RADIANT BLACK #39 (IMAGE COMICS/MASSIVE-VERSE)
Welcome to the new world order.
In the wake of the Catalyst War, Chicago has changed forever. The involvement of the Franklin Group has only escalated events even further. Jack Marlow has plans to take down any threat on his vision. This includes introducing HORIZON into the tense landscape. A “Hero” that has the public backing them. Something Marshall Ward would do anything for.
His post-Catalyst life has been anything but easy. After stopping Jaeger, Ward looks to find time away with a new love. It would provide him a break from being public enemy #1. This is only getting worse with Marlow’s advancing moves.
RADIANT BLACK #39 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Marcelo Costa, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey presents a complicated view of life in the Windy City.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Massive-Verse franchise hero deals with this challenge.
RADIANT BLACK #39 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Marcelo Costa, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey (IMAGE Comics/MASSIVE-VERSE)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Higgins and Clark don’t delay about showing Marlow’s defiant confidence. His visit to Wendell George makes waves early in this chapter. Massive-Verse fans know this move won’t end well. Meanwhile back in Chicago, the Franklin Group’s effect causes a spilt public opinion. This does reflect current social themes which will have a reaction out of the audience. The theme of division lends itself into Marshall and Mariposa’s evolving relationship. The writing is very grounded in its approach. This lends itself to the next phase of the story: a heated protest.
Readers watch as the mood escalates quickly. Both sides are waiting to explode. It doesn’t take long for that to happen. One action becomes the lead domino in the collapse of anything peaceful. The writing weaves in a few more sinister motives in-between Marshall’s choice. In this time period, any actin he takes has grave consequences. Hs response to events comes with much devil-may-care attitude he is known for. Marshall sees what he thinks is the big picture. The closing pages reveal where he ranks in this conflict. It juggles many moving parts before cming to a full brake stop. Ramifications will be huge for what unfolds here.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Costa and Fernandes open with the uncomfortable meeting between Marlow and George. Their tense expressions allude to a more difficult conversation in wait. Seeing what Wendell has been up to leaves a worry over the audience. Marlow’s arrogance to his work can’t be denied. The same can be said for the Franklin Group return to Chicago. Seeing the divided stance of the people makes a loud statement. This theme carries on throughout each sub-plot. Marshall and Mariposa’s debate is a heated yet normal discussion. Marshall’s view is one readers see he struggles with. It only grows once the protest begins.
Horizon’s entrance is dramatic as he ascends onto the conflict. The half page gives it just enough of a spotlight. This forces Marshall’s hand as Radiant Black. Parting the crowd via powers kickstarts the dangers coming. Once a strike rings out, all hell breaks loose. Marshall’s eyes going wide is prime example of accepting what’s coming. Readers watch as he valiantly tries retaining order. Marshall also runs through the gauntlet of emotions with Mari. His involvement with the fight is one with heavy weight Their expressions cement this fact. It moves events into the closing pages. Panels move fast as one player is taken off the board with more in the crosshairs. A very steady issue with images balancing the mounting conflicts.
FINAL GRADE: 8.7
Jack Marlow’s plans snowball into a blizzard of mistrust and chaos in Chicago with this chapter. Higgins and Clark paint a very dangerous yet realistic picture of drama with their writing. Costa and company unveil the true scheming of The Franklin Group via excellent art. The current stat quo of Marshall Ward’s world continues to impress with this latest saga.
Let me know your thoughts about RADIANT BLACK #39 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
