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“What’s so civil ’bout war anyway?” – Axl Rose
It has been quite the creative challenge. This is the benchmark set by Kyle Higgins and the teams. The Massive-verse line always pushes the envelope as to traditional storytelling and promotion. Now entering the closing chapters, it is anyone’s guess where things lead now.
That might be the easiest way to describe the current situation involving Nathan Burnett and Marshall Ward. Massive-verse fans have been on the edge of their seats with “The Catalyst War”.
READ LAST ISSUES REVIEW!
The game changing event that has seen both individuals bearing the mantle of RADIANT BLACK has now arrived at their pen-ultimate chapters. The main series has been split into two ongoing series. Each tells the side of Nathan and Marshall respectively.
RADIANT BLACK #29 & 29.5 by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark (Writers), Eduardo Ferigato (Artist – #29 Marshall), Marcelo Costa (Artist – #29.5 Nathan), Raul Angulo (Colorist – #29), Rod Fernandez (Colorist – #29.5), Becca Carey (Letters) are big issues and deserve an extra sized review. Leading this review are Nerd Initiative’s two biggest Massive-verse readers: Marty Stoked (NI Comics assistant editor) and Yours truly (Ken – NI Editor-In-Chief).
Lets talk about what is unravelling now in The CATALYST WAR! *** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE WRITING!
Ken:
Marshall’s story delves into the themes of pain and loss. The writing shows the burden of choices. With every action he has taken, Marshall just can’t find a way to have a good outcome. This becomes clearly evident as he makes a decision that alienates himself from allies. The thoughts of the greater good maybe noble but it is not without a cost.
The writing reflects the dire consequences of Marshall’s call. The brooding tension with fellow radiants finally boils over. Its’ resolution comes with grave results. Marshall becomes increasing frantic until his breaking point is hit. Pacing shows how this has been growing to the perfect crash point. Judging by where things lead now, the worst for Mr. Ward may be on the horizon.
29.5 shines the spotlight on Nathan’s path. Much like Marshall, Nathan has had to make choices. However, the heroic nature seems to shine through more. Where Marshall seems more uncomfortable to what plays out, Nathan regroups quickly to dive for more answers.
When a certain Radiant makes his appearance, the story leans into more of a direct path for answers. Readers will be locked in as the War’s end starts becoming clearer. The writing dictates Nathan’s new grasp of what is transpiring. It gives the sense of here might be some possibility of winning, even if short lived. The closing act shows the definite difference between the radiants as a call is made. The chapter closes with a great ending that will set the show-stopping conclusion into overdrive next issues! Get ready.
Marty:
Fans, including myself, have eagerly awaited this moment, and it delivers spectacularly. Marshall and Nathan’s distinct approaches across two timelines have been a highlight, and these issues take that storytelling innovation to the next level. Issue #29 kicks off with high stakes and momentum that carries through to the end of issue #29.5. The issues feel seamlessly connected, building upon each other and keeping readers hooked with intense emotional and action-packed scenes.
The emotional turmoil that both Marshall and Nathan experience is portrayed with remarkable depth, making for an edge-of-your-seat reading experience. The storytelling is a testament to the creative team’s ability to craft narratives that are both emotionally impactful and action-packed.
HOW BOUT THE ART AND LETTERING!
Ken:
Ferigato and Costa bring the best out of their chapters. Marshall’s fragile state carries into his drastic choice. The action sequence flow with a high velocity. It’s resolution gives one character a half page final moment. Readers won’t even have time to react as the battle rages onward. Excellent closing full page panel to lead readers into the ending chapter.
As for Nathan, the coloring of Fernandez elevates a few panels to new heights. The key radiant entrance gets a two page splash with a donut shop stealing scenes. This is backed up by Nathan and Marshall flying through a trippy two page splash of their own. Seeing how they enter this chapter’s end pages mirrors the ugliness of the conflict. The parting image sets the table for fans to feast on a showdown for the ages. There is much to praise both teams about.
Marty:
The artwork in these issues is some of the best in the series. The vibrant colors and dynamic action sequences, especially towards the end of #29 and throughout #29.5, are stunning. The emotional intensity is palpable, thanks to the brilliant use of color. The opening of issue #29.5, featuring Pink bouncing through portals, is a visually creative callback to previous issues and adds layers to the narrative.
The conceptual art is spectacular, demonstrating a high level of creativity. The lettering, particularly Premier’s speech balloons, enhances the readability and importance of each dialogue, making the narrative easy to follow.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Ken: 9.2 (#29 – 9, #29.5 – 9.4)
With the Pen-Ultimate chapters of the Massive-Verse’s biggest event, there was a fair balance of emotions and action. Higgins and Clark weave into the decent of a breakdown with Marshall. This is balanced by the more heroic calm of Nathan once clues come to life. The art teams construct incredible imagery as the worlds of Nathan and Marshall speed towards an eventual collision of epic proportions.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Radiant Black #29 and 29.5 (#TeamNathan). Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative.
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Marty: 9.3 (#29 – 9, #29.5 – 9.5)
These issues are packed with incredible artistic and storytelling elements, making them essential reads. Without giving away spoilers, it’s safe to say that these chapters are pivotal to the series and should not be missed. Fans will be eager to see how THE CATALYST WAR concludes and the results of the vote between Marshall and Nathan. These issues set the stage for an exciting finale!
