The stakes are escalating in the brutal war against the Viltrumite Empire on “Invincible,” and creator Robert Kirkman is rapidly expanding the roster of heroes joining the fight. In the latest episode, Allen the Alien (voiced by Seth Rogen) sets his sights on a surprising recruit: Zoe Thompson, better known as Tech Jacket. While fans familiar with the comic books understand Tech Jacket’s origins, for newcomers, the character represents a fascinating addition to the animated series – and a showcase for the versatile voice talent of Zoey Deutch.
Tech Jacket: From Indie Comic to Prime Video Powerhouse
Tech Jacket debuted in Kirkman’s early work, predating even the launch of “Invincible” itself. The character’s backstory centers on Zack, a young man who receives an incredibly advanced alien battle suit from a dying extraterrestrial, transforming him into a formidable superhero with super strength, flight, energy projection, and regenerative abilities. The suit’s technology is so potent, it places Tech Jacket in a league alongside some of Earth’s most powerful protectors.
In the “Invincible” animated adaptation, Zoey Deutch lends her voice to Tech Jacket, though the character’s armored appearance keeps her face hidden from view. This isn’t Deutch’s first foray into genre entertainment. She previously battled the undead in “Zombieland: Double Tap,” and brought intensity to the courtroom drama “Juror #2” directed by Clint Eastwood.
Zoey Deutch’s Rise: From Rom-Coms to Superheroics
Deutch’s career has been marked by a compelling range. The daughter of director Howard Deutch and actress Lea Thompson, she began her onscreen journey with roles in television series like “Ringer” and “The Suite Life on Deck.” Her breakthrough came with Richard Linklater’s ensemble comedy “Everybody Wants Some!!” and the Netflix rom-com “Set It Up,” co-starring Glen Powell. These roles showcased her comedic timing and established her as a rising star.
“Invincible” continues a trend of attracting high-profile voice talent. The series boasts a cast that includes J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Seth Rogen, Walton Goggins, and Gillian Jacobs, blending established stars with seasoned voice actors like John DiMaggio and Troy Baker. This combination elevates the show’s production value and draws in a wider audience.
Notably, the character of Tech Jacket has a dedicated following from the comics and even spawned a short-lived solo series. With “Invincible” steadily adapting Kirkman’s source material, the potential for a Tech Jacket spin-off remains a tantalizing possibility for fans.
As the war with the Viltrumites intensifies, the inclusion of Tech Jacket signals a willingness to explore the full breadth of Kirkman’s universe. Given the character’s established history, will we see a deeper dive into Tech Jacket’s origins and a potential solo adventure down the line?
