RADIANT BLACK #31 – BACK IN THE RADIANT SADDLE AGAIN

In the Catalyst War’s wake, only one Radiant Black stands tall. Marshall Ward took sole ownership from Nathan Burnett. The innovative manner in how their story was told one that locked in readers. Ward also won the fan vote of the Massiveverse’s franchise character.

Comic’s most exciting Universe is poised to blaze a new course in an uncertain world. How will Ward fare in his new era with the Power Radiant?

RADIANT BLACK #31 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Eduardo Ferigato, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey usher in the next phase for the Black Market Narrative and Image Comics franchise.

The chapter is so massive not one reviewer can handle the responsibility. Teaming up for this review are Kat, Marty Stocked (NI Ast. Comics Editor) and Yours Truly (Ken – ODPH Podcast/NI Editor-In-Chief)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

LETS TALK STORY:

KEN: Higgins welcomes readers in to a very different Chicago from last we saw. Five months have passed. Marshall in the mantle is adjusting to his new life. With no Nathan by his side, Marshall tries finding balance. Readers watch as he tries finding some normalcy. This comes in the form a date. Escaping his alter ego becomes difficult. Once that stop concludes, a growing mood becomes clear. Perception is Reality. Not everyone loves Radiant Black.

This leads into the next phase of the book. Chicago is reeling from the Catalyst War fallout. Higgins throws in many twists as a new rogue debuts. Readers watch with Marshall as the public’s feeling boil over. It is a point that shows the downside of being a hero. Whether it’s drowning out the noise or dealing with fallout, the writing puts Marshall directly in front of it. This leads to a question of doubt before the final page. Once here, Marshall’s rebuilding may crash before it even begins to rise.

MARTY: Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark craft a deeply engaging narrative that makes Radiant Black #31 an essential read. For new readers, this issue does an excellent job of providing the necessary backstory without feeling like an exposition dump. Instead, the storytelling naturally integrates past events, making it easy for anyone to dive in without prior knowledge.

What sets this issue apart is its grounded approach to superhero storytelling. The writers skillfully explore the realistic consequences of a major event like Catalyst War. Public sentiment is divided. Some appreciate Radiant Black’s heroics, while others resent his presence. This internal conflict is expertly woven into Marshall’s personal struggles, making his journey all the more compelling. His use of a dating app adds a relatable modern touch. It emphasizes his desire for a normal life among the chaos of being a superhero. It’s a thoughtful detail that enhances the emotional depth of the story.

With a balance of action, introspection, and world-building, Radiant Black #31 sets the stage for an emotionally charged and complex arc. The reintroduction of familiar characters and the rise of new threats promise an exciting ride ahead.

KAT: Kyle Higgins & Joe Clark know how to write a superhero story. They have made Marshall and him as Radiant Black so fun to read. And based off this issue, Radiant Black’s future is looking bright.

HOW BOUT ART AND LETTERING?

KEN: Ferigato and Fernandes pace out panels very well right from the start. The build to Marshall taking flight is good. It gives readers an insight to where things are now. A two page splash alludes to a return to normalcy. As the issue progresses, it is far from that. The images of downtown Chicago drive home the painful fallout of the war. Even as Marshall has a date, the sense of doubt lingers through him.

The podcast playlist image leads belief of Marshall dealing with public opinion. His mannerisms as he listens speaks of someone who’s still coping. There isn’t much time for him to fully grasp this. A case he shows up for proves to be much more dangerous than he thought.

The art team presents a dire picture. It is one that sticks to Marshall as he ventures to the web. An excellent full image shows off the online comments looming over our hero. Readers watch as the fallout here leads into a dire reflection. There’s no rest for heroes concerning the last page. One final full image leaves no doubt that fans better prepare for what’s coming. Here we go!

MARTY: Eduardo Ferigato’s artwork brings the world of Radiant Black to life with stunning detail. From the destruction left in the wake of the war to the towering cityscapes of Chicago, every panel is packed with intricate visuals that immerse readers in the story. Action sequences are dynamic and fluid, keeping the tension high while capturing the emotional stakes at play.

Rod Fernandez’s colors further elevate the storytelling, creating a distinct atmosphere for each scene. The soft, warm hues used during Marshall’s date contrast beautifully with the darker, more intense tones of battle-ravaged areas. This makes these moments feel real and lived-in. The color choices effectively draw readers into Marshall’s world, making his struggles more tangible.

Becca Carey’s lettering is the perfect complement to the overall narrative. The dialogue flows smoothly, enhancing both the pacing and emotional beats. The placement of speech bubbles and sound effects subtly amplifies the tension in key moments. This will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

KAT: Edward Ferigato has created what can only be described as amazing and beautiful. First the first page to the last, his art sucks you into the book. But Rod Fernandes on the colors and Becca Carey doing the letters really brings everything together.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.5/10

KEN: 9.4. Welcome back to the Massiveverse! Higgins balances through Catalyst fallout masterfully. The writing gives Marshall an all out challenge while redefining the stat quo. Ferigato, Fernandes and Carey delve into the fractured soul of a hero with superb visuals. Jump on board now and don’t miss the next saga in waiting!

MARTY: 9.2 Radiant Black #31 delivers everything fans love about the MassiveVerse while ensuring new readers can jump in effortlessly. Higgins and Clark’s writing, combined with Ferigato’s breathtaking art and Fernandez’s immersive coloring, create an issue that is both action-packed and emotionally resonant. With a new era unfolding, this is the perfect time to dive into Radiant Black. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time reader, this issue is a must-pull for your collection.

KAT: 10/10. From when I read Issue #1 way back in 2022, I knew this was going to be something that I stick with reading. Black Market Narrative have a fantastic book. I’m very excited to see what happens in future issues of the series.

Let us know your thoughts on Radiant Black #31 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!