RADIANT BLACK #32 – A MASSIVE LOOK AT REALITY

Marshall Ward is Radiant Black. In the past, that might have been well-received. Due to the events of the Catalyst War, Marshall is not a popular person. With his best friend Nathan gone, Ward is the only one to deal with the backlash. It also isn’t helping a dead body and explosives were waiting for him on a case round-up.

RADIANT BLACK #32 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Eduardo Ferigato, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey continues the Massive-verse’ return to the LCS!

Let’s take a deeper dive and see where things land now.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Higgins and Clark put a focus on Marshall’s health side for this chapter. After being examined, it is advised he stops whatever is causing his ailments. That will be highly doubtful. The event keeps Marshall grounded long enough to move back to a traditional superhero point.

After his doctor appointment, Radiant Black meets up with Kieran’s team. Readers see the shock in Marshall’s reaction to seeing a dead man alive? The problems with alternate timelines. Knowing there is a killer on the loose puts Marshall’s peace at a standstill.

Not everything is all doom and gloom. The writing teases a more light-hearted Marshall adjusting to the dating digital world. It gives just enough of a break until the mysterious killer strikes again. Readers ride along as Radiant Black deals with another threat makes a splash. This leads right into the closing pages.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW

As his new “friend” leaves (after dropping a “Clerks” liner), Marshall’s focus is back to business. Events wrap up on a more upbeat note. This issue lays a solid foundation as Marshall is still finding his way (both mentally & physically) in a new era.

Ferigato and Fernandes construct a solid opening. The conflict of mysterious assailants botched robbery ends with a bang. Marshall’s doctor visit shows the bruises of his other life. The art reflects the wear and tear on him in all aspects. This is short lived due to duty calling. The investigation reveals a new wrinkle at hand. Marshall’s reactions say it all as the shocking news hits. A half page flying shot wraps up some loose ends. The art captures his growing frustration as work/life balance is not becoming a reachable option.

After a full page splash shows Marshall in action, the art team switches up looks. This is very apparent in the dating sequence. The use of tiny panels conveys the challenges for finding someone. One potential suitor gets taken for a ride via a full page image.

The mood shifts with another way with a darker half panel. Readers see as the latest victim is found. It is a striking image that shows the grave reality now sinking in. The art team gives the new threat a solid intro image. There is some action but not overwhelming. This all gives way to Marshall talking with Eva in the closing page. The final image will have the fans talking with curiosity. Another solid outing for this creative team.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.8

The life and times of Marshall Ward take a more normal tone this chapter. Higgins and Clark steer into more traditional challenges via the writing. Ferigato, Fernandes and Carey depict the ever simple moments around the unfolding chaos. When you see “Massive-verse” on the cover, readers know where the bar is set. Rest assured this issue hits the mark.

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Radiant Black #32! Thanks for reading! CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN