Amber Bennett: The Most Hated

If there’s a “most hated characters” list, Amber Bennett from Invincible is on it. (not justified ofc)

The situation that fueled the overwhelming dislike for Amber was her negative reaction to Mark revealing his secret identity. There’s also been ongoing discourse about whether the strong animosity toward Amber is connected to her being portrayed as a Black woman or not. While there’s no doubt that adds to it, even if she were depicted as White like the original comics, I believe she’d still be strongly disliked.

In my opinion, the root of the hatred lies more in gender dynamics, similar to what we see with characters like Ms. Marvel (argue with ya mammy). It’s interesting how fans will unironically love Omniman or Homelander, but a flawed teenage girl is where they draw the line.

The Breakup

Based on this clip alone, Amber’s reaction seems cruel and unwarranted. But sadly, Mark’s reveal doesn’t erase the 5 months of emotional distress she faced because of his letdowns. Even though she was clearly upset, he was too busy giggling about Mars to take it seriously. You can even tell by the tone of his voice that he thought she going to fall to her knees, gushing over him or immediately apologize for being upset. Listen, Mark is great for saving people and being a hero, but he was a lousy boyfriend.

I don’t think people are grasping how long 5 months is to put up with a withdrawn partner. He’d vanish without a trace, never show up, or be late, and when questioned, he’d just give some vague excuse. Yeah, he was out saving the world and being a hero, but Amber didn’t know or sign up for that. She was being lied to for months, and when she started to suspect he was Invincible, she felt insane and, as she said herself, ‘stupid’ for even thinking it. To me, her nonchalant reaction to the reveal seemed like her way of getting back at him for what he put her through.

My issue isn’t people sympathizing with Mark, because yes, Amber’s response and dismissal was harsh. Still, it’s very unserious to act as if there’s no possible reason for her to be upset. People blatantly refuse to acknowledge her POV, and instead label her a ‘selfish psychopath’. When in reality, she’s simply someone who values trust and respect in a relationship and made that clear from the beginning. Believe it or not, her expectations are still valid even though he’s a Superhero. His actions, or I guess I should say inactions, in their relationship hurt her, and as an ‘ordinary’ person, she’s allowed to express that, as selfish as it may seem.

In most superhero stories, when a man reveals his identity to his lover, she falls even more in love with him. She doesn’t question his suspect behavior or past problems, she accepts that it was all for the greater good. In contrast, Amber’s reaction was pleasing to see, even if I agree it was a bit cruel. I love when TV surprises me and allows for different, even controversial, reactions. (Especially from female characters)

People are so used to seeing the *jumps into his arms* trope and Amber really set them off, but she’s justified. Superheroes deserve love but think about what that means for their partner, especially when they’re unaware. It’s so easy for the viewer to bash Amber, but she was dating him, not them. After his ‘reveal’, she wanted space from him because she felt unimportant and lied to, not because she didn’t love him. She’s allowed to have a negative reaction, even if she ultimately decided to rekindle things with him.

Season Two of Invincible

My happiness couldn’t be contained when I saw Amber this season! Seeing her and Mark excited about going to college together was the cutest thing. Funny enough, people were expressing their disdain for her, saying they’re upset that she’s more likable. *sticks tongue out* It’s laughable at this point and I’ve even seen suggestions to killing her off. (GROSS) The overwhelming hostility toward Amber is obviously driven by underlying issues people don’t want to admit. I’d say certain *ists* and *isms* because it’s really not that serious to hate her the way they do. Or it could just be the mob mentality which is also pathetic. Either way, F- em, I’m happy to see Amber this season.

She seems to be happier and laid back now that her relationship with Mark is healthy and strong. No more lies or big secrets, just hiding ’embarrassing’ middle names. BTW, this scene was so wholesome and cute, I hope it stays that way. Fingers crossed we get more scenes of them alone to get a better picture of their relationship and bond. I’m not sure how the rest of Season 2 will play out, but I hope they don’t split just yet. I know they do know in the comics, but I really don’t want them to end so soon. Still, I don’t know if any relationship could survive with what Mark is personally going through. In all honesty, I was surprised to see they were still together. I thought for sure he’d pull away but I’m glad she’s been there to support him.

What do you think of Amber Bennett? How about Invincible in general? I love it. (And her)