Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the Comic Book review blog to the ODPH podcast. For this entry, we're checking out the latest book from one of comics' most popular universes. “The Massive Verse” line of books form Image Comics/Black Market Narrative have had quite a year with moments like “Super Massive” and fantastic new additions such as Rouge Sun and The Dead Lucky, but their flagship title just kicked off a huge new arc that has fans talking. RADIANT BLACK #20 by Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa and Becca Carey picks up off a great cliffhanger ending last issue and usher in the latest arc with “One Giant Robot” leading the way. Let's take a look at the latest chapter, shall we?

RADIANT BLACK #20 - On Sale December 14th
Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey (Cover: Bruno Oliveira)
Credit: Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you’re just reading for the first time, Nathan Burnett and his best friend Marshall are the hero known as Radiant Black. Their story has been a mix of adventure, rebirth and resilience. Recently Nathan has tried getting back into the super hero game after time off while Marshall is becoming more familiar with splitting the power Radiant with someone else. The pair have split off into their own stories with Nathan confronting Radiant Red in jail about a note left while he was in a coma. On the other side, Marshall (along with Radiant Pink) head to Brazil to investigate a disturbance which turned into “a giant goddamn robot”!

Yep… A GIANT GODDAMN ROBOT! LET’S GO!!!!!

This issue kicks off with Radiant Black (Marshall) and Radiant Pink trying to thwart the attack of the humongous robot. Readers sit ringside as they see the pair try their best to low down the attack. Radiant Pink thinks on the fly and implements a fast plan to seemingly win this round as the robot is dropped into the ocean. After one round, Radiant Black & Pink 1, Giant Goddamn Robot 0.

From here, the story switches Gary, Indiana and an old friend who’s putting the puzzle pieces together to what is coming ahead for the planet: Radiant Yellow! Meanwhile, Nathan finally catches up to Marshall and Radiant Pink about what’s going on. They have a conversation at a familiar place in Radiant Black lore. Unfortunately for them, the moment is short lives as the Robot is now in Wisconsin ready for round 2.

How does the trio fare in the second round? Will lightning strike twice and they escape unscathed or does the robot take round 2? With immediate danger heading right at them, readers see what the heroes are willing to do to take down this threat. The final image will give more foreshadowing for what lies ahead and close out the story on a solid finish.

RADIANT BLACK #20 - On Sale December 14th
Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey
Credit: Image Comics

Higgins wastes no time jumping into the action with this issue. Readers see a great use of Radiant Pink’s powers as an offensive weapon. The dynamic between all of the radiants made for great dialogue. Everyone’s reaction watching the Robot appear in Wisconsin is prime example. Nathan’s was especially priceless. Since he is re-adapting to the super hero life, his reactions connect to the readers more effectively to elevate the story. Higgins teases more dangers are laying ahead and that’s a big win for the readers.

Costa brings the action right from the start with his issue. Readers will enjoy the battles with the robot and each panel doesn’t slow down. The art truly captures the intensity of the fight. The conversation moments come across as a great counter to show the effect of the heroes dealing with what’s going on. Readers will also enjoy the full page Radiant Yellow image and all the little Easter eggs scattered around the page. There’s much to bare witness within these pages that fans will enjoy.

FINAL POINT: When a “Giant Goddamn Robot” is involved, you know there’s gonna be some action involved. Radiant Black #20 doesn’t hold back from diving right into the attacks and give readers some memorable scenes to get excited about. Higgins, Costa and the team keep the saga of Nathan and Marshall rolling with another hit issue you can’t pass up at the local comic shop.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you think of Radiant Black #20. Thanks for reading.

RADIANT BLACK #20 (IMAGE COMICS)

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