TOP 5 RADIANT BLACK MOMENTS (SO FAR)
Five years ago, the world of superhero comics as fans knew it changed forever.
February 11th, 2021 is the debut issue of “RADIANT BLACK”. Coming from the creative team of Kyle Higgins and Marcelo Costa, the story of Nathan Burnett becoming a superhero connected with readers in a huge way. From his struggles with debt at Thirty to the challenging aspects of handling the power RADIANT, Burnett wasn’t exactly a natural to this superhero life. His grounded background was a connecting piece to many. Once fans became accustomed to Burnett, another came into the spotlight.
RADIANT BLACK #1 by Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, and Becca Carey (IMAGE Comics/MASSIVE-VERSE)
Marshall Ward’s saga of trusty best friend to reluctant hero became another piece of a greater puzzle. Each issue grew in anticipation. Word of mouth will spread amongst fans. Ambitious storytelling would become its’ trademark. For fans looking for something new and exciting in their superhero stories, Radiant Black became their go-to.
After 39 issues and some special releases, the series is still going strong (original numbering and all). This week, Image Comics released Radiant Black And White #1. The reprinted version of the classic #1 with Costa’s inking is sure to draw some new eyes to the series.
To celebrate the monumental occasion here at FLZ, Marty Stoked and yours truly broke down our picks the Top 5 Radiant Black Moments (so far).
Credit: Image Comics/Massive-Verse
5. radiant black #18 (Sep 21st, 2022) - Creative: Kyle Higgins, Laurence Holmes, Stefano Simeone & Becca Carey (Editor: Michael Busuttil)
Throughout the course of the series, readers have been introduced to multiple “Radiant” characters. Each have made huge impacts into the overall series. None might be greater than Wendell George aka Radiant Yellow. With the abilities to live into other timelines & futures, George’s path as taken the series into uncharted territory. #18 was his origin story.
Taking a look at 4 different time periods in George’s life provided a unique look at the mysterious Radiant. The book has a completely new look as each page was a continuation of panels per timeline. The writing covered many emotions as each year showed George’s struggles. Simeone presents this with such a unique vision. The conclusion hits on a variety of levels. No one knew at the time what to expect. It served a teaser for unavoidable trouble heading Marshall and Nathan’s way.
Credit: Image Comics/Massive-Verse
4. RADIANT BLACK #4 (MAY 21ST, 2021) - Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Rod Fernandes& Becca Carey (Editor: Michael Busuttil)
When this issue came out, no one was expecting the finish. Radiant Red had just debuted and was causing havoc. Marshall and Nathan were trying to sort out more of the bugs being Radiant Black. Existance is coming into view with Nathan but little did anyone know how this was ultimately playing out. An explosive confrontation brings down the house….literally. Nathan is buried underneath a building and near death. Marshall accepts the power Radiant and begins his run with the mantle.
This issue is prime example of the emotional gut punches Higgins throws in this series. Switching gears with a lead character is high risk. The dialogue between the friends teases the split of vision. It is flipped when the building crashes down on Nathan. In a second, all the dreams of Marshall flee and the remaining thoughts are to save his friend. Everything about this issue connects with readers. Looking back at this moment now, the impact of this issue became a ripple effect right to present day.
Credit: Image Comics/Massive-Verse
3. SUPERMASSIVE 2022 (FEB. 23RD, 2022) - Creative: Kyle Higgins, Ryan Parrott, Mat Groom, Francesco Manna, Igor Monti, Melania Palladino, Marcelo Costa, Simone Ragazzoni, Abel, Mattia Iacono & Becca Carey (Editor: Michael Busuttil)
Almost to the one year anniversary of Radiant Black #1, word had broke on an event that was going to shake up comics once again. New creators were expanding into this evolving landscape. Joining Higgins for this event were Ryan Parrott, Mat Groom, Francesco Manna, Igor Monti, & Becca Carey. New Characters were introduced. A new universe was born. This is what the definition of an event is all about. There was only one way to describe it: Super- Massive.
