Rex-Splode

Rex Sloan, better known as Rex-Splode, is one of the most volatile and compelling supporting characters in Robert Kirkman's Invincible universe. A product of a childhood defined by exploitation and desperation, Rex was subjected to experimental procedures that embedded kinetic energy-charging implants throughout his body, allowing him to convert ordinary objects into explosive projectiles with devastating force. His powerset extends beyond raw blast power, incorporating enhanced strength, agility, and a resilience that has kept him alive through some of the most punishing battles the Invincible world has to offer.

Rex made his first appearance in Invincible #2 (Image Comics, 2003), placing him at the very foundation of one of Image's most celebrated superhero titles. That early issue introduced him as a member of the Teen Team alongside Amber, Atom Eve, and a young Mark Grayson still finding his footing as Invincible. Collectors who secured that issue early recognized it as the beginning of a complex character arc — Rex's relationships, rivalries, and moral failures would go on to define key emotional beats across the entire run. His complicated history with Atom Eve alone spans dozens of issues and remains one of the series' most discussed interpersonal storylines.

As the Invincible saga expanded, Rex cycled through several team affiliations, from the Teen Team to the prestigious Guardians of the Globe, and even found himself entangled with the Emperor's Elite during some of the universe's most chaotic crossover events. His loyalty was never a given, and that unpredictability made him a standout figure in an ensemble cast full of powerhouses. Rex-Splode's willingness to make sacrificial, brutal choices in the heat of battle gave writers room to explore what heroism actually costs — and those story beats remain some of the most memorable in the Invincible library.

For collectors, Rex-Splode represents the kind of character whose key issues punch well above their weight. Invincible #2 is the essential pickup — a second issue from a now-legendary Image run that launched the same month the modern superhero indie era was taking shape. High-grade copies of early Invincible issues have shown sustained demand as the franchise gained mainstream visibility, and Rex's prominent role throughout the run makes his debut a cornerstone of any serious Invincible collection. Whether you're hunting raw readers or chasing slabbed 9.8s, building around Rex-Splode's key appearances is a smart move for collectors who appreciate character depth backed by cultural staying power.