Invincible creator Robert Kirkman has revealed that the decision to switch the genders of hero Tech Jacket was a deliberate move to correct a “deficiency” from the original 2002 comics.
Speaking after the Prime Video series’ Season 4 finale, the showrunner explained that the character of Zack Thompson was reimagined as Zoe Thompson to bring more variety to the animated adaptation.
Kirkman admitted that when he and co-creator Cory Walker started the books in their early twenties, their standard was often to create characters that mirrored themselves, which led to a cast that lacked diversity.
Beyond the goal of representation, the change was also made to help the character stand out narratively alongside the show’s leads.
Kirkman noted that in the context of the Viltrumite War storyline, a male Tech Jacket shared too many similarities with Mark and Oliver Grayson.
By introducing Zoe, voiced by Zoey Deutch, the production team found a way to differentiate the hero’s personality and perspective from the other caped crusaders on screen.
Interestingly, Kirkman drew inspiration for Zoe’s personality from his own daughter, particularly a humorous moment in the show where Zoe’s father unsuccessfully tries to stop her from cursing.
This version of the character, whose high-tech alien armor is voiced by LeVar Burton, made a significant impact in the latter half of the fourth season.
Kirkman told The packaging that while the original Zack Thompson was a well-rounded character with his own series, the transition to Zoe allowed the show to correct a lack of due diligence from the creators’ younger years.
It’s a move that aligns with the series’ ongoing efforts to update and refine the source material for a modern global audience while keeping the high-stakes action intact.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see where Zoe’s journey goes next, as Invincible secured an early season 5 renewal last July.
For those looking to catch up on the galactic battles and family drama, every episode from the first four seasons is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
As the show continues to evolve, Kirkman seems committed to ensuring that the world of Invincible feels more spacious and distinct than the one he first put to paper over two decades ago.