The name also became the working title for the growing universe. Seeing Inferno Girl Red and Rogue Sun (Marcus Bell) interact with Marshall led to a thrilling adventure. Teh artwork here is mind-blowing and carries such a huge feel to the book. It served as a perfect launching point for Rogue Sun into his own ongoing series. Inferno Girl Red was a kickstarter juggernaut which has also been told in comic form for both of its’ volumes. The book also teased another character coming from Melissa Flores & French Carlomagno: The Dead Lucky.
There have been three “Supermassive” volumes to date. Each featuring a different Massive-Verse match-up. All have been fan-favorites and continue to generate buzz amongst fans. Who would have thought Medieval Spawn would have crashed the party in Supermassive 2023? This stems back to the success of the original Massive-Verse pillars teaming up. Fingers crossed we get another volume sooner than later.
Credit: Image Comics/Massive-Verse
2. RADIANT BLACK #10 (NOV. 24, 2021) - Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Igor Monti, Sabrina Del Grosso & Becca Carey (Editor: Michael Busuttil)
Nathan is hanging on by a thread. The doctors are ready to take him off life support. Marshall refuses to believe he’s dead. He makes a bold decision. He enters Existance with one sole mission. Bring Nathan back at all costs. The result is a soul-crushing journey of self discovery. Marshall has never been a definition hero. This issue shows why he is worthy of the mantle.
Higgins writes one of the most heartfelt and emotional issues of this series. Marshall’s doubts and fears are unavoidable. the same goes for his determination to write an ultimate wrong. No matter the challenge, Marshall runs head first into it. This leads into a conversation that still floors readers to this day. You can’t help but be caught up in the gravity of the moment. This becomes the foundation for the future of Radiant Black. No matter where the story went from here, this was a game changer. It also serves as a bittersweet reminder of happier times as the number one slot redefines the series forever.
Credit: Image Comics/Massive-Verse
and at #1: The Catalyst War
(#24: MAY 23RD, 2023 - #30/30.5: OCT. 2024) - Creative: Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Marcelo Costa, Eduardo Ferigato, Paulo Daniel Santos, Rod Fernandes, Raúl Angulo & Becca Carey (Editor: Michael Busuttil)
As previously stated, the ambition and chances that Higgins takes with this series is astonishing. None might be greater than the lead-in for its’ greatest event. Marshall and Nathan had both been splitting Radiant Black duties for a while now. This was a temporary solution to a much larger problem at hand. The solution was unorthodox as it gets: Fans decide who takes the mantle once and for all. This move was very similar to when DC let fans decide the fate of Jason Todd back in the 1980s. In this case, the stakes were even higher. 2 Heroes, 1 Destiny.
While the vote was going on, a world-ending threat had arrived. The Radiants were coming back to claim what was theirs. Higgins and company split Marshall and Nathan into two simultaneous series. The trials and tribulations that followed left no stone unturned. Each chapter raises the stakes even higher. With any event like this casualties were grave. This build into a finale that shook Radiant Black fans to their core. When the smoke cleared, MARSHALL WARD was the sole Radiant Black!
The whole creative process behind this was absolutely intense. To run two consecutive series with this much connection is a challenge onto itself. Pushing both leads into deep waters forged their claims to be the sole hero. The writing never backed down from the pressure at hand. There was never a time where something didn’t feel important. This was especially felt in 29 & 29.5. The craziest part of this was it wasn’t even the finale. Higgins and company mad a bold claim and nailed the landing on it. The task earned the extended layoff that followed suit. This kind of commitment to the fans and the story made this a no-brainer for the top spot.
AS FOR THE NEXT 5…..
Radiant Black resumed post Catalyst War in early 2025 with issue #31. The series has already been making waves with the fallout & great new characters like Jaeger and Mariposa. With the road to issue #50 on the horizon, it’s safe to say to expect more incredible tales to unfold from Comic’s most exciting universe. If the first five years are any indication, the next five will be just as Radiant for fans to follow.
Let us know your picks for the Top 5 Radiant Black moments (so far) in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
