RADIANT BLACK #44 (IMAGE COMICS/MASSIVE-VERSE)
Chicago is on the brink of civil war!
Jack Marlow’s Franklin group has enforced their will onto the city. Many residents such as Radiant Yellow and Mariposa have been taken prisoner. Maershall Ward might be in over his head this time.
Luckily, his best friend Nathan Burnett is back and with a whole new super-powered identity to help!
RADIANT BLACK #44 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Marcelo Costa, Paulo Daniel Santos, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey (IMAGE Comics/MASSIVE-VERSE) begins the march to Radiant Black #50!
Let’s take a look at where things stand now!
RADIANT BLACK #44 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Marcelo Costa, Paulo Daniel Santos, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey (IMAGE Comics/MASSIVE-VERSE)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The writing gives readers two main points to focus on in these turbulent times. Leading off is Mariposa behind bars. Her talk with Wendell George aka Radiant Yellow is poignant as it gives a true temp in combustible climate. George’s response shows composure as only he can deliver. Knowing Marshall is out in the city, the writing sets up his next move perfectly. Planning for how to challenge Marlow is gonna take a second set of eyes to see the picture.
Long time Massive-verse will appreciate the pizza night out between best friends. The conversation is light when needed as Nathan is caught up on events. His reactions to “Butterfly” & “Shaft and red are dating” are classic responses. Even with the pressure this high, sprinkling these breaks in work to construct Marshall’s next play. Action kicks into gear as Marshall makes his move. This crashes into another conspiracy theory haunting Chicago.
Readers watch as this all implodes in the best possible way. The dialogue lets Marshall open up his emotional side while the world continues to crash. It leaves events in a steady place before staging the huge conclusion. The final pages unveil a true danger where Marshal’s efforts might be all for not. A great set-up for something far greater to come.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
The art team gives Nathan and Marshall a fun pizza night before the ish hits the fan to start off events. A full page image of their eating destination teases some hijinks before going into more serious territory. Mariposa’s talk with Wendell shows her dimming hope as she takes in the moment. Wendell’s calm persona eases fears while scaring her in the process. This moves events back to Nathan and Marshall. A hand-drawn map brings out some laughs while drawing more attention to matters.
The action starts with simple six grid set-ups. It paces events out enough to push events into a frenzied state. This gives a new rogue time to shine against Marshall. Panels get violent quick as his powers are overwhelmed. This opens the door for Nathan to crash events & push the tempo to a frantic finish. A strong two page splash shows the escape attempt in full bloom. The result bring both plots together on a safe landing spot. Brace for the full final page as bets are off where this all leads.
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
Marshall makes his move but is it too late? That is the question haunting the road to Radiant Black #50. The writing balances out a reunion while attempting a daring rescue. Impressive images capture the moments to elevate the drama higher. Radiant Black continues to be the blueprint for modern superhero storytelling !
Let me know your thoughts about RADIANT BLACK #44 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
