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Event (I-Vent) : a noteworthy happening (merriam-webster)
These are very common in comics. A threat looms so largely that no one individual or team can handle it by themselves. In some cases, it is a meeting of two or more parties in mutual or opposing conflict.
It makes for some of the most legendary stories in the medium. In 2022, Black market Narrative created an event to catapult their expanding universe onto comic readers. It was called “Super Massive (2022)”.
It was the first time that Radiant Black (Marshall Ward), Rogue Sun (Marcus Bell) and Inferno Girl Red (Cassia Costa) met. From here, “Comics’ most exciting universe” was born.
The following year’s event witnessed Bibiana Lopez-Yang aka The Dead Lucky joining the fray with a new mix of Massiveverse pillars. Both specials were huge fan favorite events. It immediately began speculation on if and when there would be another event.
Fans received their answer at 2023’s San Diego Comic Con. Supermassive 2024 was on the way. Except this years’ event wasn’t the only event in the Massiveverse. Within the pages of Radiant Black, “The Catalyst War” has been unfolding. How does the residents of the Massiveverse fit into this saga?
SUPERMASSIVE 2024 by Kyle Higgins, Ryan Parrott, Mat Groom, Melissa Flores, Joe Clark, Stefano Simeone and Becca Carey answers that question with a story fitting of the title. It’s such a massive story that it required a joint review from N.I. Comics Assistant Editor Marty Stoked, N.I.’s very own “Pop Culture Connoisseur” Tom Craven and yours truly (Ken – N.I. editor-in-chief). Let’s break down this year’s edition.
HOW WAS THE STORY?
KEN:
Juggling the events of the Catalyst War, the writing team doesn’t miss a beat with the adventure at hand. Seeing the dynamics of certain players match up proves for some great moments. Post-SM, readers will need a Rogue Sun-Shift extended team-up. One area which does not get overlooked is when characters “meet” for the first time. This makes for some poignant interactions as events move forward.
Having Shift step into the spotlight levees how uncertain things have become. His role takes the conflict into a dangerous territory. Seeing the conflict play out, the writing presents the big action moments that are accustomed to this line. The resolution plays into the uncertain elements of Catalyst. It leaves readers off on a high note as the Massive-Verse world faces its’ gravest challenge.
TOM:
I’m the least versed in the Massive-verse of the three of us. Coming from my outside perspective and having read the first two SuperMassive books. I was excited to jump back in to see where my comic acquaintances were at.
You have to hand it to the whole writing team. If you are an occasional reader, this is still an easy pickup. It is approachable and gives you just enough to understand what’s going on as a whole. The biggest difference for me is how the story has “Shifted” away from the more well-known characters and has embraced the rest of the Radiant crew.
MARTY:
The writing in Supermassive 2024 is nothing short of incredible. The dialogue between the heroes is filled with the kind of banter that remains true to their established personas, breaking the tension at crucial moments and making the intense scenes hit even harder. The seamless integration of writing styles from Mat Groom, Kyle Higgins, Ryan Parrott, Melissa Flores, and Joe Clark results in a story with a perfect flow and pacing.
The authors have masterfully sprinkled callbacks throughout the issue, rewarding long-time fans of the Massive-Verse. This issue fills in many gaps and answers numerous questions that fans have been theorizing about during the Catalyst War event. The character growth, especially among some of the more stubborn heroes, is a pleasant surprise and sets up intriguing developments for the main storylines in the other books.
The ending of this issue does an incredible job of setting up the storyline for the final two issues of the Catalyst War. The anticipation for the conclusion of this event is at an all-time high.
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ART AND LETTERING!
KEN:
Simeone gives readers much to savor with the art. THE AERIAL SCENE! Capital letters is the only proper way to describe the full page insanity on display. This event feels larger than life. It sets a high pace for the rest of the book. Each character gets stand out panels that don’t get lost in the shuffle.
That said, the group shots elevate the story when presented. Once they come across the big “villain”, the catch phrase stand off will have readers amped to see what unfolds from here. Simeone crafts a sense of danger. heroics and tragedy with the big fight. Its’ fallout feels bittersweet as it sinks in what lies ahead. The closing image caps off what readers are expecting from the start: A Supermassive event that delivers. Mission accomplished.
MARTY:
Stefano Simeone’s art is a visual treat, complemented by the insane colors that bring both action and emotion to life. The light and bright palette pushes the boundaries, making each page vibrant and engaging. The action lines, combined with the rough stylistic approach, meld perfectly with the tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the standout aspects of this issue is the electrifying group scenes during battles. Simeone captures the intensity and dynamism of these moments flawlessly. Becca Carey’s lettering is another highlight, guiding readers through the narrative with clarity and style
FINAL GRADES:
KEN:
9.5. With the Catalyst War unfolding, the Massive-Verse pillars enter the fray with an excellent adventure fitting of the title. Superb writing balances the personalities and pending fate magnificently. Simeone and Carey envision the electric feel of the devastating conflict with amazing artwork. If there is ever a question of why this IS Comics’ most exciting line, this story will silence critics quickly.
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TOM:
The team over at Black Market Narrative knows exactly how to draw you in with this book and entice you into not just reading the Catalyst War but picking the previous issues so you can see the events leading up to one of the biggest events in comics this year
This is a MASSSIVE 10 out of 10
MARTY:
Overall Grade: 9.8/10
Supermassive 2024 is a must-read for fans of the Massive-Verse. With its stellar writing, breathtaking art, and captivating story, it sets the stage for an epic conclusion to the Catalyst War event.
