one.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you! I tried to edit it in the spirit of the material, without overwhelming the point of the video.

[@williamhamilton1154]

I noticed. Mission accomplished.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you!

[@o82774]

Great intro! You crushed that like a boss! Great review as always to. Good stuff!

[@mtperlow1207]

You keep knocking it out of the park with these videos in terms of insight and production value. Can’t wait to see what other esoteric stuff you’ve got planned to cover. Signed, a very happy subscriber.

[@ryanvandalinda12345]

This is such an informative and impressively well-made video essay. Great job! I love how you visualize all the points you express about the series. I’ve always felt like “The Invisibles,” was ment to be to encourage repeat readings, to be overwhelmingly surreal and, like the best David Lynch films, to be felt, on an almost unconscious-level, more than conventionally understood as a linear narrative.

[@KonSimpl72]

God(s)-tier analysis, probably your best one yet. Sublime.

[@basscot17]

There are no words. This is an excellent video and helped me further understand elements of the series, which I recently reread.

[@edward2962]

Awesome! And kudos for including R Crumb's interpretation of PK Dick.

[@docbaker3333]

Words cannot describe how epic that intro was. This is easily one of your best reviews yet keep up the good work and I will see you Ten Minutes into the Future.

[@OnlineMasterPlayer]

You really outdid yourself in every possible way in terms of video production. Will have to rewatch this a couple of times to catch all of the changes/little details. Bravo Sir!

[@user-em5bl9je3u]

What’s fun about Grant Morrison’s work is this esoteric queer sensibility.

[@TwoFacedKid4]

Excellent stuff. Really hope you take a look at The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in it's entirety at some point. It's publication and story both have an interesting history.

[@lohankarachay476]

Chef kiss. Top content here. Thank you for this!

[@dorianxanyn]

Yes! I've been waiting for you to cover this!

[@92TheEdu]

I'm amazed by the quality of your work

[@AuraSparks]

Excellent video, I couldn't imagine trying to talk about the entire series like this but this does a great job

[@cicadrazadelija]

I read this series last year and two days ago i suddenly start thinking about it again and yesterday this video is in my recommendation. Great vid, I subscribed.

[@talulah67]

This is exactly what a newbie needs whose never read this before but needs some context. Especially since it’s...you know, Morrison! Thanks for the insight. Love your channel brother.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you! I do hope you find it helpful as you navigate the Invisibles landscape.

[@ericd.5206]

Amazing work on this vid; it perfectly fits the material discussed.

[@0ff868]

this review here is just some epic quality, the narration and the editing glad that I've somehow stumbled upon your channel

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you. And thanks for stumbling in and watching!

[@michaelbell9026]

Your videos are getting better and better, hope you never run out of material!

[@StrangeBrainParts]

*/me looks at comic collection.* Nope. I am in no danger of running out of material. Not in this lifetime at least. :)

[@robertopulitano8093]

Awesome video! Thank you very much!

[@tompuce84]

This edit work is beatiful by the way, congrats man! Just wanna say that I always liked your editing style, very clear cut. Like that a lot, even when it's simple. And in a way it's quirky and personal, it's good imho. But this one it got the royal treatment on a deserving comic book. Good one man ;)

[@Dragon_Moth]

Absolutely brilliant. First video I watch from your channel, and I've already subscribed and waiting for more videos.

[@rayanknezic8682]

Amazing ! keep this UP. This is really incredible work, man

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you very much! I will continue to do my best.

[@josh0eater0of0happy]

Great video. I just finished reading tis series about a month ago and it has got to be one of my favorite things I have ever read. I am so glad you made some content about the comic as I feel like their is a lack of good analysis for this series.

[@lillycrecelius985]

Morrison is really out there. A genius, for sure, but definitely an order of fries short of a happy meal. Another great video.

[@jaredgarcia8638]

Some time you have to be in order to be a genius.

[@brandonross2010]

Awesome video thanks for keeping the message alive!

[@eburonson]

That was awesomely fun! Thank you for your this content!

[@littlekinginc124]

What chaos magic is this? I just thought about reading this and you start to review it

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Trust me, if I was going to do any sigil work it would be to pump up the popularity of this channel. Not spy on what people are reading. Heh.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

@Neil Jason : Okay, you caught me. I do remote viewing on every new subscriber so I can personalize the content. Damn! After four years my secret is now out.

[@castironchaos]

@@StrangeBrainParts THEY are not spying on us...at least not nearly as much as we're told THEY are spying from us. A quote from Rev. Ivan Stang (of the Church of the SubGenius): "They don't need to make TVs that watch us, they already have TVs that we watch."

[@peterhopkins4602]

Thanks for the great video this is a great companion piece to the ancharcy for the masses book about the invisibles series a decade + ago.....

[@carlosangel3647]

Great job! I'm watching Grant Morrison's interview right after I'm done writing this comment.

[@mattreidful]

Thank you so much. When I read Morrison I see something new every time. Any observation is welcome.

[@alexcruz3043]

Wow. all those small nods to earlier events and works of art have helped inform me of other works that used the same influences without me knowing. Now I know why they are called the "Myr" in Magic the Gathering. thanks for the cool bits.

[@russellsmith1605]

Another thought provoking video! Bravo!

[@jacktrap8751]

A much needed video! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@brya9681]

This is my favorite comic book of all time

[@peeves3873]

Thanks for the video really liked it!

[@devourmevoid]

the setting is Literally gnostic

[@luistoomuch]

This video was amazing.

[@estudiopegasus7951]

Man your reviews always amaze me

[@TheBaronBJ]

Morrison has always had "Morrison-isms", but there's a reasoning behind all of it that, far more often than not, ties into their personal spiritual/religious beliefs. I've found that the primary thesis behind much of their work has often been "There's a greater reality/it's all connected" and how differing levels of spiritualism ties into it. I personally have difficulty getting past it, not because of a failure to grasp the material, but because in a lot of ways it feels like I'm being preached to about the nature of reality (for the sake of my future points I will clarify that I am not religious in any context). When Dennis O'Neil (born catholic) created the concept of the Lazarus Pit in Batman it wasn't an allusion to the nature of his beliefs, nor what he believed to be a reflection of reality. It was merely a relevant literary reference to a near omni-present and foundational script in English canon. When Morrison makes continual allusions to the nature of reality it's because they believe in the concept (not the exact ideas in each story, I'm not implying he believes things like warring universes) and is trying to impart ideas to the audience in the hopes they will entertain them and address the world in this spiritual sense. In a sense it's propaganda. It's up to you if that's a negative things. Honestly, I dislike it. It doesn't take away from the fact that they deftly weaves these details into the narrative of their stories, the layers of meaning and detail that is seamlessly laced through a story (whether or not they have anything substantial to add to the immediate narrative), and how capable they are doing incredible character work. However it does cause me to lose interest in most of their work. When I pick up a book by Grant Morrison book my first thought shouldn't be "How will they tell me 'everything is connected' this time?". I love the video; it shows the level of depth present in Morrison's craft. I have an idea I'd like people to humour - Would you say that there's a consistent or thematic theme throughout Morrison's line of work? I'd say it's definetly there, and that I'm addressing it on an accurate, though surface level.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

I would absolutely agree there is a consistent theme though Morrison's work. And I think you've defined it quite well. They are exploring the nature of reality (actual reality and comic book reality and both simultaneously) and presenting conclusions based on the evidence they see before them. Although, for the most part, the conclusions are oblique and ever-changing. They come at it from different angles, I would suggest. Personally, I might not agree with the "evidence" or conclusions, but I accept the logic they dictate within the confines of the narrative/story. It's the classic suspension of disbelief for the sake of the work of fiction.

[@TheBaronBJ]

@@StrangeBrainParts I feel like you've expanded greatly on my train of thought. Though Morrison's approach (exploration versus literary reference) is far less common than most, I'd say that it differs compared to other similar practices done by other authors. Where most stories that explore ideas (e.g. "what makes us human?") Are somewhat (though not entirely) open ended with their themes, partially due to the nature of these sorts of questions, Morrison is far less open "your explorations should lead you to somewhere 'like' this, though not necessarily this". Where other stories often pose a question, Morrison will give you their thoughts and expect you to apply it. Whether that's a positive or not isn't something I believe there's an objective answer to, it's something for the audience to grasp about their story telling method and approach as they deem fit. My opinions on the matter are likely soured due to their message typically being of a theological bent. You've mentioned the oblique and ever changing nature of the conclusions their stories reach, but I wonder how much of their work is intentionally disruptive (e.g. I want my readers to compare this with my other works and challenge the ideas they drew from that within my framework), them viewing it from a different angle (and considering Morrison's beliefs, though I only have a surface grasp of their personal beliefs, I feel it's likely they would not necessarily see internal contradictions as an issue), and most interestingly for me, could we potentially chart Morrison's changing and shifting beliefs regarding the nature of reality/fiction by the conclusions drawn in some of their work? Could a later work be an intentional attempt to dispute their own earlier work? Though I might not care for much of their work (and yet I keep reading it), I've definitely come to respect it.

[@JTR_3]

@@TheBaronBJ Much of the work they have done I think comes with the basis theme that is "All we have is hope, wether it is hope for a better tomorrow or hope in humanity's potential for greatness and for love." Morrison tries to put that message in almost everything they do (except maybe Nameless). There's all the other window dressings such as the occultism mechanics they imbue almost all the time tho not always, but at the core the stories are about Hope.

[@Chillixion]

I use to interpret it in a negative way. Then I watched interviews with Morrison, and realised they’re a lot less preachy and a lot more down to earth and fun loving. So now I view all the spiritual aspects of the story, just as they are, aspects of the story, like yes, these parts of the story come from and are inspired by parts of Morrison’s life, but I consume them seperate from the story and with a grain of salt, and just kinda sit back and enjoy crazy stories that have deeper meanings on the human experience. There’s always multiple ways to interpret the messages, I say do it however you think will give you the best experience

[@HappySnappyChappy]

That was interesting and quite well done. I don't know what was the strangest - the sequence of events that led me here - or what I found when I got here...

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

The sound design for this video is superb

[@machinelfgaming]

OMG I love your videos. Even if I don't read the particular comics, I just like getting your take on it. You are intellectual without being pompous, and your honesty and character shines through. Plus you have a breadth of knowledge that demands to be shared and cemented down into internet immortality. Along with Comic Tropes, IMHO the highest consistent quality comic book content on the Internet. THANK YOU! I regularly bookmark these gems. Everyone help spread this channel - like, comment, subscribe, share. We can do it guys!

[@kirbykrackle5281]

Excellent work

[@komickid833]

This a great video I have always been kind of wondering what the invisibles was about and now I have a reason to buy it

[@guitarspiderbomb]

Nice and smooth!

[@miguebros8]

This channel is so cool, i would love to see something about valiant, or astro city and my favorite super hero, dr solar, man of the atom. This channel should have more subscriptions

[@deacondawg1416]

You really are good at what you do. That was awesome.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you!

[@TheoAndHisPedals]

Excellent video!

[@daxbruce3491]

Well made sir. I like it.

[@piotrd7355]

Great work.

[@altercell_]

This series always blew my mind

[@davidstyle6]

I recently read the invisibles I grabbed the first couple of volumes and couples years back and just went back and finished it, there's something about this series that sticks with you long after you have read it at least that's what it was like for me.

[@williamibanez394]

Man watching this video made me go back and start re-reading it. It's series that's packed with so much, it's almost impossible to get it all in the first time around. It's a different experience to read it in my forties, as opposed to in my mid twenties. The world is so different now. Externally and personally. 2012 came and went. The end of history, Heaven on Earth. Did it happen? Those things still seem so distant, we yearn for it while simultaneously fearing the collapse of the planet. It would be interesting if Grant revisited this series, post Q-Anon, post the drastic shift in politics happening globally.

[@maverator]

Invisibles has been on my reading list backlog for a while. Normally I wouldn’t watch a video like this until I read the material, but I wonder in this case if it would be helpful just to keep me from being too lost at sea. What do you think?

[@StrangeBrainParts]

This is tough. I think it will give you a good background about the series. There are spoilers for the major elements, but not much is revealed about the plot itself. One HUGE exception: At the end of the video the ending is talked about in-depth. So, you may want to avoid the final three-ish minutes.

[@maverator]

@@StrangeBrainParts I think I will dive in blind, and see how it goes. Maybe come back to this video if I am just not getting it, otherwise watch it afterwards. Thanks!

[@StrangeBrainParts]

@maverator : Do what works for you! This video will still be here if and when you decide to watch it. It's not going anywhere...unless the Outer Church have it taken down. Heh.

