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Radiant Black #27 – Image Comics/Black Market Narrative
Creative Team: Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark (Writers), Eduardo Ferigato (Artist – #27), Thobias Daniel’s (Artist – #27.5), Raul Angulo and Marcelo Costa (Colorist – #27), Rod Fernandez (Colorist – #27.5), Becca Carey (Letters)
Radiant Black 27 and 27.5 catapult readers into a thrilling narrative as Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, the dynamic writing duo, continue to demonstrate their masterful storytelling prowess. The ambitious task of interweaving two timelines within a monthly comic is executed with finesse, showcasing a perfect blend of action and story progression. This daring narrative structure not only captivates the audience but stands as a testament to the creative team’s ability to push the boundaries of the comic book medium.
Check Out Issue 26 Review Here!
The Writing:
One notable strength lies in the narrative perspective. In issue 27, the decision to have Nathan document unfolding events in a journalistic and biographic manner is a stroke of brilliance. This not only aligns seamlessly with Nathan’s character but also enriches the gravity and tone of the overall situation. The foreshadowing elements embedded in this narrative choice amplify the emotional beats, leaving readers in awe by the issue’s conclusion.
In 27.5, the narrative takes a modern twist, utilizing Marshall’s frustration-ridden tweets to convey events. This choice not only aligns perfectly with Marshall’s character but also mirrors real-life scenarios making the situation incredibly relatable. The incorporation of callbacks to previous screen names adds a delightful layer of continuity for long-time readers.
The writing achieves another triumph by consistently challenging readers’ perspectives on which version of Radiant Black handles the challenges more effectively. This deliberate ambiguity injects doubt into the minds of readers, heightening the suspense regarding who will ultimately wield the radiant.
A recurring theme emerges as Marshall and Nathan perform better in challenges when aided by other radiants. This prompts contemplation on the significance of teamwork within the Catalyst War and leaves readers eager to witness future collaborations.
However, amidst the action-packed narrative, lingering questions persist. The absence of the Yellow Radiant raises intriguing speculation. Will Wendell emerge in the next issue, and could he play a pivotal role in connecting or merging the timelines to secure victory? These unanswered questions contribute to the overall sense of anticipation and mystery.
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The Art, Colors and Letters:
The artistic brilliance of Eduardo Ferigato and Thobias Daniel continues to shine, providing readers with a visual feast. The attention to detail in character design and event depictions is commendable. The fight scenes are elevated to a cinematic level, with a perfect amalgamation of onomatopoeia and vibrant colors intensifying the overall reading experience.
Special mention goes to the glitching lettering by Becca Carey, a standout feature in the series. This unique stylistic choice adds momentum and impact to the already intense action sequences, leaving readers momentarily breathless during gut-punching reveals.
Final Thoughts:
The creative team’s ability to push the boundaries of storytelling coupled with stunning visuals solidifies these issues as a testament to the excellence achievable within the comic book medium. Radiant Black is revolutionizing the art of storytelling in epic arcs! Undoubtedly, it stands among the paramount comic events of 2023, setting a new standard for excellence in the medium.
Overall Grade: 9.5 out of 10
Thanks for checking out my review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know what comics you’re reading and hit me up on Twitter. Till next time…
