RADIANT BLACK #43 (IMAGE COMICS/MASSIVE-VERSE)
Since the Catalyst War, Marshall Ward has been fighting the good fight in Chicago.
The Franklin Group attempted to push their agenda concerning the occupation of the Windy City. Marshall has had his fair share of allies in this fight, but one stands out from the rest…
NATHAN BURNETT IS BACK?!
The original Radiant Black hasn’t been seen since leaving for Los Angeles to resume his writing dream. Now its’ time to find out what has been going on in the City Of Angels.
RADIANT BLACK #43 by Kyle Higgins, Michael Busuttil, Giona Zefiro, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey (IMAGE Comics/MASSIVE-VERSE) exposes what Nathan has been up to in the aftermath of the war.
Let’s take a closer look at the latest chapter.
RADIANT BLACK #43 by Kyle Higgins, Michael Busuttil, Giona Zefiro, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey (IMAGE Comics/MASSIVE-VERSE)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The writing gives an intimate look into a flawed writer’s second chance. With the quick recap of the Catalyst War fallout, Nathan’s trek back west comes with some strings involved. Reconnecting with old friends opens up sealed closed wounds. Readers watch as this continues to haunt as the LA Story takes a winding detour. Getting an offer to improve his well-being draws a unique response. The future is within grasp but the past can’t leave.
Nathan’s strive to succeed leans to a yearning for more. Readers see the internal conflict grow larger. Seeing the news reports start apply more pressure to Nathan as he attempts to avoid the past. The mood haunts the pages before a meeting puts more perspective into the spotlight. It results in Nathan handling the ghosts head on. This moves events into the closing stages. The writing puts a nice spin on events before Nathan says farewell for now. A great parting shot on a very solid issue.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
The art team keeps a very formatted panel structure for the majority of the chapter. This allows Nathan to get a true look at his changing reactions. Panels expose his nervousness and elation in returning to LA, This expands even more when talking with JJ. The old friends open up some memories that showcase Nathan’s needed change of stat quo.
Readers watch as the timeline shows his challenges in accepting success. It is a very grounded look at the former hero. Even in social settings, the discomfort is very clear. Never a more important time than with Lukas. Their chat leaves a more larger impression than anyone sees coming. It sends Nathan on a path to address some much needed topics. Panels tease some action while dancing around the Chicago drama. It leads to a fitting close with some deep emotion behind it. The final panel gives a bittersweet wave before closing events on solid ground. Can’t ask for better than this.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
All eyes head to the City Of Angeles as Nathan’s past never escapes his mind. The writing nails the guilt and deep memories of a time left forgotten. It’s matched by excellent art showing the difficult times to move forward. Radiant Black continues to push through the narratives of Superhero storytelling.
Let me know your thoughts about RADIANT BLACK #43 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
