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Welcome back to the Bullpen! Today, Ken and Marty are diving into Radiant Black #30 and #30.5—the explosive conclusion to The Catalyst War. With Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark steering the ship, this long-awaited finale delivers action, emotional stakes, and some major surprises. We’ve been following this event closely, and now that the dust has settled, it’s time to break down everything from the fan vote reveal to the massive battles that define the future of the Massiveverse.
Let’s dive in and see how these final issues stack up!
READ LAST ISSUES REVIEW!
Creative Team: RADIANT BLACK #30 & 30.5 by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark (Writers), Eduardo Ferigato & Marcelo Costa (Artists), Raul Angulo & Rod Fernandez (Colorists), Becca Carey (Letters)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
THE WRITING:
Ken: One element of this entire saga has been proving who was worthy of the mantle. Higgins and Clark give compelling cases for both leads. However, one stands out for these final two chapters. Where the initial chapter starts showing doubt, the writing allows for the closing chapter to echo what lies within a true hero: the will to find a way to win for others.
Both books move at a steady pace. There are plenty of surprises packed in both. Readers will enjoy both but let’s talk the closing issue.
In the course of Radiant Black, Higgins has thrown in a few notable heartbreaking moments. #30.5 pulls out all the stops in Massive-verse lore. The last conflict carries the big fight feel needed for an event. It never stops raising the tense consequences until its’ explosive end. In its’ wake is the heartbreaking resolution. Walking with Marshall and Nathan through the past 2 years, it delivers on closing one legacy and forging a new one ahead. The event departs with an uncertain future filled with possibilities. Absolutely incredible work.
DON’T MISS SUPERMASSIVE!
Marty: In Radiant Black #30 and #30.5, Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark deliver the explosive conclusion to The Catalyst War. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the results of the fan vote, which will determine who wields Radiant Black moving forward—and this issue doesn’t disappoint! The stakes are higher than ever as our heroes face off against Premier in a battle for survival.
The writing is sharp, fast-paced, and emotionally charged, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
The seamless flow between issues #30 and #30.5 makes the story feel like one epic saga. Higgins and Clark skillfully balance intense action sequences with meaningful character development, taking a character many considered unworthy of the Radiant powers and transforming them into someone vital to the fate of the world. This emotional depth adds layers to the thrilling plot, making the conclusion even more satisfying.
Expectations were high for the finale of The Catalyst War, and this writing team exceeded them, delivering a story that packs both action and heart. Fans of Radiant Black will leave these issues not only satisfied but also excited for what comes next in the Massiveverse.
ART & LETTERING:
Ken: The art teams bring the intensity and emotion for this finale. A full page splash sparks the final stand between Radiant Black and Premier. It is matched with a fantastic two page spread involving Wendell and Marshall. Readers watch as the action ramps up. The Massive-Verse family crashes the scene in dramatic fashion. It’s a dynamic shift going into the closing chapter.
With all the chaos around them, the art constructs the sense of true world shattering dangers. Premier’s attack leaves nothing behind as it builds towards the final stand. A full page image crashes everything. This leads to a eye-catching image leading to the fallout.
C.O.W.L. IS BACK!
At this stage, the art brings out the final reveal of the prized mantle holder. It is filled with deep rooted friendship and one elevating into a new path. The parting image is perfect for what it needs to be: a closing of one door and the endless possibilities of another.
Marty: The artistic team of Marcelo Costa and Eduardo Ferigato elevates the story with stunning visuals that perfectly capture the scale and intensity of The Catalyst War. The battle scenes are epic in scope. They are filled with explosive energy, and the splash pages in particular are a visual feast for the eyes. Every panel feels alive with motion and drama, pulling readers into the heart of the action.
Colorists Raul Angulo and Rod Fernandez enhance the emotional tone of the story with a rich color palette that heightens the tension. The way they use color to reflect the stakes of the battle and the characters’ emotions is brilliant, adding depth to key moments and creating a more immersive experience.
Becca Carey’s lettering is equally impressive, perfectly complementing the story’s pacing. The letters are bold and dynamic, emphasizing the most intense moments of the battle and adding extra weight to the dialogue. Whether it’s an emotional exchange or a devastating blow, Carey’s lettering adds an extra layer of impact to every scene.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Ken: 10
Radiant Black has become the benchmark for the modern superhero story. In all honesty, this could have been the series finale and a fitting one at that. It is a testament to Kyle Higgins and the team on what they have constructed here. Superb writing and fantastic art bring a close to an epic event that lived up to the hype.
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Marty: 10
Radiant Black #30 and #30.5 delivers everything fans could hope for in the epic conclusion of The Catalyst War. With high-octane action, emotional depth, and stunning artwork, these issues wrap up the storyline in a satisfying way while setting the stage for exciting developments in the future of the Massiveverse. Fans of Radiant Black won’t want to miss this!