[@devourmevoid]

wonderful wonderful channel bless you

[@zachbrobst9473]

Wow dude. Very well done indeed

[@rolandkatsuragi]

I'm not ready to go down this rabbit hole

[@ZillMob]

Nice editing

[@ForlornFea]

Love this.

[@paradactyl3729]

Right after one of the ad-breaks for KZbin becoming the mainstreaming platform your faux fifties ad for TURN ON TUNE IN BECOME USELESS popped up. Bias confirmed.

[@peterlinfield]

👏👏👏 Wow. Fantastic.

[@juliagoodwin9510]

...well that went right over my head. Nice video, though.

[@darioscomicschool1111]

Thank you!

[@StrangeBrainParts]

You're welcome!

[@jimmysides1361]

wow , amazing video .

[@MarvelX42]

Just from what you showed on screen here, the flashes of images from the pages of the comic I saw alot of imagery that has shown up in later works of fiction such as The Matrix, Star Trek: Discovery, etc

[@suditeh]

What a cool intro!!

[@PoeticPoppa]

For people reading this in the future. If you have access to a keyboard, the space key pauses a video quickly and the comma and period key moves a video frame by frame. In case you see anything flash by that you want to get a second look at. Just saying.

[@mcmonaglea]

well done

[@castironchaos]

No mention of Morrison's asking his readers to do a wank-a-thon in support of the comic? Actually, the reason behind this stems from one of the more popular ideas of Chaos magic, namely "charging a sigil." Descriptions of "sigil magic" can be found in many places, and Morrison publicly stated The Invisibles was designed as a "hyper-sigil." Briefly, sigil magic includes the process of "charging" a sigil with energy (or "energy" in quotes, if you prefer) in order to activate it and let it do its work. Sexual energy is quite powerful in mystic/New Age circles, and that's why it's a long-running joke to refer to persons engaging in Chaos magic to be "wanking over sigils" -- i.e. using the energy released in orgasm to charge their magical works. When the book was in danger of being canceled due to lower-than-expected sales figures, Morrison suggested a "wankathon" in the hope of bringing about a magical increase in sales by a mass of fans simultaneously masturbating at a set time....and thus "charging" the hyper-sigil.

[@radiokunio3738]

We crossed the line between occultism and shitposting, yet I can't tell which side we're on anymore

[@NuevaRomay]

THIS IS EXCELENT

[@BadWisdom523]

Now that’s a clever video essay

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you very much!

[@BadWisdom523]

@@StrangeBrainParts

[@johnsilverman656]

I absolutely love this series, and will always be bummed that the ending was so rushed. But damn, its terrific Additionally, why can't I turn on notifications for your uploads? I always wanna know when you upload so I can watch immediately, as this is the best channel covering comics imo.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

First of all, thank you! As for notifications, it's nothing I can control and some glitch on the end of KZbin. I have read that if you unsubscribe and the subscribe again you should get the ability to turn on notifications. I don't know if that's true or not but that might resolve the issue for you.

[@johnsilverman656]

@@StrangeBrainParts well, I’ll give that a shot! And you’re very welcome, I’ve enjoyed almost all the videos I’ve seen on your channel (although my favorite, Grendel, deserves hours of analysis! 😉) Edit: that worked, thanks!

[@StrangeBrainParts]

@John Silverman : Awesome! I'm glad to hear that option actually works. Yes, Grendel does deserve more analysis. But I opted for something concise and manageable. :)

[@fengusburnt]

Just ordered the Illuminatus Trilogy. Read all Dick's related work and The Cornelius Quartet, seems like this will round out the influences.

[@tompuce84]

Such a great comic book

[@nekromorg]

I'm not sure if I understood anything that is going on in this comic, but good work on this video anyway.

[@blackjacklover99]

This was great do you think you'll do a video on The Filth soon

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Thanks!

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thanks again, man. That's very kind.

[@TheCubecrafer]

Now you have to remember that grant morrison is an occult magician and writing himself into his stories has effect on his reality...

[@MD0K]

could you please do a berserk review, it's such a dense and excellent piece of work that fits your in depth analytical style

[@castironchaos]

11:44 HECK, of course, is managed by Phil, the Prince of Insufficient Light.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

That is the fifth, unseen Archon of the Outer Church.